V, the Global Obsession: BTS’s Star Emerges as One of the World’s Most Searched Figures

BTS’s V ranks fourth globally on Google searches in 2025, reaffirming his influence as one of K-pop’s strongest and most visible global figures.

V, member of BTS, has once again confirmed his extraordinary global reach. In 2025, the South Korean artist ranked fourth among the most searched people worldwide on Google, leading all Korean celebrities and placing himself among some of the most recognisable figures on the planet.

According to data published by Jagran Josh, which analysed Google search trends spanning from 2004 to the present, V ranked just behind Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Taylor Swift. The list cuts across politics, sport, music and pop culture, underlining the scale of visibility required to reach its top positions. Behind V were names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Bianca Censori and Vinesh Phogat.

The platform noted that V attracted significant attention in more than 70 countries, driven by a combination of solo music activity, a powerful presence on Instagram and a fashion sensibility that consistently transcends trends. His ability to move seamlessly between music, visual culture and global style conversations has become a defining aspect of his appeal.

V was also ranked sixth on Jagran Josh’s list of the “Top 7 Most Searched Male Artists Born After 1990,” a category led by Justin Bieber, followed by Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, The Weeknd and Zayn Malik, with Travis Scott closing the list. The ranking places V firmly among the most influential male artists of his generation.

Born Kim Tae Hyung on December 30, 1995, in Daegu, South Korea, V debuted in 2013 as a vocalist of BTS, a group that has since redefined the global reach of K-pop. Beyond chart-topping success and record-breaking tours, BTS has established itself as a cultural force, consistently dominating international rankings and shaping global pop narratives.

Alongside group activities, V has built a distinct solo identity. His self-composed digital singles ‘Scenery’ and ‘Winter Bear’, released in 2019, offered early insight into his introspective musical language. That artistic direction crystallised with the release of his first official solo mini-album, ‘Layover’, in September 2023. The project charted both domestically and internationally, reinforcing his credibility as a solo artist with a clearly defined aesthetic and sound.

After enlisting for mandatory military service in December 2023, V completed his service and was discharged in June last year, rejoining BTS’s full-group activities. Shortly after, the group officially announced a highly anticipated comeback, including a new album titled ‘Arirang’, scheduled for release on March 20, 2026, followed by a global tour set to begin the same year. The album will mark BTS’s first full-length studio release since their hiatus.

At this stage of his career, V is widely regarded as living one of his strongest moments yet. Balancing artistic maturity, global visibility and renewed group momentum, he is increasingly positioned as one of the most solid and influential members of BTS. His contributions extend beyond vocals and performance, influencing songwriting, styling and the group’s broader visual identity.

As expectations build for 2026, V’s trajectory suggests not just sustained relevance, but continued evolution — both as a solo artist and as a central pillar of BTS’s next global chapter.