BTS Jungkook to BLACKPINK Rosé!
February might be the month of love, but it’s also the time for global recognition—especially if you’re part of the K-pop world. Madame Tussauds, the iconic wax museum chain with exhibits in major cities around the globe, has revealed its HOT 100 list for 2025. And guess what? K-pop superstars are in the spotlight, led by artists ranging from BTS’ Jungkook to BLACKPINK Rosé.
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The HOT 100: A Snapshot of Global Fame
Curious about how this list comes together? Each year, Madame Tussauds scours the planet for notable figures across acting, music, fashion, sports, and culture. The final lineup is dubbed the “HOT 100,” highlighting celebrated individuals shaping tomorrow’s cultural landscape. This year, they’ve zeroed in on several beloved K-pop acts. But in case you’re new to the phenomenon, let’s break down who made the cut and why.
BTS Jungkook: The Global Icon
Known affectionately as the group’s maknae (youngest), Jungkook has transcended boy-band fame in recent years. Sure, he’s the wide-eyed star of BTS, but his recent solo career proves he’s very much a standalone force. According to Madame Tussauds’ official notes, Jungkook’s chart-topping singles—SEVEN and 3D—set the stage for his full-length album GOLDEN, reinforcing his commitment to worldwide supremacy. Add in the documentary I AM STILL, and you have a global star unstoppable in his quest for music domination.
Why He’s on the HOT 100
- Chart Mastery: Tracks like SEVEN soared on international charts.
- Cultural Influence: His style, brand partnerships, and social media presence resonate with millions.
- Biggest Achievement: Being the youngest BTS member to carve out a record-breaking solo identity.
BLACKPINK’s Rosé: Angelic Vocals & Comedic Flair
Right alongside Jungkook in the music category is BLACKPINK’s Rosé, recognized by Madame Tussauds for her “angelic vocal quality” and dynamic onstage performances. The museum’s HOT 100 list isn’t just celebrating her voice, though—it’s also pointing to her comedic twist on the Korean drinking game APT. featuring Bruno Mars. That quirky tribute skyrocketed her popularity, introducing Rosé’s playful side to an even broader audience.
Why She’s on the HOT 100
- Broad Appeal: From serious vocalist to comedic dynamo, she draws fans from all corners.
- Record-Breaking Hits: Her tracks, both with BLACKPINK and solo, consistently chart worldwide.
- Brand Power: Whether it’s fashion endorsements or viral challenges, Rosé’s creative flair stands out.
Other K-pop Stars on the List
Jimin (BTS): Madame Tussauds calls attention to his renowned falsettos—first showcased in his 2018 debut solo track Promise. Next came Like Crazy, which soared on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified him as the highest-charting Korean solo artist in history. His latest single WHO continues breaking records, fueling speculation that Jimin might be unstoppable in his solo career.
Lisa (BLACKPINK): Thai rapper Lisa has made waves as both a K-pop idol and solo artist. With her track LALISA shattering YouTube’s 24-hour view counts, she also exemplifies brand power through endorsements like Celine and BVLGARI. Her 2024 solo tour reportedly generated $80 million in revenue, underscoring her status as a major global influencer.
Cha Eun-woo: The museum’s HOT 100 also recognized him in the “actors” category. Formerly a K-pop idol, Cha Eun-woo gained recognition for heartfelt roles in dramas like True Beauty and Gangnam Beauty. He nabbed the Global Icon Award at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan in 2023, proving that his star power extends beyond singing into the realm of acting and high-profile fashion partnerships.
What is Madame Tussauds’ HOT 100 Exactly?
To put it simply, it’s an annual rundown of luminaries across entertainment, culture, and more. Madame Tussauds merges “lasting fame” with current data analytics, resulting in a curated listing that spots who’s changing the face of tomorrow’s pop culture today. And while K-pop is no stranger to global acclaim, making it onto this famed roll reaffirms each artist’s deep-rooted popularity.
Why K-pop Dominance?
Between BTS’ record-breaking stadium tours and BLACKPINK’s chart-topping hits, K-pop has effectively shaken up the music scene. Western collaborations (like Rosé working with Bruno Mars) and unstoppable viral moments (Lisa’s LALISA) highlight a new wave of global synergy. Madame Tussauds’ HOT 100 simply mirrors what fans already see: K-pop artists keep rewriting history—both in and out of music.
Read More: BLACKPINK JISOO “AMORTAGE” Mini-Album: A Valentine’s Day Love Letter
FAQs
Q1: Do artists featured on Madame Tussauds’ HOT 100 get wax figures immediately?
Not necessarily. While Madame Tussauds famously creates wax sculptures of global icons, making the HOT 100 list doesn’t guarantee you’ll see them immortalized in wax right away. However, it often correlates with an elevated chance, as the museum tracks popularity for future sculptures.
Q2: Is this HOT 100 list only about commercial success?
No. While big-name hits, streaming numbers, or box-office impact certainly help, Madame Tussauds places equal emphasis on cultural influence, brand power, and artistic innovation. It’s about how broadly an artist resonates with fans and shapes global pop culture.
