The prestigious 2025 Brand of the Year Awards have concluded with K-pop superstars and Korean entertainment icons claiming top honors. Over 3 million people participated in consumer surveys across Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam to determine this year’s most beloved celebrities and entertainment brands.
From BTS Jin’s variety show dominance to Stray Kids’ continued global appeal, this year’s winners showcase the incredible reach and influence of Korean entertainment worldwide.
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BTS Jin Major K-pop Winners Steal the Spotlight
The awards ceremony celebrated both established legends and rising stars in the Korean entertainment industry. BTS’s Jin took home the Male Idol Variety Show Star award, proving his entertainment value extends far beyond music with his popular variety show appearances.
Top K-pop Category Winners:
| Category | Winner | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Male Idol | Stray Kids | Korea |
| Female Idol | UNIS | Korea |
| Male Solo Artist | G-Dragon | Korea |
| Female Solo Artist | ROSÉ | Korea |
| Male Idol (Indonesia) | SEVENTEEN | Indonesia |
| Female Idol (Indonesia) | aespa | Indonesia |
| Female Solo Artist (Indonesia) | Jennie | Indonesia |
International Recognition Highlights Global K-pop Impact
The awards’ expansion to include Indonesia and Vietnam categories demonstrates K-pop’s massive international influence. In Indonesia, BLACKPINK’s Jennie claimed the Female Solo Artist award, while aespa dominated as Female Idol of the Year.
Regional Winners Breakdown:
- Indonesia: SEVENTEEN (Male Idol), aespa (Female Idol), Jennie (Female Solo Artist)
- Vietnam: TEMPEST (Male Idol), aespa (Female Idol), BLACKPINK’s Jisoo (Female Solo Artist)
- Korea: Stray Kids (Male Idol), UNIS (Female Idol), G-Dragon & ROSÉ (Solo Artists)
Rising Stars and Hot Trends Shape the Future
The awards recognized emerging talents alongside established superstars. KATSEYE earned recognition as Hot Trend Female Idol, while rookie groups like CLOSE YOUR EYES and Hearts2Hearts claimed the rookie categories.
Notable rising star winners include:
- SAY MY NAME – Rising Star Female Idol
- NCT WISH – Rising Star Male Idol (Indonesia)
- ARrC – Rising Star Male Idol (Vietnam)
For more K-pop news and updates, check out our K-pop coverage and entertainment section.
Acting Categories Celebrate Korean Drama Excellence
Beyond music, the awards honored outstanding performances in Korean dramas and films. Byeon Woo-seok, riding high on his “Lovely Runner” success, won the Actor category in Indonesia, while Park Bo-gum claimed multiple wins across different regions.
Acting Award Highlights:
- Drama Actor: Lee Jun Hyuk (Korea)
- Drama Actress: Park Bo Young (Korea)
- OTT Actor: Park Bo Gum (Korea)
- OTT Actress: IU (Korea)
- Actor (Indonesia): Byeon Woo-seok
Variety Show Excellence and Entertainment Innovation
The ceremony also celebrated Korea’s thriving variety show landscape. Popular shows like “Running Man” for Weekend Variety Show and “You Quiz on the Block” for Talk Show took home awards, showcasing the continued strength of Korean variety programming.
Entertainment Category Winners:
- Male Variety Show Star: Yoo Jae Suk
- Female Variety Show Star: Jang Do Yeon
- Male Multi-tainer: Park Bo Gum
- Weekend Variety Show: Running Man
The Korea Customers Council’s annual survey continues to be a reliable barometer of public preference, with millions of consumers across Asia participating in the selection process. These awards not only celebrate current success but often predict future trends in Korean entertainment.
Visit our Korean drama reviews for more coverage of award-winning actors and shows.
Digital Platform Recognition
The awards also acknowledged the growing importance of digital platforms in entertainment. Various YouTube channels and web variety shows received recognition, including “Salon Drip” for Female Web Variety Show MC.
The comprehensive nature of these awards, spanning traditional entertainment, digital platforms, and international markets, reflects the evolving landscape of Korean entertainment consumption globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are the Brand of the Year Awards winners selected?
A: The Korea Customers Council conducts extensive consumer surveys across Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Over 3 million people participated in the 2025 surveys to determine winners across various entertainment categories based on public preference and brand recognition.
Q: Why did K-pop artists win in multiple countries’ categories?
A: The awards include separate categories for Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam to reflect regional preferences. K-pop’s global appeal means artists like aespa, SEVENTEEN, and BLACKPINK members often win in multiple regions, demonstrating their international influence and local market penetration.
