BTS member V, also known as Kim Taehyung , has once again demonstrated his unparalleled global influence by ranking fourth among the most searched individuals on Google worldwide for the year 2025.
This achievement places him in a league of his own, as he follows only three other major international figures: Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Taylor Swift.
The list, released by the resource platform Jagran Josh, highlights the most significant personalities across diverse fields including politics, technology, and pop culture, solidifying V’s position as a premier global celebrity.
V’s fourth-place ranking is particularly impressive considering the high-profile names he outperformed.
Trailing behind him on the list were legendary athletes Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as well as influential musical artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
Jagran Josh noted that V’s high search volume was consistent across more than 70 countries, driven by his diverse solo activities, his massive presence on social media platforms like Instagram, and his status as a leading fashion icon.
His ability to maintain such high levels of public interest globally, even during a period of transition, is a testament to his enduring appeal and the strength of his personal brand.
Dominance in Music and Social Media
The analysis by Jagran Josh further detailed V’s standing within his specific peer group. He was ranked sixth on the list of the “Top 7 Most Searched Male Artists Born After 1990,” a category led by Justin Bieber and featuring other global stars like Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, and The Weeknd.
According to Google search data analyzed from 2004 to the present, V has consistently recorded exceptionally high search volumes since BTS’s debut on June 13, 2013.
This long-term trend confirms that his popularity is not a fleeting phenomenon but a sustained global movement.
Several factors contributed to V’s dominance in 2025. His solo music career has been a significant driver of public interest; following the success of his self-composed singles like “Scenery” and “Winter Bear,” his 2023 solo mini-album Layover continued to chart internationally throughout the following year.
Additionally, his distinctive fashion sense and partnerships with luxury brands have kept him at the forefront of the global style conversation.
Fans and the general public alike have also been highly engaged with his social media updates, which offer a blend of artistic photography and glimpses into his personal life, making him one of the most followed and interactive Korean celebrities in the world.
V’s record-breaking search statistics come at a pivotal moment as he prepares for a full-group comeback with BTS in 2026.
Having completed his mandatory military service—enlisting in December 2023 and being discharged in June 2025—V has seamlessly transitioned back into his role as a central figure in the group’s global strategy.
BTS’s V (Credit: Instagram)
The anticipation for BTS’s first full-length studio album in years, titled Arirang and set for release on March 20, 2026, has already begun to drive search metrics even higher.
As a multi-talented artist, V has contributed to BTS not only through his soulful vocals and magnetic stage performances but also through his significant involvement in songwriting and the group’s visual direction.
His artistic sensibility is widely credited with influencing the group’s aesthetic evolution over the years. With a massive world tour beginning in April 2026, covering 34 cities and 82 shows, V is poised to continue his reign as a global search powerhouse.
For fans (ARMY) and the music industry at large, V’s ranking as the fourth most searched person on the planet is a clear indicator that his journey as a solo artist and as a member of BTS is far from reaching its peak.
Expectations for his 2026 activities remain sky-high, as he continues to evolve and break new ground on the international stage.
Global superstars BTS have once again proven their unrivaled influence in the Japanese music market, securing new streaming certifications from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).
According to the latest data released on January 30, 2026, the group’s 2022 hit “ Yet To Come “—the title track of their anthology album Proof—has officially surpassed 100 million cumulative streams in Japan.
This achievement has earned the track a prestigious Platinum certification in the streaming category, adding another accolade to the group’s extensive list of international successes.
In addition to the Platinum status for “Yet To Come,” the group’s B-side track “Love Maze” from their 2018 third full-length album LOVE YOURSELF: Tear has also reached a significant milestone.
The song exceeded 50 million streams, securing a Gold certification. These new certifications bring BTS’s total count in Japan to an impressive 16 Platinum and 48 Gold streaming certifications.
Notably, their massive hits “ Dynamite ” and “ Butter ” have both previously achieved Diamond certification (over 500 million streams), making BTS the first and only K-pop act to reach such a status in the Japanese streaming landscape.
The Meaning Behind the Music and Continued Legacy
The tracks receiving these new certifications carry deep significance for both the group and their global fandom, ARMY.
“Yet To Come” is a reflective anthem that looks back on BTS’s decade-long musical journey while simultaneously delivering a hopeful message about the future. It serves as a reminder that their “best is yet to come.”
On the other hand, “Love Maze” is a fan-favorite track known for its heartfelt message of staying true to one’s path even when navigating the complexities of life and love.
BTS (Credit: YouTube)
The continued streaming success of these older tracks highlights the timeless nature of BTS’s discography.
Industry experts view these latest milestones as a direct result of fans revisiting the group’s back catalog in anticipation of their upcoming full-member activities.
As the members complete their mandatory military service and prepare to reunite, the “BTS fever” in Japan—and worldwide—shows no signs of waning.
These certifications are a testament to the group’s enduring popularity and the consistent consumption of their music by a dedicated listener base that spans multiple generations.
Anticipation for the 2026 Comeback and World Tour
The timing of these certifications is particularly relevant as BTS prepares for a monumental return to the spotlight. The group is set to release their highly anticipated fifth full-length album, ARIRANG, on March 20, 2026.
This will mark their first full-group release in nearly four years, featuring 14 tracks that explore profound themes of identity and longing.
The excitement surrounding the album has already reached fever pitch, with pre-orders expected to shatter existing records.
Following the album release, BTS will embark on a massive world tour starting April 9 at Goyang Stadium.
The tour is set to span 34 cities with a staggering 82 shows. Demonstrating their unmatched ticket-selling power, all dates—including the stadium shows across North America and Europe—have already sold out.
This tour will make history as BTS becomes the first Korean artist to hold a series of solo stadium concerts of this scale across the West.
As they transition from their military hiatus back into active global promotion, these new RIAJ certifications serve as a powerful prelude to what is expected to be the most successful year in the group’s storied career. For BTS and ARMY, the journey continues, and the records keep falling.
