The K-pop world never sleeps, and neither does its fandom. In the ever-competitive landscape of girl group idols, BLACKPINK’s Jennie has once again proven her unrivaled star power by securing the top spot in May 2025’s most popular female K-pop star rankings. The charismatic performer, known for her trendsetting style and magnetic stage presence, edged out fierce competitors like IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and aespa’s Karina, reaffirming her status as a global icon.
But what makes Jennie’s reign so remarkable? Beyond her musical achievements, she has become a cultural phenomenon—her fashion choices spark trends, her social media posts break records, and her solo projects draw millions. This latest ranking, based on brand reputation, social media engagement, and fan voting, reflects not just her talent but her ability to stay relevant in an industry that moves at lightning speed. Here’s a closer look at the rankings, the rising stars making waves, and why Jennie continues to dominate the K-pop conversation.
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BLACKPINK Jennie Rankings: Who Made the Cut?
The Korean Business Research Institute released its monthly brand reputation rankings for female K-pop idols, analyzing media coverage, social media buzz, and consumer engagement from April to May 2025. The results showcased a mix of established superstars and rising talents, but one name stood above the rest: Jennie Kim.
Top 5 Female K-Pop Stars of May 2025:
- Jennie (BLACKPINK) – Maintaining her stronghold, Jennie’s solo activities, luxury brand endorsements (Chanel, Calvin Klein), and viral fashion moments kept her at #1.
- Jang Wonyoung (IVE) – The “4th Gen It Girl” continued her streak with record-breaking music show wins and her role as a global ambassador for Miu Miu.
- Karina (aespa) – Fresh off aespa’s world tour success, Karina’s AI-inspired concepts and relatable fan interactions secured her spot.
- NewJeans’ Hanni – The Australian-Vietnamese star rose rapidly thanks to her effortless vocals and Gucci partnership.
- LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura – The former IZ*ONE member proved her staying power with solo variety show appearances and a dedicated fanbase.
The rankings also highlighted surprise entries, including NMIXX’s Lily (debuted at #12) and Kep1er’s Xiaoting (entered at #18), signaling a shift toward next-gen talent.
Why Jennie Still Reigns Supreme
Jennie’s ability to stay atop the K-pop hierarchy isn’t accidental—it’s the result of strategic reinvention. While BLACKPINK’s group activities have slowed post-renewal negotiations, Jennie has doubled down on solo ventures:
- Music: Her upcoming solo EP, teased in late April, has already amassed 2 million pre-orders.
- Fashion: As Chanel’s global ambassador, she consistently makes headlines for her runway appearances and street style.
- Social Media: With 68 million Instagram followers, she remains one of the most influential K-pop stars online.
Industry insiders credit her “effortless cool” factor—a blend of confidence, authenticity, and high-fashion appeal—that resonates across generations.
The Rising Challengers: Wonyoung, Karina, and the 4th Gen Wave
While Jennie holds the crown, the competition is fiercer than ever. Jang Wonyoung (IVE), just 20 years old, has become a cultural juggernaut in South Korea, dominating CFs (commercial films) and variety shows. Meanwhile, Karina (aespa) leverages her group’s metaverse concept to stand out in a crowded field.
NewJeans’ Hanni and LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura represent the globalization of K-pop, with multi-national appeal and fluent English skills broadening their reach.
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FAQs
Q: How often are these rankings updated?
A: The Korean Business Research Institute releases them monthly, analyzing data from the previous 30 days.
Q: Has Jennie always been #1?
A: While she frequently tops rankings, artists like IU and Lisa (BLACKPINK) have occasionally surpassed her during peak promotional periods.
