Fans of BTS’s Kim Taehyung, known as V, are celebrating a new milestone that confirms his massive online influence. The singer recently claimed the top spot as South Korea’s most influential social media figure, ranking fifth globally with an impressive 8.7 million authentic engagements. This achievement places him among the world’s biggest celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo and Taylor Swift, despite having fewer followers than others on the list.
Social Media Dominance
According to recent data from HypeAuditor, an AI-powered influencer marketing platform, Kim Taehyung became the most influential personality in South Korea. The analysis showed his Instagram account @thv secured the number one position domestically and ranked fifth in global influencer rankings.
His account recorded 69.5 million followers and generated 8.7 million authentic engagements, giving him the highest engagement rate among all top global influencers. For comparison, BLACKPINK’s Lisa placed second in South Korea with 106.9 million followers and 3.2 million engagements, while fellow BTS member Jimin ranked third with 55.4 million followers and 5.5 million engagements.
What makes this achievement remarkable is that V maintains this engagement level despite being less active online than many other influencers and having comments turned off on all his posts. His Instagram account showed an impressive 15.8% engagement rate in October 2025, averaging 11 million likes and 2,800 comments per post.
Global Recognition
The HypeAuditor worldwide rankings placed V alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports. The global top five included:
- Cristiano Ronaldo (666.3M followers, 4.3M engagements)
- Taylor Swift (281.9M followers, 3.7M engagements)
- Selena Gomez (417.6M followers, 2.2M engagements)
- Lionel Messi (507.1M followers, 1.9M engagements)
- BTS V (69.5M followers, 8.7M engagements)
Notably, V achieved the highest authentic engagement rate despite having the fewest followers among the global top five. This means his audience interacts with his content more actively than followers of other major celebrities.
Fan Reactions and Celebration
Social media platforms buzzed with excitement following the ranking announcement. Supporters expressed pride in V’s continued influence and his ability to maintain such strong connection with fans.
One fan commented on the achievement by stating:
“When we say he’s bigger than kpop”
Other supporters described his position as “untouchable” and celebrated his consistent ability to generate massive engagement despite his relatively quiet social media presence. Many noted that both V and Jimin, who ranked third, achieved their positions despite not being very active online, demonstrating the dedication of their fanbase.
Military Service Comeback and Lasting Influence
V’s social media success comes shortly after his completion of mandatory military service. He returned to civilian life on June 10, 2025, alongside BTS leader RM. His discharge became a major media event with over a thousand outlets worldwide covering the story and hashtags like #WelcomeBackTaehyung trending across social platforms.
His return sparked an immediate surge in his online presence. On the day of his discharge, V gained over 300,000 new Instagram followers in just 24 hours. His military update post became the most-liked Instagram post in 2025, receiving over 16.4 million likes and beating posts from Billie Eilish and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Economic Impact and Brand Influence
V’s social media influence extends beyond engagement numbers to significant economic impact. His estimated Instagram earnings for September 2025 ranged between $457,432 and $626,681. If this trend continues, his annual projected income from the platform could reach between $5.48 million and $7.52 million.
His fashion influence remains equally powerful. When spotted wearing a Cartier watch as a brand ambassador, the item sold out within minutes. This “V effect” extends to various products he wears or uses, from caps and jackets to headphones, making him a highly sought-after partner for luxury brands.
Consistent Online Growth
V’s Instagram account has shown steady growth throughout 2025. Between late September and late October, his follower count increased from 69,381,727 to 69,515,064. This growth occurred while his total posts only increased from 137 to 140, showing that his content continues to attract new followers even with limited activity.
His engagement rate of 15.8% significantly outperforms industry standards for influencers with similar follower counts. The consistency of his online performance demonstrates the strong connection he maintains with his audience worldwide.
BTS Group Activities
While celebrating individual achievements, V continues working with his BTS bandmates on their upcoming group comeback. The band is preparing for a new album scheduled for release in Spring 2026, marking their first full group project since all members completed military service.
The group’s loyal fanbase, known as ARMY, has supported both group activities and individual projects throughout the members’ service period. This support has helped maintain BTS’s presence as a dominant force in music and popular culture despite their temporary hiatus from group promotions.
V’s Instagram account continues to be one of the most closely watched celebrity profiles globally, with each post generating millions of interactions within hours. His ability to maintain such strong engagement with minimal online activity continues to intrigue marketing experts and industry observers.
Also Read: BTS Taehyung’s First Fashion Week Makes Historic Impact With $13.1 Million Media Value
