News from China’s biggest social media platform shows BTS’s Kim Taehyung has achieved a special level of popularity. Weibo recently introduced a new ranking system called the Celebrity Search Index. In less than a day after this feature started, Taehyung, also known as V, reached its top level. He is the first and only member of BTS to enter the Platinum tier, marking him as the group’s most searched member on the platform.
This achievement is notable because Taehyung has not promoted actively in China for nearly ten years. His rise to the top is driven purely by organic searches from fans. Beyond just leading his group, he also holds a spot in the Top 5 of all male K-pop idols on this Chinese index. Fans worldwide are celebrating this proof of his lasting global influence.
How Weibo’s New Search Ranking Works
To understand Taehyung’s achievement, it helps to know what the Celebrity Search Index measures. Weibo, a platform similar to a mix of Twitter and Facebook, is a central hub for celebrity news and fan interaction in China. Its new index aims to quantify a celebrity’s online popularity and influence based on user activity.
The system has three main levels: Not Ranked, Gold, and Platinum. A celebrity enters the Gold tier when their popularity index passes 1 million points. Reaching the top Platinum tier requires a much higher score. Taehyung’s index soared past 4.22 million points, securing his platinum status. This score is calculated from real-time search data and user interactions, making it a strong indicator of current public interest.
Fans React To Taehyung’s Solo Achievement
The news of Taehyung’s exclusive platinum rank spread quickly online, with fans expressing pride and amazement. Many pointed out that his success comes without any recent promotions in China, calling his fanbase there “unbelievably loyal and supportive”. Others highlighted the organic nature of his popularity.
“Taehyung just hit the Platinum level on Weibo’s new Search Index with 4.22 MILLION searches! Highest BTS member, only elite tier. Pure organic power. His Chinese fanbase is next level.”
The sentiment shared by many is that this achievement underscores his unique star power. Fans used words like “KING” and “ICON” to describe him, celebrating the fact that his influence remains strong even from a distance. One fan noted, “Taehyung is always the most organically popular on every platform”.
Taehyung’s Current Activities After Military Service
This Weibo milestone adds to a significant year for Taehyung. He was discharged from his mandatory military service in June 2025. Since returning, he has been active, though not with new music yet. His recent appearances have been centered on high-profile fashion and brand partnerships.
He made his first major public comeback at the CELINE Printemps 2026 fashion show in Paris. He has also been announced as a brand ambassador for several major companies, including Coca-Cola Korea, the Japanese skincare brand Yunth, and the Korean beauty brand TIRTIR. In late 2025, he was also named the new global ambassador for the luxury resort Paradise City.
These activities, along with features on magazine covers like W Korea, have kept him in the public eye. His focus, along with the rest of BTS, is now on the group’s upcoming comeback album expected in spring 2026.
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A Pattern of High Rankings and Influence
The Weibo ranking is not the only recent recognition of Taehyung’s impact. In December 2025, Forbes Korea released its annual list of the most influential Korean idols. Taehyung was ranked 5th overall, making him the highest-placed male idol on the entire list.
Forbes Korea commented on his widespread appeal, stating, “Anything V does becomes a hot topic”. They noted his central role in global advertising campaigns and how his personal style influences trends, creating what they call “V mode”. This consistent performance across different ranking systems, from fashion influence to social media search power, shows the broad scope of his popularity.
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