Former US President Barack Obama has featured K-pop girl group BLACKPINK’s popular song “Jump” in his annual compilation of preferred music for 2025, marking the inaugural inclusion of a Korean tune since the practice began during his presidency.
The 44th president shared his yearly list of favorite books, movies, and music on Friday, continuing a tradition he started while in office. BLACKPINK’s lively 2025 song “Jump” and the American film “One Battle After Another,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, were among his picks.
“Jump,” released July 11, broke records for the biggest 24-hour premiere on YouTube and became BLACKPINK’s 49th video with over 100 million views. The upbeat club song celebrates breaking free, embracing uniqueness, and being great at pop culture.
K-pop enthusiasts, especially BLINKs (BLACKPINK supporters), expressed enthusiasm over the inclusion. “This is why he was among the most exemplary presidents,” observed one X user, while another stated, “He possesses discernment.” This is not Obama’s inaugural acknowledgment of K-pop; before, he referenced the group SHINee in a speech, indicating his admiration for the genre.
Obama’s 2025 music picks included well-known artists like Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake. Other favorites were Olivia Dean’s “Nice To Each Other,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s hit “Luther,” Chappell Roan’s “The Giver,” and Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” from her Mayhem project. He also picked Bruce Springsteen’s “Faithless,” Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” Laufey’s “Silver Lining,” Rosalía’s “Sexo, Violencia y Llantas,” and Gunna’s “Just Say Dat.”
As 2025 draws to a close, I am continuing a practice initiated during my tenure in the White House: disseminating my annual compilations of preferred literature, films, and music. “I hope you discover something novel to appreciate—and kindly forward any suggestions for my consideration,” Obama stated on X.
The previous president’s admiration for Korean culture extended beyond song. His film pick was “No Other Choice,” the latest thriller by renowned filmmaker Park Chan-wook, of “Oldboy” fame. Additional cinematic preferences for the 64-year-old were “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners,” “Hamnet,” and “It Was Just An Accident.”
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the dark comedy “One Battle After Another” stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a disillusioned revolutionary who is compelled to return to battle when his daughter’s life is endangered.
