Forbes Korea has once again unveiled its annual list of the most influential figures in the realm of K-pop and K-drama, presenting the 2024 Power Celebrity 40 lineup. Topping the list this year is none other than the globally acclaimed girl group, BLACKPINK. Rising from their previous third-place position in 2023, BLACKPINK’s dominance reflects their continued success in both group and individual endeavors. Notably, members Lisa, Jisoo, and Jennie have ventured into solo projects, television appearances, and fashion collaborations, further solidifying their influence in the entertainment industry. Additionally, each member has launched a fashion label, signaling their entrepreneurial prowess and expanding reach beyond music.
Securing the second spot on the list is Son Heung-min, the esteemed captain of the South Korean national soccer team and a standout player for Tottenham Hotspur FC. Following closely behind is NewJeans, another prominent girl group making waves in the industry with their captivating performances and growing fanbase. The top 10 also features notable personalities such as soccer player Minjae Kim, singer Lim Young-woong, and baseball star Lee Jung-hoo, alongside BTS members Jimin and Jungkook, who continue to command immense influence despite the group’s absence from the top spot for the first time since 2017.
Noteworthy mentions within the Power Celebrity 40 include Cha Eunwoo, Minho Jang, and IU, among others, highlighting the diverse talent and achievements present within the Korean entertainment landscape. Of particular interest is Jimin’s impressive seventh-place ranking, making him the highest-ranking K-pop soloist and the second-highest-ranking solo musician on the list. His global ambassadorships, critically acclaimed EP releases, and social media dominance underscore his unwavering popularity and influence, even amidst BTS’s hiatus.
Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity 40 list, established in 2009, serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of Korean entertainment, recognizing individuals who excel in various fields including sports, music, and acting. Drawing parallels to Forbes US’s Celebrity 100, this annual ranking takes into account factors such as media exposure, social media engagement, and financial success, providing insight into the ever-changing dynamics of fame and influence in the industry.
#JIMIN ranks 7th on Forbes Korea's Power Celebrity 40, making him the highest ranking K-pop soloist and the second highest ranking solo musician.
— FirstSnow JiminData ❄️ (@FJimindata) April 30, 2024
This highly-anticipated list, which started in 2009, is the Korean version of Forbes US’s annual Celebrity 100. The criteria for the… pic.twitter.com/eTb6KnXFen
As fans eagerly await the next iteration of Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity 40, one thing remains clear: the Korean entertainment industry continues to thrive, propelled by the talent, dedication, and innovation of its brightest stars.