In a year marked by intense competition and rising global interest in Korean pop culture, Jimin , a member of BTS, has once again proven his unmatched popularity.
As of 2025, Jimin was officially selected as the “Most Popular K-pop Idol of 2025” through an international fan voting event hosted by the Shining Awards, earning him the crown for an incredible third consecutive year.
A Landslide Victory in the Shining Awards
Jimin’s dominance in the fan vote was not a narrow win. He received an overwhelming 655,610 votes, which accounted for over 50.19% of all votes cast.
This means that more than half of global fans participating in the poll chose Jimin over hundreds of other K-pop idols—a clear testament to his enduring global influence and loyal fanbase.
This victory extends Jimin’s streak as the most popular K-pop idol, having previously claimed the title in 2023 and 2024.
In an industry where public interest can shift rapidly, Jimin’s continued reign for three consecutive years is a rare feat and a strong indicator of his stable popularity.
A History of Consistent Recognition
Jimin’s dominance at the Shining Awards is just one of many accolades in his already illustrious career.
He was previously ranked No.1 in King Choice’s “King of K-pop” poll for six straight years, from 2019 through 2023—a streak that no other K-pop idol has achieved to date.
Additionally, he topped Shining Awards’ “King of K-pop” for three years in a row and was also honored as “K-pop Idol of the Year 2023” by Debeme, another major fan-driven voting platform.
These repeated honors speak volumes not only about Jimin’s artistic talent but also his deep emotional connection with fans around the world.
Whether it’s through his performances, music, interviews, or social media presence, Jimin continues to resonate with audiences of all ages and nationalities.
Breaking Records with “Who” from MUSE
Beyond popularity polls, Jimin’s musical success has made headlines worldwide. His solo track “Who”, the title song from his second solo album MUSE, released in 2024, made history by charting on Billboard’s Hot 100 for 33 consecutive weeks—the longest charting period for any K-pop song in history.
Jimin (Credit: Pinterest)
This remarkable achievement highlights Jimin’s crossover appeal, with the song not only dominating Korean charts but also making a significant impact in the Western market.
Forbes, one of America’s leading business and entertainment publications, praised the feat with the headline, “Jimin’s Hot 100 Success Is Unparalleled”, cementing his status as a global solo artist beyond the boundaries of BTS.
The Only K-Pop Artist to Hold All Billboard Records
What makes Jimin’s career particularly extraordinary is that he currently holds multiple Billboard records:
- Highest charting K-pop solo song: Like Crazy reached #1 on the Hot 100.
- Longest-charting K-pop song: Who remained on the chart for 33 weeks.
- First K-pop artist to hold both these records.
This combination of commercial success and critical acclaim sets him apart as a one-of-a-kind figure in K-pop history.
He is, quite literally, the only K-pop artist to simultaneously hold these distinctions, solidifying his legacy in both group and solo ventures.
Serving in the Military, Yet Still on Top
Despite his current absence from the spotlight due to mandatory military service, Jimin continues to receive massive fan support and public attention.
The fact that he won such a high-profile fan-voted award while not actively promoting further demonstrates the depth of his influence and the strength of the bond he has built with his supporters over the years.
His ongoing success while serving in the military only raises expectations for his future. Fans and industry watchers alike are eagerly anticipating his post-discharge return, with hopes of new music, performances, and public appearances that will once again redefine the K-pop landscape.
A Global Star with Unmatched Impact
Jimin’s enduring popularity is not just about numbers—it’s about the emotional connection he fosters through his artistry, sincerity, and humility.
He represents a rare combination of stage excellence, artistic depth, and personal relatability, making him beloved by fans across continents.
From fans in Seoul to São Paulo, Tokyo to Toronto, and Manila to Madrid, Jimin’s influence has no borders.
His ability to remain at the top of his game both commercially and emotionally in fans’ hearts makes him a defining artist of his generation.
Yu Menglong, also known as Alan Yu, was a talented Chinese actor, singer, and director born June 15, 1988, in Ürümqi, Xinjiang.
