Forbes Korea recently released its “40 Most Influential Celebrities of 2026” list based on four main indicators: estimated earnings, media coverage, social media engagement and fan votes.
1. BTS
Topping the list is the globally popular group BTS. They made their return to the music scene after all their members completed their military service.
Last March, the group released their fifth studio album, “ARIRANG”, marking their return with a full lineup after a four-year absence.
Upon its release, the album topped the main US Albums Chart “Billboard 200” and the Official UK Albums Chart.
Notably, on the Billboard 200, they became the first K-pop artists to hold the top spot for three consecutive weeks, demonstrating their powerful global influence.
The group is currently in the middle of a world tour, the most important in its history, with concerts in stadiums.
The band recently confirmed that they will perform at the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in North and Central America.
2. G-Dragon
In second position, we find G-Dragon. In parallel with the release of his solo album , G-Dragon organized the “G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR” world tour, attracting approximately 825,000 spectators in 17 cities in 12 countries.
Many major American media analyzed the singer’s performance in depth and welcomed the return of the “king of K-pop”.
G-Dragon further cemented his position as a global cultural and fashion icon by being named an ambassador to promote the APEC 2025 Summit and being the only Asian to make the ‘Best Dressed People of the 21st Century’ list.
3. BLACKPINK
In third position in this ranking, we find BLACKPINK. Debuting in July 2025, the band embarked on their third world tour, titled “DEADLINE”. In February 2026, they made a surprise return with their third mini-album, also titled “DEADLINE”.
Upon its release, the album topped the US Billboard Global 200 chart, breaking its own record and becoming the first female K-pop group to hold so many records.
4. Son Heung Min
In fourth position, we find Son Heung-min. Last August, this player joined Major League Soccer (MLS) club Los Angeles FC (LAFC) for a record fee. Son Heung-min is in exceptional form, with 14 goals and 19 assists in 32 official matches.
Son Heung-min also shook up the American football market, notably by being named to the typical team of the week for the first time since his arrival in MLS. With a salary of around 16.6 billion won, he ranks second in the MLS salary rankings, just behind Lionel Messi.
5. Lim Young Woong
In fifth position, we find Lim Young Woong. Following the resounding success of his second studio album released last August, Lim Young Woong successfully completed his nationwide tour “IM HERO TOUR 2025-2026”, which began in Incheon in October.
Lim Young Woong also actively works as a lead advertising model for major domestic companies such as CheongKwanJang and Hana Bank.
In September, Lim Young Woong confirmed that he would perform a massive stadium concert, titled “2026 IM HERO CONCERT: THE STADIUM 2”, at the Goyang National Stadium in South Korea.
Source : https://giaoducthoidai.vn/bts-dan-dau-danh-list-of-most-powerful-celebrities-post779400.html
