BTS’ Kim Taehyung, known as V, has been named the world’s most influential Korean Instagram influencer in 2025. His fellow BTS member, Jin, ranks second, showcasing the group’s strong global presence. Despite their military service, both stars continue to shine on social media. The rankings, announced on May 5, 2025, highlight their massive fanbase and engagement. Here’s a look at their achievements and the top 10 Korean influencers in the music category.
Kim Taehyung’s Instagram account, @thv, has taken the top spot globally. The influencer analytics platform TOP NINE revealed he leads not only in the music category but across all categories in the United States. His posts, though limited due to military duties, attract millions of likes and comments. This shows his strong connection with fans, known as ARMY. His influence spans beyond music, making him a cultural icon.
The rankings measure reach, engagement, impact, and popularity. Taehyung earned titles like Most Influential Korean, Most Influential Musician Globally, and Most Influential Asian Male. He also holds the highest engagement rate worldwide. Fans celebrated this news on social media, sharing screenshots of the rankings. They praised his ability to stay relevant despite being away from the spotlight.
“I love that Taehyung’s impact matches on all platforms and everything about him is consistent.”
“We truly live in Kim Taehyung’s world…see what real impact and influence looks like.”
“What’s even more impressive is Taehyung achieved this despite serving in military.”
Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok Jin, also made waves in the rankings. He secured the 20th spot on HypeAuditor’s Top 1000 Instagram Influencers worldwide. In the music category, he ranks second, just behind Taehyung, according to TOP NINE. His Instagram account, though not frequently updated, maintains high engagement. This reflects his genuine appeal and loyal fanbase.
Fans have been vocal about Jin’s influence, especially during his military service. His posts, often simple and heartfelt, resonate with millions. Many admire his natural charm and authenticity. The high engagement rate on his account proves his lasting popularity. Jin’s ranking among global influencers is a testament to his star power.
“Jin having the highest engagement despite not being active on social media. That’s Jin’s power!”
“Nobody does it like BTS Jin! Not active in social media yet ranks in the top 20 influencers in USA!”
The top 10 Korean Instagram influencers in the music category for 2025 are all well-known names. BTS dominates the list with four members, while BLACKPINK has three. Other notable names include Cha Eun Woo and additional BTS and BLACKPINK members. These rankings show the strength of K-pop on global social media. The list reflects both individual talent and group popularity.
Here is the full list of the top 10 Korean Instagram influencers in the music category for 2025:
- BTS’ V
- BTS’ Jin
- BTS’ J-Hope
- BTS’ Jimin
- BLACKPINK’s Lisa
- BLACKPINK’s Jennie
- BLACKPINK’s Jisoo
- BTS’ RM
- Cha Eun Woo
- BLACKPINK’s Rosé
BLACKPINK’s Lisa, with over 105 million followers, is a major force on Instagram. Her posts about music and fashion draw huge engagement, placing her fifth. Jennie and Jisoo, also from BLACKPINK, rank sixth and seventh, known for their style and music updates. Their consistent presence keeps them among the top influencers. Rosé, at tenth, rounds out BLACKPINK’s strong showing.
BTS’ J-Hope, ranking third, shares vibrant updates about his music and dance. His energetic posts connect with fans worldwide, boosting his influence. Jimin, in fourth, charms fans with his heartfelt posts and music teasers. RM, the group’s leader, ranks eighth with his thoughtful content about music and art. His posts often spark meaningful conversations among fans.
Cha Eun Woo, at ninth, is both a K-pop idol and actor. His Instagram showcases his music with ASTRO and his acting projects, attracting a diverse audience. His good looks and talent make him a standout. The mix of idols in the top 10 highlights K-pop’s broad appeal. It also shows how these stars engage fans through authentic content.
Fans of BTS and BLACKPINK flooded social media with praise for the rankings. They highlighted the artists’ ability to connect despite busy schedules or military duties. Many shared excitement for BTS’ upcoming reunion after their military service ends in June 2025. The rankings prove the groups’ lasting impact on global pop culture. Social media posts reflected this enthusiasm.
“BTS #V is the ONE and ONLY global leader in influence across multiple categories.”
“King of social media – Fans react as BTS’ Jin ranks #20 on the Top 1000 Instagram Influencers Worldwide.”
Taehyung’s journey on Instagram began in December 2021, when BTS members opened personal accounts. His account quickly gained millions of followers, setting records for rapid growth. He holds two Guinness World Records for reaching 1 million and 10 million followers the fastest. His posts often feature personal moments, photoshoots, and music updates. Each post averages millions of likes, showing his massive reach.
Jin’s Instagram also started in December 2021 and grew rapidly. Despite fewer posts, his account has over 44 million followers as of April 2023. His content, described as calm and natural, reflects his personality. Fans appreciate his authenticity, which drives high engagement. His ranking among the top 20 globally is a significant achievement.
The influence of BTS extends beyond Taehyung and Jin. J-Hope, Jimin, and RM’s presence in the top 10 shows the group’s collective power. Their Instagram accounts, though varied in style, all maintain strong fan connections. This keeps BTS at the forefront of K-pop and global entertainment. Their ability to rank high during a group hiatus is remarkable.
BLACKPINK’s members also shine individually on Instagram. Lisa, Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé each bring unique flair to their accounts. Their posts about music, fashion, and personal moments keep fans engaged. The group’s global popularity rivals BTS, making them key players in the rankings. Their influence continues to grow with each release.
The rankings by TOP NINE and HypeAuditor use detailed metrics to evaluate influencers. They look at follower count, engagement rate, and audience quality. Authentic engagement, where real accounts interact with content, is a key factor. Both BTS and BLACKPINK excel in this area, thanks to their dedicated fanbases. This ensures their rankings reflect genuine influence.
Taehyung’s military service, which began in December 2023, has not slowed his influence. He joined the Special Duty Team, a rigorous unit, and was promoted to sergeant in early 2025. His rare Instagram updates, like a February 2025 post about his promotion, gain millions of likes. Fans admire his dedication and eagerly await his return. His ability to top charts during service is extraordinary.
Jin, serving as an active-duty sergeant, also maintains strong influence. His solo single, “The Astronaut,” released in October 2021, was a global hit, earning critical praise. His Instagram reflects his modest personality, which fans adore. His high ranking despite limited posts shows his organic reach. Fans expect even more impact after his discharge.
The global reach of BTS and BLACKPINK is clear in these rankings. Their Instagram presence bridges cultural gaps, connecting fans across continents. The top 10 list includes artists who dominate not just K-pop but global social media. Their influence shapes trends in music, fashion, and pop culture. This makes them powerful figures in entertainment.
As BTS prepares for a full reunion in June 2025, anticipation is high. Fans expect new music and projects from Taehyung, Jin, and the group. BLACKPINK’s members continue to release solo and group content, keeping their influence strong. The rankings highlight the enduring popularity of K-pop. They also show how these idols maintain relevance through fan engagement.
Also Read: How Ma Sun Ho and BTS’ Taehyung Built a Strong Friendship Through Fitness
The top 10 Korean influencers in the music category for 2025 reflect K-pop’s global dominance. BTS and BLACKPINK lead with their authentic and engaging content. Taehyung and Jin’s top rankings, despite military service, prove their unmatched influence. Their fans’ support ensures they remain at the forefront of social media. These rankings celebrate their talent and lasting impact.
Credits: TOP NINE, HypeAuditor
