BTS’ V is the Most Searched K-Pop Star of 2025

• V was the most searched K-pop artist on Google in 2025 across 77 of 81 markets.
• Forbes Korea named him the top male idol of 2025, with brands seeing real market impact.
• His influence endured without active promotions, redefining how idol power is measured.

BTS' V became the most searched K-pop star on Google in 2025, bolstering his global influence despite a period of minimal public activity, owing to his compulsory military service. Reportedly, a year-long review of Google Trends data revealed that V had the largest search volume of any K-pop artist worldwide in 2025, topping query rankings in 77 of 81 analyzed markets, including major regions such as the U.S. This puts him ahead of his contemporaries in both idol groups and solo performances, a remarkable result given that many idols often maintain search peaks through active promotions or media initiatives.

The range of these search patterns indicates something more than just BTS' fandom loyalty. It points towards a widespread international curiosity and popularity that crosses various creative spheres. Independent datasets mentioned in multiple industry sources show that V's digital footprint is exceptional by worldwide standards. Notably, his Wikipedia page is among the most viewed of any K-pop singer. Furthermore, his Instagram influence is also near the top of worldwide influencer lists.

Forbes Korea Also Confirms V’s Market Power

Forbes Korea's Top 30 Representative K-pop Idols of 2025, also crowned V the top male idol for the year 2025. Despite his brief public appearances, the rankings emphasized his universal cultural impact, which ranged from fashion campaigns to consumer brand tie-ups.

This ranking also reinforces his broader impact beyond direct appearances, known as the V Effect. Affiliations with him, including brand marketing and cultural references, drew increased media attention and economic activity during 2025. According to Korepo, in November, YUNTH, a Japanese skincare brand, claimed an improved sales percentage by 200% after appointing V as its global ambassador. Notably, shares of YUNTH's parent firm, Ai Robotics, also increased by up to 7.53% the day after the agreement was announced, setting a new market high.

Other BTS members, notably Jimin, have continued to score well in other brand reputation rankings, including the top spot this year. According to independent surveys and polls, Jungkook and Jimin are among the most popular people in the world, demonstrating the group's collective power. Nonetheless, V's supremacy appears to be massive. Remarkably, V along with Jimin and Jungkook, were among South Korea’s top 100 stockholders who are under 30 years of age.

As BTS enters 2026 with a highly anticipated group reunion and world tour in the works, V's 2025 performance reshapes how industry observers assess idol influence. His capacity to garner international attention without consistently producing content points to a new model for global celebrity that is based on cross-sector cultural engagement and the longevity of digital influence.