BTS member Jungkook and solo artist IU have emerged as the most popular K-pop idols globally, according to a new international survey released by Arirang TV.
The results of the survey demonstrate the enduring appeal of both established stars and solo artists in the worldwide K-pop landscape.
Arirang TV President Kim Tae-jung announced the results on July 8, 2025, following a comprehensive survey conducted between June 23 and July 7. The poll gathered responses from 601 participants across 94 countries, targeting viewers of the South Korean international broadcaster.
Jungkook secured the top position among male K-pop artists with 12.7% of the votes, despite just recently finishing his mandatory military service. His fellow BTS members dominated the male category, with Jimin following closely at 11.1%, RM at 6.9%, V at 6.5%, and J-Hope at 6.0%. SHINee's Taemin ranked sixth with 4.9%, while BTS's Jin claimed the seventh spot with 3.7%. Notably, Suga was the only BTS member who did not make the top seven rankings.
In the female category, solo artist IU dominated with 17.0% of the votes, significantly outpacing her closest competitors. The singer-actress, who is currently promoting her "When Life Gives You Tangerines" era, demonstrated her lasting appeal across multiple generations.
BLACKPINK members filled the remaining top spots, with Rosé securing second place at 11.3%, followed by Jennie and Lisa tied at 10.6% each. Fourth-generation group aespa's Karina ranked fifth with 5.5%, while BLACKPINK's Jisoo completed the top six with 5.1%.
The survey results highlight several significant trends in the K-pop industry, with Jungkook's victory demonstrating how individual BTS members maintain their popularity even during military service, and fans continuing to support their favorite artists despite group inactivity. Research has shown that BTS members have maintained their connection with fans through solo projects, documentaries, and charitable activities during their service period.
IU's commanding lead in the female category solidifies her status as he home country's "Nation's Sweetheart" and her ability to transcend generational boundaries. Her consistent popularity across multiple surveys, including previous Gallup Korea polls where she has frequently topped similar rankings, demonstrates her enduring appeal.
The strong presence of BLACKPINK members in the top rankings confirms the group's continued global influence, even as individual members pursue solo careers. Meanwhile, the inclusion of aespa's Karina among the top female idols reflects the rising prominence of fourth-generation K-pop groups in the international market.
This survey's findings align with broader trends in K-pop consumption, where YouTube remains the dominant platform for international fans to access content, while social media platforms increasingly serve as secondary sources for K-pop engagement. The results also reflect the ongoing evolution of the K-pop industry, where both established third-generation groups and emerging fourth-generation artists compete for global attention.
