The results are out, and BTS has once again proven their massive impact beyond music. The Sisa Journal, a major South Korean news publication, released its annual “Who Moves Korea” survey for 2026, and the global superstars have secured a place in the prestigious Top 10 Most Influential Figures list. This marks another milestone for the group, who continue to dominate not just the music charts but also the cultural and social landscape of South Korea.
The survey, conducted by Gallup Korea, gathers opinions from both the general public and industry experts to determine who holds the most influence in the country. BTS made the cut in both categories, standing alongside political leaders, business tycoons, and sports icons. The news has sent waves of excitement through the ARMY fandom, with fans celebrating the group’s continued recognition as a driving force in Korean society.
BTS Ranks in Both General Public and Expert Polls
According to the Sisa Journal findings, BTS ranked 10th in the general public poll with a nomination rate of 5.6%. In the expert poll, the group took the 9th spot with 3.4%. What makes this achievement stand out is that both rankings are largely dominated by political and business figures. Despite that, BTS managed to hold their own, proving that their influence reaches far beyond the entertainment industry.
The top spots in the general public poll went to political and business leaders. President Lee Jae-myung topped the list with 77.0%, followed by Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong at 50.2% and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won at 21.2%. Football star Son Heung-min came in fourth with 15.2%. BTS secured the tenth position, making them one of the few entertainers to break into a list filled with heavyweights from politics and economics.
In the expert survey, the rankings were similar at the top. President Lee Jae-myung again took first place with 79.2%, followed by Lee Jae-yong at 35.0% and Chey Tae-won at 17.0%. Son Heung-min came fourth with 5.8%. BTS landed in ninth place with 3.4%, once again proving their credibility among professionals.
The survey highlighted BTS alongside Son Heung-min as representatives of South Korea’s global influence. Their presence in both polls shows that the impact created through sports and culture is increasingly recognized alongside political and economic power.
BTS Claims Second Place in Entertainment Category
While the overall Top 10 list is dominated by non-entertainment figures, BTS shined even brighter in the broadcast and entertainment category. In the general public poll for this category, BTS took second place with a nomination rate of 30.6%. They were only behind veteran TV host Yoo Jae-suk, who secured the top spot with 66.2% for the seventh consecutive year.
The expert poll for the entertainment category showed an even more impressive result for BTS. Their nomination rate jumped from 23.6% last year to 33.2% this year, marking a significant increase of 9.6 percentage points. This rise in expert recognition suggests that professionals in the industry are taking BTS more seriously than ever before.
Other well-known entertainers also made the list. Kang Ho-dong came in third with 14.4%, followed by Shin Dong-yup at 11.2% and Jun Hyun-moo at 9.2%. Singer Lim Young-woong moved up to sixth place with 8.0%, while IU secured seventh with 6.2% and BLACKPINK took a spot in the top 10 with 5.4%.
BTS Makes History as Only Entertainer in Overall Top 10
One of the most talked-about aspects of this year’s survey is that BTS was the only entertainer to make it into the overall Top 10 list. This means that among all actors, singers, comedians, and TV personalities, BTS stood alone in the rankings that included presidents, CEOs, and politicians. This achievement speaks volumes about the group’s unique position in Korean society.
The Sisa Journal noted that BTS maintained strong public support even during their military service period. Their fanbase stayed loyal, and their influence did not fade while they were away from the spotlight. Now that all seven members have completed their service and returned as a full group, expectations are higher than ever.
Full Group Comeback and Global Achievements Boost Influence
2026 has been a big year for BTS. The group made their full-group comeback in March with their fifth studio album ARIRANG. The album shot straight to the top of the Billboard 200 chart, and the title track also reached number one on the Hot 100 chart. BTS became the first group to debut both an album and a single at number one on these charts at the same time.
Their comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul was broadcast live worldwide through Netflix. In April, they kicked off a world tour, starting with a show in Goyang, South Korea. The tour marks their official return to the global stage, and fans around the world have been eagerly attending their concerts.
BTS also made headlines in July when they announced they would not submit their music for consideration at the Grammy Awards. The group raised concerns about the newly created “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category, saying that music should not be divided by region or language. This bold move showed that BTS is no longer just chasing awards but is now in a position to question the systems that have long defined the music industry.
Related:
Survey Methodology and Historical Context
The Sisa Journal has been running the “Who Moves Korea” survey since 1989, making it one of the longest-running surveys of its kind in South Korea. This year’s survey was conducted from July 6 to July 24. The poll included 500 experts from 10 different fields and 500 members of the general public. The expert survey was done via phone interviews, while the general public survey was conducted online. The margin of error is ±4.4 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Over the years, the survey has captured the shifting tides of power in South Korea. From political changes to economic shifts and cultural movements, the list has always reflected what the nation cares about most at any given time. BTS has been a consistent presence in the Top 10 for several years, and their inclusion in 2026 shows that their influence is not a passing trend but a lasting force.
Also Read: Jeon Jungkook Wins Most Handsome Man Alive 2026 Title With Over 31 Million Votes
Thank you for reading this article on VvipTimes. Stay connected for more updates on your favorite K-pop stars and entertainment news from around the world.
Leave a Reply