BTS’s Jungkook and IU Crowned Most Popular K-Pop Idols
According to a recent global survey conducted by Arirang TV, BTS member Jungkook and solo artist IU have emerged as the leading K-pop idols in terms of worldwide popularity. This survey illustrates the ongoing fascination with both longstanding idol groups and solo performers within the dynamic K-pop scene.
Kim Tae-jung, the president of Arirang TV, unveiled the findings on July 8, 2025. The poll, executed between June 23 and July 7, collected insights from 601 individuals across 94 different countries, specifically targeting the audience of the South Korean international broadcaster.
Survey Results: Male and Female Categories
In the male K-pop artists category, Jungkook clinched the top spot with an impressive 12.7% of the total votes. Notably, this achievement comes shortly after he completed his mandatory military service. His fellow BTS members also featured prominently in the rankings, with Jimin following closely behind at 11.1%, RM at 6.9%, V at 6.5%, and J-Hope at 6.0%.SHINee’s Taemin and BTS’s Jin garnered the sixth and seventh positions with 4.9% and 3.7%, respectively. Interestingly, Suga was the only member of BTS not to break into the top seven list.
On the female side, IU dominated with 17.0% of the votes, far surpassing her nearest challengers. Currently promoting her new project, “When Life Gives You Tangerines, ”the singer and actress has shown remarkable appeal across diverse age groups.
BLACKPINK’s Influence in the Rankings
Members of BLACKPINK filled the subsequent slots, with Rosé finishing second at 11.3%, followed by Jennie and Lisa, who both secured 10.6%.A rising star from the newer fourth-generation group aespa, Karina, claimed the fifth place with 5.5%, while BLACKPINK’s Jisoo completed the top six, receiving 5.1% of the votes.
Emerging Trends in K-Pop
The survey results underscore key trends within the K-pop realm. Jungkook’s continued popularity, even during his military service, reveals a devoted fan base that remains engaged through his solo ventures, documentaries, and philanthropic efforts. This reflects the persistent support for individual artists during periods of group hiatus.
Meanwhile, IU’s outstanding performance in her category reaffirms her status as the “Nation’s Sweetheart”in South Korea. Her consistent high rankings in various surveys, including the prominent Gallup Korea polls, highlight her lasting impact on fans of all ages.
Additionally, the sustained presence of BLACKPINK members among the top ranks emphasizes their global significance, even as they navigate their solo careers. The inclusion of aespa’s Karina illustrates the growing influence of fourth-generation groups on the K-pop stage.
K-Pop’s Evolving Landscape
These findings are reflective of the broader trends in K-pop consumption, where platforms like YouTube serve as primary outlets for international audiences, while social media channels play an integral role in enhancing fan engagement. The evolving landscape of the K-pop industry continues to foster competition between established third-generation idols and emerging fourth-generation talents, striving for global visibility.
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