Forbes кσяєα recently partnered with Circle Chart, under the кσяєα Music Content Association, to conduct an evaluation of a total of 70 K-pop idols (including both soloists and group members) who appeared on Circle Chart’s Global K-pop Chart from January to October 2025. Meanwhile, K-pop artists who have been involved in social, legal, or ethical controversies were excluded from the study.
The comprehensive score was calculated using in-depth research мєтнodologies and statistical techniques based on three metrics: global streaming counts (50%), media and social media mentions (30%), and fan voting (20%).
Streaming counts were based on data from Circle Chart, online mentions were measured using Quettai, Newen AI’s big-data social media analytics platform, and fandom voting was taken from the Idol Champ app, conducted from November 4 to 14.
Since the numerical scales of the three sectors for the final Idol Index differed significantly, they were normalized (converted to a value between 0 and 1) based on minimum and maximum values, multiplied by their respective weights, and then summed to produce the calculation.
On Monday, December 1, Forbes кσяєα officially announced the Top 30 Korean Idols of 2025. Notably, among the top 10 male idols, five BTS members—V, Jungkook, Jin, Jimin, and j-hope—secured spots. V topped the rankings, becoming the No.1 Male K-pop Idol of the Year.
V received a remarkable 10,972 fan votes, nearly ten times more than the second-place artist, G-Dragon. His media/social media score was 12.4, streaming score 21.23, and idol index 1.4. He was also the only male idol to rank within the overall top 10 (which includes both male and female groups and soloists). Remarkably, V achieved this despite a two-year hiatus for military service, having only been discharged in June this year.
Forbes кσяєα described that: "Anything and everything V does becomes a hot topic. He's at the center of global advertising campaigns in major cities around the world, including Seoul. Whether it's singing or fashion, V is coloring the world in every field with his own" V mode." Restaurants, hotels and other places he frequents have even become established as "V Tour Routes".
Meanwhile, media outlets expressed astonishment at V’s achievement. Fans also showered praise on the BTS superstar. ARMYs also marveled at his overwhelming popularity, saying: "CONGRATULATIONS TAEHYUNG", "WOW!!! AMAZING!!!! @thv #V is extraordinary!", "Despite being on hiatus for half of 2025 . He's an ICON", "Taehyung still being hot 12 years after debut", "The fact that he served in the military for half the year speaks volumes about his IMPACT!",...
Beyond V, four other BTS members also made it into the top 10 with strong rankings. Jungkook placed 3rd, Jin 4th, Jimin 5th, and j-hope 6th. In the overall artist ranking, BTS was named No.4, despite having no group activities for the past three years—reflecting the unwavering public affection and the group’s enduring musical and cultural impact.
As of today, there is only one month left until 2026—the moment fans anticipate most, as BTS previously promised a full-group comeback in the spring following their military discharges. Some domestic experts and media outlets have predicted that Big Hit Music and the K-pop superstars are likely to release announcements regarding a new album and a world tour schedule within the first two months of the year.
As the return of the “21st-century pop icons” draws closer, Forbes кσяєα’s list has only heightened excitement among fans and the global public. BTS’s comeback continues to amplify expectations for the explosive music and impact they are set to deliver.
