Forbes Korea’s 2025 list of the top 30 K-pop idols is out! It’s like the industry’s yearly report card, and this year, BLACKPINK’s JENNIE has snagged the #1 spot.
They didn’t just pick names out of a hat. The magazine teamed up with the official Korea Music Content Association (Circle Chart) to crunch the numbers on 70 top idols from January to October. Anyone caught up in a major controversy was left out. The final “Idol Index” score was based on three things:
- Music Streaming (50%): Using data from Circle Chart.
- Media & Social Buzz (30%): Tracked by a platform called Quettai.
- Fan Votes (20%): Gathered through the Idol Champ app from November 4-14.
So, who made the cut? Here are the 30 idols who defined the year, from #1 all the way to #30.
- JENNIE (BLACKPINK): Index 1.91. She led the pack in media and social media mentions and had super strong streaming numbers. It’s clear her solo star power is absolutely massive.
- ROSÉ (BLACKPINK): Index 1.87. Guess who had the highest streaming score of everyone? That’s right, Rosé. Her music clearly dominated the platforms this year.
- Stray Kids: Index 1.81. Here’s a win for fandom power! Stray Kids’ fans showed up big time and gave them a decisive victory in the fan voting category with over 13,000 votes.
- BTS: Index 1.77. Even while focusing on solo projects, the group as a whole still generated the highest media buzz of any group on the list.
- V (BTS): Index 1.48. Proving his huge personal popularity, V came in second place in the fan voting race.
- BLACKPINK: Index 1.36. The iconic group lands solidly in the top 10.
- aespa: Index 1.30. Their unique concept and hits keep them riding high.
- IVE: Index 1.29. Consistently chart-topping songs earn them a top spot.
- TWICE: Index 1.22. The veteran group continues to show their enduring global popularity.
- NewJeans: Index 1.12. NewJeans secured a spot in the Top 10 despite having no release for 1.5 years.
Other K-pop acts include
- G-Dragon
- Jungkook of BTS
- Jin of BTS
- LE SSERAFIM
- Jimin of BTS
- j-hope of BTS
- ENHYPEN
- ILLIT
- IU
- BABYMONSTER
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- EXO
- Hearts2Hearts
- DAY6
- TWS
- I-dle
- Jisoo
- Woodz
- NCT DREAM
- ALLDAY PROJECT
What does this list tell us about K-pop in 2025? A few things jump out. First, soloists are dominating. Having two BLACKPINK members and five BTS members chart individually shows that fans are deeply invested in the artists as individuals, not just as groups.
Second, fandom power is real. Stray Kids rocketed to #3 thanks to dedicated voting. It shows that a passionate fanbase can rival pure streaming numbers. Finally, the list is a fantastic mix of everyone. From legends like G-DRAGON and IU to rookie groups like ILLIT and ALLDAY PROJECT, it’s a snapshot of an industry where past, present, and future are all thriving together.