Top 10 Most Popular Singers In Korea 2025

The Korean music industry in 2025 continues to captivate audiences both domestically and globally, blending the high-energy spectacle of K-pop with the emotional depth of ballads, the nostalgic charm of trot, and the raw edge of hip-hop and R&B. As streaming platforms like Spotify and Melon dominate consumption, popularity is measured through a mix of chart performance, concert ticket sales, social media engagement, and prestigious surveys such as Gallup Korea’s annual rankings. While groups like NewJeans, aespa, and BTS remain powerhouses, solo artists have carved out significant spaces, often leveraging their group origins or independent paths to build loyal fanbases. This list highlights the top 10 most popular singers in Korea for 2025, focusing on their domestic impact, recent releases, and cultural resonance. Rankings draw from a combination of streaming data, fan votes, and public opinion polls, showcasing a diverse mix of veterans and contemporary icons.

List Of Top 10 Most Popular Singers In Korea 2025

1. IU

In 2025, IU, known as Korea’s “Nation’s Little Sister,” tops the list as a singer-songwriter, actress, and producer. IU, who debuted at 15 in 2008, became famous for pop, ballad, and folk hits like “Good Day” (2010) and “Through the Night” (2017). Her emotional vocals and relatable lyrics have made her a Korean household staple for generations. IU consistently ranks high in Gallup surveys; in 2024, she placed second among voters under 39 with 20.6% of the vote and in the top 10 for those over 40. Her 2025 cover album A Flower Bookmark 3 tops charts and is lauded for bridging old and new eras. IU’s sold-out concerts and endorsements solidify her status with over 50 million Spotify subscribers and $40 million in net worth. Her education and disaster relief donations boost her beloved public image.

2. Jimin

With his charisma and vocal skills, Jimin reached the second spot in 2025 as a solo artist after BTS. Jimin’s 2013 BTS debut and solo songs like “Lie” (2016) and “Serendipity” (2017) showed his emotional depth, but his 2023 and 2024 albums FACE and MUSE explored identity and self-love, propelling him to new heights. MUSE topped Melon for weeks in Korea, and fan polls on Ranker rank him among the best K-pop singers ever. In 2025, his dance skills and high notes make him popular after military enlistment, as do his collaborations. Jimin’s global appeal, including iHeartRadio awards, translates to strong Korean support, where BTS still gets 10.7% of under-39 Gallup votes. His charitable work, like arts education, keeps him popular.

3. BoA

BoA, the “Queen of K-pop,” remains at number three in 2025, a testament to her pioneering role in the industry since her 2000 debut at age 13. BoA’s pop, dance, and R&B have influenced generations with albums like Listen to My Heart (2002), which broke into the Japanese market. Her versatility is shown by “Only One” (2012) and her multilingual releases. Her 2025 cover album A Flower Bookmark 3 revives classics and charts, attracting nostalgic fans. BoA’s mentorship in survival shows and judging roles keeps her relevant as one of Korea’s first international stars. Her powerful vocals and choreography make her a famous Korean singer, popular among older audiences. Fans admire BoA’s resilience, including overcoming health issues, making her a cultural pioneer.

4. Lim Young-Woong

Lim Young-woong, the trot sensation, ranks fourth in 2025, dominating older audiences and attracting younger fans with his heartfelt ballads. After winning first place on Mr. Trot 2020, Lim’s debut single “Hate You” (2016) became mega-hits like “Trust in Me” (2021). His pop-trot blend appeals to many. In the 2024 Gallup survey, he led over-40 with 45.3% and ninth under 39 with 7.3%. His nationwide tours sell out instantly in 2025, and emotional ballads top charts. Lim’s humility and philanthropy—donating millions to charities—grow his popularity with millions of YouTube views and a “Hero Era” fan club. He’s known as Korea’s “Trot King,” influencing variety shows and endorsements.

5. HyunA

In 2025, bold and charismatic HyunA ranks fifth with her unapologetic style and hit-making ability. Starting with Wonder Girls in 2007 and 4Minute, her solo career took off with “Change” (2010) and “Bubble Pop!” (2011), the first K-pop solo video to reach 100 million YouTube views. Her high-energy hip-hop, dance, and pop define her. After her 2024 EP Attitude, she released “Mrs. Nail,” solidifying her trendsetting status in 2025. Fearlessness and collaborations, like with PSY on “Gangnam Style,” keep HyunA in the spotlight. She is one of the most famous Korean singers, according to domestic polls and streaming numbers. Fans admire her for overcoming industry pressures and becoming an empowerment symbol.

6. RM

RM, BTS’s eloquent leader, ranks sixth in 2025 with introspective rap and songwriting. First released in 2013, his solo mixtapes mono (2018) and Indigo (2022) and Right Place, Wrong Person (2024) explore philosophy and art. His chart success and cultural discussions in Korea demonstrate his intellectual appeal. BTS’s 10.7% Gallup under-39 vote boosts his solo standing. Post-enlistment teases and art collaborations keep Spotify followers over 15 million in 2025. Fans love RM’s UN speeches and book recommendations, making him a thoughtful Korean music icon.

7. Taeyeon

Girls’ Generation vocalist Taeyeon ranks seventh in 2025 for her emotional ballads and OSTs. Starting in 2007, her solo EP I (2015) and album My Voice (2017) established her independence. Her 2019 song “U R” shows her versatility. The Tense, her sixth concert tour celebrating her solo debut’s 10th anniversary, sells out across Asia in 2025. Her “Queen of Vocals” title remains after 2024’s “Heaven,” and her releases top charts. Taeyeon’s drama and variety roles broaden her appeal, and Gallup mentions show her longevity.

8. J-Hope

In 2025, BTS’s sunshine rapper and dancer J-Hope places eighth with his vibrant energy and genre-blending. The 2018 mixtape Hope World and 2022 album Jack in the Box are hip-hop and funk-influenced. His 2025 docuseries Hope on the Street and festival headlining at Lollapalooza Berlin boost his profile. J-Hope uses BTS’s fame to chart high in Korea and make Spotify’s global impact lists. His positive attitude and social media dance tutorials draw fans.

9. Jay Park

Jay Park, the hip-hop mogul, comes in ninth in 2025. He has been mixing Korean and American styles since his solo debut in 2010 after leaving 2PM. He started AOMG and H1GHR MUSIC, and his songs like “Mommae” (2015) and albums like Ask Bout Me (2018) are what urban R&B is all about. His label’s growth and partnerships in 2025 keep him relevant, and he has a lot of streaming in the US. Jay’s diverse background and business sense have helped him get on lists of famous singers. His tours around the world and appearances on variety shows show how popular he is.

10. Sunmi

Sunmi, the retro-pop queen, rounds out the top 10. Her solo career after Wonder Girls in 2013 has been huge. Her sexy singing and dancing are on display in songs like “Gashina” (2017) and “Tail” (2021). Her releases in 2025 continue to top the charts, appealing to fans with themes of empowerment. Sunmi’s one-of-a-kind style and performances make her a regular topic of conversation in K-pop, and her fame is growing around the world.