In the ever-evolving landscape of South Korean entertainment, the annual Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list serves as a barometer of influence, success, and cultural impact. The 2025 edition, released after an extensive survey conducted between April 2024 and March 2025, offers a fascinating glimpse into the current state of South Korea’s star power. This year’s list not only reflects the enduring popularity of established icons but also highlights the rapid ascent of newcomers who are reshaping the industry.
From the multifaceted talents of singers-turned-actors to the global appeal of K-pop groups, and from the athletic prowess of sports stars to the charisma of beloved broadcasters, the 2025 rankings paint a vivid picture of South Korea’s diverse entertainment ecosystem. As we delve into the details of this year’s list, we’ll explore the factors that contribute to these celebrities’ power, the shifts in industry dynamics, and what these rankings mean for the future of Korean entertainment on the global stage.
Join us as we break down the top performers, analyze the trends, and uncover the stories behind the numbers in this comprehensive look at the 2025 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list.
Table of Contents
Korea Crowning Achievement: IU’s Reign at the Top
Leading the pack in the 2025 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list is none other than IU, a true renaissance woman of the Korean entertainment industry. Known for her angelic voice, songwriting prowess, and captivating acting performances, IU has once again proven her unparalleled influence across multiple domains.
IU’s crowning achievement this year can be attributed to several factors:
- Versatility: Her success in both music and acting, particularly her standout role in Netflix’s “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” showcases her ability to excel in diverse fields.
- Financial Success: With an estimated annual income of 32 billion won, IU demonstrates that artistic acclaim and commercial success can go hand in hand.
- Media Presence: Her strong showing in media and social media references underscores her ongoing relevance and public interest.
- Global Reach: IU’s world tour across 18 cities in 12 countries in 2024 highlights her international appeal and the growing global influence of Korean entertainers.
IU’s position at the top of the list is a testament to her hard work, talent, and the deep connection she has fostered with fans both in South Korea and around the world.
Sports Stars Shine: Son Heung-min and Lee Jung-hoo Make Their Mark
The 2025 list showcases the growing influence of sports figures in South Korean popular culture. Son Heung-min, the football sensation, claims the impressive second spot, while baseball star Lee Jung-hoo secures the seventh position.
Son Heung-min’s ranking reflects not just his athletic achievements but also his marketability and public appeal. As a key player for Tottenham Hotspur and the South Korean national team, Son has become a global ambassador for Korean sports, earning him significant media attention and endorsement deals.
Lee Jung-hoo’s presence in the top 10 signifies the enduring popularity of baseball in South Korea and the potential for athletes to transcend their sport and become cultural icons.
K-pop’s Continued Dominance: aespa, SEVENTEEN, and BLACKPINK Members
The power of K-pop remains undeniable, with girl group aespa securing the third spot on the list. Their achievement is particularly noteworthy given the fierce competition in the industry. SEVENTEEN’s eighth-place ranking further cements the boy group’s status as one of K-pop’s leading acts.
Individual BLACKPINK members also make strong showings, with Jisoo leading the pack at number 11, followed by Jennie (20), Rosé (24), and Lisa (32). Their individual rankings, despite the group’s focus on solo activities, speak to the enduring popularity of BLACKPINK and the successful individual careers each member has cultivated.
Actors and Broadcasters: The Small Screen’s Big Impact
The list highlights the significant influence of actors and broadcasters in South Korean entertainment. Notable entries include:
- Cha Eun-woo (12th)
- Lee Byung-hun (13th)
- Park Bo-gum (14th)
- Gong Yoo (15th)
These rankings reflect the impact of successful drama series and films, as well as the actors’ popularity in endorsements and public appearances.
In the broadcasting world, Jun Hyun-moo’s fourth-place ranking underscores the continued importance of television personalities in shaping public discourse and entertainment trends.
Emerging Trends and Notable Shifts
The 2025 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list reveals several interesting trends:
- Rise of Multifaceted Talents: Celebrities like IU and BIBI, who excel in multiple fields (singing, acting, songwriting), are increasingly valued.
- Global Tours as Revenue Drivers: International tours have become major income sources for K-pop acts and solo artists alike.
- Continued Relevance of Trot: While their overall presence has decreased, trot singers like Lim Young-woong (5th) and Lee Chan-won (16th) maintain strong positions.
- E-sports Recognition: The inclusion of Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) at 6th place highlights the growing mainstream acceptance of professional gaming.
- Fandom Power: The introduction of fan voting in this year’s ranking methodology acknowledges the crucial role of dedicated fan bases in an artist’s success.
The Complete 2025 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 List
| Rank | Name | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IU | Singer (Actress) |
| 2 | Son Heung-min | Sports |
| 3 | aespa | Singer |
| 4 | Jun Hyun-moo | Broadcaster |
| 5 | Lim Young-woong | Singer |
| … | … | … |
| 40 | Lee Se-young | Actress |
Conclusion
The 2025 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list offers a fascinating snapshot of the current state of South Korean entertainment. From the multifaceted appeal of IU at the top to the diverse array of talents spanning music, sports, acting, and broadcasting throughout the list, it’s clear that the definition of “celebrity” in South Korea is both broad and nuanced.
This year’s rankings reflect not just individual achievements but larger trends shaping the industry:
- The growing global influence of Korean entertainment
- The power of fan communities in shaping celebrity success
- The value placed on versatility and cross-industry appeal
- The integration of traditional and new media in building celebrity brands
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the landscape of Korean celebrity culture will continue to evolve. The inclusion of e-sports stars, the strong showing of individual K-pop group members, and the enduring appeal of actors and broadcasters all point to a dynamic and diverse entertainment ecosystem.
For fans, industry watchers, and aspiring stars alike, the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list serves as both a celebration of current success and a roadmap for future trends. As Korean entertainment continues to captivate audiences around the world, these rankings offer valuable insights into the forces shaping pop culture both within South Korea and on the global stage.
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FAQs
Q: How is the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list compiled?
A: The list is based on a comprehensive survey conducted between April 2024 and March 2025. It considers multiple factors including celebrity earnings, media exposure, social media popularity, broadcast appearances, and public voting. The 2025 edition introduced more detailed categorization of income sources and improved methodologies for evaluating public influence, including AI-based big data analytics for social media activity.
Q: Why are some celebrities ranked higher than others who might seem more popular internationally?
A: The Forbes Korea list focuses primarily on influence and success within South Korea, although international activities are considered. Factors like domestic media presence, local endorsements, and popularity among Korean audiences can significantly impact rankings. Additionally, the introduction of fan voting in the 2025 edition means that dedicated local fan bases can boost a celebrity’s ranking.
