BTS tops the list of most powerful celebrities.

Forbes Korea recently released its "Top 40 Most Powerful Celebrities of 2026" list based on four core indicators: estimated income, media coverage, social media engagement, and fan votes.

1. BTS

Leading the list is the globally popular group BTS. They have returned to the music scene after all members completed their military service.

Last March, the group released their fifth studio album, 'ARIRANG', marking their return with a full lineup after four years.

Upon its release, the album topped the US 'Billboard 200' main album chart and the UK Official Albums chart.

Notably, on the Billboard 200, they became the first K-pop artists to maintain the number one position for three consecutive weeks, demonstrating their powerful global influence.

Currently, the band is undertaking the largest stadium-scale world tour in their history.

Recently, the group confirmed they will perform at the Halftime Show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup North and Central America Finals.

2. G-Dragon

Coming in at number 2 is G-Dragon. Along with the release of his solo album <Übermensch>, G-Dragon held the 'G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR', attracting approximately 825,000 attendees across 17 cities in 12 countries.

Many major American media outlets have thoroughly analyzed the singer's performance and praised the return of the "King of K-pop".

G-Dragon further solidified his position as a global cultural and fashion icon by being appointed as an ambassador to promote the APEC 2025 Summit and being the only Asian to be honored in the list of 'Best Dressed People of the 21st Century'.

3. BLACKPINK

Coming in at number 3 on this list is none other than BLACKPINK. Starting in July 2025, the group embarked on their third world tour, titled 'DEADLINE'. In February 2026, they made a surprise comeback with their third mini-album, also titled 'DEADLINE'.

Immediately after its release, the album topped the US Billboard Global 200, breaking its own record to become the first K-pop girl group to hold the most records.

4. Son Heung Min

In fourth place is Son Heung-min. Last August, this player transferred to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) of Major League Soccer (MLS) for a record fee. Son Heung-min has shown incredible form, scoring 14 goals and providing 19 assists in 32 official matches.

Son Heung-min has also shaken up the American soccer market, most notably by being named to the 'Team of the Week' for the first time since joining MLS. With a salary of approximately 16.6 billion won, he ranks second on the MLS payroll, behind only Lionel Messi.

5. Lim Young Woong

In fifth place is Lim Young Woong. Following the resounding success of his second studio album released last August, Lim Young Woong successfully held his nationwide tour 'IM HERO TOUR 2025-2026', which began in Incheon in October.

Lim Young Woong is also actively working as a main advertising model for major domestic corporations such as CheongKwanJang and Hana Bank.

In September, Lim Young Woong has confirmed he will hold a massive stadium-sized concert, '2026 IM HERO CONCERT: THE STADIUM 2,' at Goyang National Stadium in South Korea.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/bts-dan-dau-danh-list-of-most-powerful-celebrities-post779400.html