He first gained public attention in 2007 through the reality show My Show! My Style!, where he advanced to the top 16 in the Xi’an division. Yu further built popularity competing in the singing competition Super Boy twice, ultimately catching the eye of EE-Media talent agency.
Transitioning into acting around 2011, Yu Menglong carved a niche for himself with popular roles in Chinese dramas like Go Princess Go and Eternal Love, endearing himself to fans domestically and internationally.
Besides acting, he was a gifted musician who released albums and music videos that he directed himself. His creative versatility made him one of the promising young figures in the Chinese entertainment industry.
Though he lived modestly compared to many celebrities, Yu brought passion and dedication to his craft throughout his career. His sincere performances and charming personality won him many admirers who mourned his untimely death deeply.
The Incident: How Did Yu Menglong Die?
On September 11, 2025, Yu Menglong tragically passed away after reportedly falling from a building in Beijing. Authorities quickly labeled the death an accident, attributing it to intoxication at the time of the fall, and dismissed suspicions of foul play.
Reports indicated that Yu had been at a gathering with friends just days before and went to his room late that night. The next morning, friends found him lifeless.
However, almost immediately, layers of controversy began to emerge online. Social media erupted with theories and demands for transparency surrounding the circumstances.
Fans and activists questioned the swift closure of the case by authorities, who declared no criminal activity, only twelve hours after the incident. Critics argued it was too soon for a thorough investigation, raising suspicions, especially given Yu’s text messages shortly before death expressing fear and distress.
The Mystery: Allegations and Public Outcry
Following the official statement, a chilling final text message from Yu Menglong to his mother surfaced. In it, Yu spoke about being manipulated and controlled by powerful forces, alleging that money transferred to him was “dirty” and not earned by his own means.
He warned, “They may come and kill me anytime,” passionately emphasizing he was neither hallucinating nor joking. These words intensified concerns about whether his death might have involved coercion or foul play.
Adding to the intrigue, unconfirmed reports circulated online about Yu’s body being tampered with after death. Alleged audio recordings and videos, reportedly captured by neighbors, suggested that his abdomen was cut open to retrieve a USB drive for unknown critical information.
Yu Menglong (Credit: NBC)
Although these claims remain unverified by official sources, they have contributed heavily to public speculation.
Meanwhile, Yu’s mother reportedly lost contact after traveling to Beijing for funeral preparations, sparking fears of suppression or pressure from unknown entities trying to control or hide the truth behind the actor’s passing.
The rumor mill expanded further with allegations implicating multiple suspects allegedly involved in orchestrating Yu’s demise, including figures from official, artistic, and entertainment circles. This only fueled calls for a transparent investigation free from censorship or cover-ups.
Legacy and Impact on Fans and Industry
Yu Menglong’s sudden death sent shockwaves across China’s entertainment scene and his fan base globally. An artist at the peak of his creative path left behind an unfinished story filled with promise and potential.
His performances in dramas like Eternal Love earned him accolades and a devoted following, intensifying the mourning of his loss.
Fans have organized to demand more openness from authorities regarding forensic reports, CCTV footage, autopsy details, and eyewitness testimonies. The public’s push highlights broader concerns about justice and transparency when issues involve powerful interests and influential figures in society.
Yu’s case has also raised awareness about the pressures faced by celebrities in a demanding entertainment industry and a society that may overlook their vulnerabilities until tragedy strikes.
His outspoken final message humanizes him beyond his star status, exposing fears and systemic problems in the entertainment and cultural landscape.
Yu Menglong’s death officially remains ruled an accidental fall related to intoxication, but doubts and allegations persist around the circumstances. This case illustrates just how fragile transparency can be when high stakes and power dynamics intertwine.
The character of Yu Menglong, artistically vibrant and deeply human, continues to inspire fans who seek answers and justice beyond official narratives.
Though the full truth behind Yu Menglong’s tragic passing may still be unknown, the resonance of his life and the questions raised by his death spark conversations about safety, honesty, and respect for those who entertain and inspire us.
The search for clarity and the honoring of his legacy remain ongoing efforts shared by a community unwilling to forget.
