NCT’s Taeyong is wasting no time returning to the spotlight. Just days after completing his mandatory military service, the artist is officially confirmed to make his first post-discharge performance at the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon, marking one of the fastest comebacks seen this year.
Taeyong was discharged from the Navy on December 14, and fans barely had time to process the news before SBS announced his appearance at the year-end music festival. His return instantly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the event, with fans across social media celebrating what many are calling a historic moment for both Taeyong and NCT.
The 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon with Bithumb has revealed a total lineup of 36 artists, with Stray Kids taking center stage as the event’s lead performers. The group’s placement reflects their dominant year, having swept Daesang (Grand Prize) awards across all major domestic award ceremonies in 2025, firmly establishing their position at the top of the K-pop industry. Their performance is expected to anchor the show, setting the tone for the night with a large-scale stage befitting their record-breaking achievements.
Alongside Taeyong’s highly anticipated return, the event will also unveil a series of collaboration stages designed exclusively for the festival. Tomorrow X Together’s Yeonjun will present a special performance of “Let Me Tell You” alongside Yoonchae of global girl group KATSEYE, offering a fresh reinterpretation of the track that previously gained global attention through its choreography and chemistry.
Another standout moment includes a unique unit stage featuring BOYNEXTDOOR’s Woonhak and ILLIT’s Wonhee, coming together as “Snowmans.” Known for their playful visuals and strong stage presence, the two are expected to surprise audiences with an unexpected blend of charm and performance power.
The festival will also spotlight a rapper-focused special stage, bringing together THE BOYZ’s Sunwoo, TREASURE’s Haruto, and ALLDAY PROJECT’s Woochan. The trio is set to debut an original Christmas song written specifically for the event, promising a performance that blends individuality, musicality, and seasonal warmth.
With genre-crossing collaborations, exclusive stages, and Taeyong’s emotional return to the stage, the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon is shaping up to be one of the most memorable year-end K-pop events in recent years. For fans, Taeyong’s appearance isn’t just a performance — it’s a long-awaited reunion that signals a powerful new chapter.
