What Makes BADVILLAIN's Thriller the Must-Listen Track of 2025

BADVILLAIN's "Thriller" has emerged as one of the most confident K-pop releases of 2025, showcasing the group's evolution since their debut. Nearly a year after bursting onto the scene in June 2024 with "OVERSTEP," BADVILLAIN has continuously refined their bold, unapologetic sound.

Since their introduction to the K-pop landscape, the group has kept evolving with tracks like "Badvillain," "Badtitude," "+82," "Hurricane," and "Zoom," each speaking to their confident personality. "Thriller" takes this journey further by blending heavy hip-hop beats with catchy melodies that don't get bogged down with unnecessary stops and starts. The track's addictive lyrics—"I'm stepping in the vibe so killer / I'm the scene killer / I'm the thriller"—perfectly capture their fearless spirit.

Beyond music shows, BADVILLAIN has proven their prowess as "K-pop scene killers" through diverse content including performance videos, choreography practices, and relay dances. Their explosive energy and seamless transitions between stages have reinforced their reputation as performance masters, making "Thriller" not just a song but a complete artistic statement.

The Comeback That Set the Stage

After nearly fifteen months since their debut, BADVILLAIN's September 2025 comeback represents a pivotal moment for the seven-member powerhouse. The release of "Thriller" marks their first new material since their well-received 2024 debut with "Overstep."

Why BADVILLAIN's return matters in 2025

BADVILLAIN's comeback carries significant weight as they've already secured their place in British music magazine NME's "The NME 100: essential emerging artists for 2025". This recognition initially shocked the members, with Ina recalling, "All seven of us were like, 'Huh? What? Is that our name? Are you sure?'". Their growing influence was additionally confirmed when they won the "Hot Trend Award" at "ASEA 2025".

How the group evolved since 'Overstep'

The evolution from "Overstep" to "Thriller" demonstrates remarkable artistic growth. Emma notes, "If Overstep was a challenge that started everything for us, 'Thriller' is proof of how much we've improved". While their debut focused on powerful performances, their approach has shifted toward more nuanced emotional expression. Kelly explains that "Thriller" follows a more refined approach to expressing emotions compared to their debut material.

The anticipation leading up to 'Thriller'

Anticipation built steadily through strategic teaser releases. Beginning September 3rd, BPM Entertainment posted schedule posters through official channels, followed by coming-soon content featuring heel boots, flickering headlights, and engine sounds—cleverly foreshadowing their powerful comeback. The 22-second music video teaser released on September 12th showcased their fierce charisma in an industrial setting, instantly capturing attention.

Breaking Down the Sound of 'Thriller'

The musical architecture of "Thriller" stands out through its deceptive simplicity. Unlike many contemporary K-pop tracks that rely on complicated arrangements, BADVILLAIN opts for a more refined approach.

Minimalist hip-hop beat and synth layers

At its core, "Thriller" employs a minimal hip-hop foundation that maintains consistent energy throughout. Chloe Young explains, "In comparison to our previous releases, 'Thriller' is a minimal track with distinct synth sounds, and that truly shows Badvillain's direction". This stripped-back instrumental creates a perfect canvas for the group's vocal performances. Moreover, the song features layers of percussion alongside horror-show strings that add dramatic depth.

Catchy chorus and lyrical hooks

The track's hypnotic chorus—"I'm stepping in the vibe so killer / And I'm scene killer / I'm the THRILLER"—becomes instantly memorable after just one listen. This repetitive yet effective hook anchors the song, providing a confident declaration that resonates with listeners. Notably, the phrasing fits perfectly with the rhythm, creating what critics describe as "a satisfying way" of riding the beat.

Contrast between rap and vocal sections

"Thriller" excels through its strategic contrast between vocal styles. The dichotomy between subtlety and explosive energy creates a distinctive highlight. Throughout the track, the rappers deliver noticeable verses that align perfectly with the concept, whereas the vocalists bring lighter, brighter tones that provide refreshing contrast.

Production choices that enhance the vibe

The production team prioritized a relentless flow without "needless stops, starts and energy shifts". As such, the song bounds along with confidence, maintaining its momentum from start to finish. HU'E describes the track as drawing "more from R&B than their usual fare", particularly in how the slight synth sounds demand attention while the steady tempo invites listeners to "jam along to the beat".

Performance That Redefines Stage Presence

What truly distinguishes BADVILLAIN from their contemporaries is the commanding stage presence that elevates their performances of "Thriller" to artistic statements. Led by Street Woman Fighter standout Emma and 1MILLION dancer Chloe Young, the septet brings unmatched energy to every stage.

High heel choreography and its challenges

Instead of playing it safe, BADVILLAIN boldly incorporated stiletto heels into their choreography, creating a striking contrast with the track's hip-hop foundations. "We wanted to do something strong," Emma explains, "We wanted to add something that's more like a challenge". This choice proved exceptionally difficult, especially for Kelly who admits, "When Emma first showed it to us, I was just shocked because it looked so difficult".

Group synchronization and energy

Throughout their performances, BADVILLAIN showcases powerful group choreography that maximizes viewing pleasure. Their synchronized heel performances create a distinctive sound that Emma notes "will remain in our memories for a long time". Despite the complexity, the group maintains explosive energy across stages, reinforcing their status as performance masters.

Live vocals and stage charisma

"We are well-known for performance, you know. But today, we will rock the stage with our vocals," the members confidently declared. Their stable live skills highlight BADVILLAIN's unique charisma, impressing audiences who note that "each girl stands out with her stage presence and moves".

Behind-the-scenes moments from rehearsals

The video shoot featured numerous challenges, specifically when Yunseo had to perfect a spinning move in stilettos on uneven asphalt. Through encouragement from her fellow members, she successfully executed the difficult move. The preparation process revealed their dedication, with Vin explaining, "We were like, 'How do we level up?' 'How do we perform to bring out a refreshing twist?'".

Visuals, Style, and the Message Behind It

The visual aesthetics of "Thriller" tell a compelling story that perfectly complements BADVILLAIN's bold musical approach. Throughout their promotional materials, the group crafts a powerful visual identity that reinforces their artistic vision.

Music video setting and symbolism

Set in an industrial junkyard, the "Thriller" music video creates a striking juxtaposition as the seven members command this chaotic space. Thrilling scenes feature vehicles drifting around the members and a dizzying performance in front of a decommissioned crane, delivering genuine excitement. These gritty yet glamorous cinematic moments create visual tension that mirrors the song's contrasting elements.

Fashion choices across performances

BADVILLAIN's ever-changing styling across stages demonstrates their versatility. From street-style tracksuits to all-white sporty looks and chic black outfits, the group showcases a fresh charm with each performance. This sartorial evolution highlights their attention to visual detail, furthermore strengthening their presence as "K-pop scene killers."

The 'Born to be Visionary' concept

The group's name itself carries significant meaning—"BAD" stands as an abbreviation for "Be Aggressive for Desire," alongside "VILLAIN" representing someone who moves solely for their goals. Their initials, BV, stand for "Born to be Visionary," symbolizing their limitless potential and representing them as heroes pursuing dreams without boundaries.

How visuals reflect confidence and identity

Emma notes that they deliberately chose stiletto heels as the focal point for a hip-hop track, embracing the power of "opposites attract". This bold fashion statement, alongside the industrial backdrop, visually captures BADVILLAIN's distinctive confident and fearless energy. As Ina confidently asserts, "Through this song, we hope to inspire you with the same confidence so that wherever you go, you can step into the room like you own it!".