Korean news outlet JoyNews24 surveyed 110 industry experts to name the figures who shone brightest in 2025. The results revealed a fascinating three-way tie for the top spot and a collection of superstars rounding out the list. Here’s how the votes stacked up.
Park Jin Young (11 Votes)
The founder of JYP Entertainment took a top spot, not just for his decades of producing hits, but for his expanding political influence. Park Jin Young was recently appointed co-chair of a new presidential committee for cultural exchange. He made headlines last month for his discussions with the leaders of South Korea and China about bringing K-pop back to Beijing, signaling a potential end to the 8-year Hallyu ban.
BTS (11 Votes)
With the group’s military hiatus now officially over, the anticipation for BTS‘s full-group comeback is at a fever pitch. The industry’s excitement is palpable, with reports of a new album next spring and a 65-show world tour expected to generate over 1.2 trillion won ($880 million). Their comeback announcement proved their power remains absolute as it caused HYBE’s stock to surge by 8 percent.
G-Dragon (11 Votes)
G-Dragon‘s 2025 album Übermensch was a massive global hit and his current world tour continues to be a sell-out. This month, his contributions to the Hallyu wave were officially recognized by the government as he was awarded the prestigious Okgwan Cultural Medal.
IU (7 Votes)
The unstoppable force that is IU landed solidly in fourth place. Her global popularity was undeniable this year after her starring role in the critically acclaimed Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Rosé, Jennie, Teddy, Lee Chae Min, Byeon Woo Seok (4 Votes Each)
This spot was shared by a group of new power players who defined the year’s biggest trends. Rosé earned her place for her solo hit “APT.” which climbed to an incredible No.3 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Jennie sparked a nationwide “Like Jennie” syndrome with her own solo activities. They were joined by The Black Label producer Teddy, the man behind the K-Pop Demon Hunters OST and the monster rookie group ALLDAY PROJECT.
On the acting side, Lee Chae Min skyrocketed to stardom with his lead role in megahit drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty and Byeon Woo Seok captured the nation’s heart in Lovely Runner.
Yoo Jae Suk, BLACKPINK, YoonA (3 Votes Each)
Three household names proved their enduring power, each earning three votes. Yoo Jae Suk remains the nation’s most-loved MC. BLACKPINK continues to be a powerful and influential global presence as a group, and YoonA solidified her capabilities as a top solo lead in megahit drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.
Park Bo Gum, Studio Slam CEO Yoon Hyun Joon (2 Votes Each)
The next spot was shared by two powerful figures, each earning two votes. Yoon Hyun Joon, the CEO of Studio Slam, was recognized for his success as the producer behind hit shows like Culinary Class Wars and Crime Scene Zero. He was joined by the beloved actor Park Bo Gum, who continues to be a major force in the industry.
Also Receiving Votes (1 Vote Each)
A wide array of industry titans also received votes, including: Producer Na Young Seok, K-pop group Stray Kids, director Maggie Kang, President Lee Jae Myung, Former SM Entertainment CEO Lee Soo Man, director Park Chan Wook, K-pop group aespa, singer Cho Yong Pil, Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, PLAVE, Bang Hyorin, Choo Young Woo, Seo Jang Hoon, Lee Soo Ji, IVE’s An Yu Jin, Park Jung Min, HUNTR/X, Lee Jun Young, Cha Eun Woo, IVE’s Jang Won Young, ALLDAY PROJECT, Jeje and Kim Won Hoon.
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