Voting for the “Power Celebrity 40,” organized by Forbes Korea, is currently underway on the global K-pop platform Mnet Plus. This ranking aims to identify the most influential figures representing South Korea across various industries.
According to early voting data, G-Dragon and BTS are leading a tight race at the top. As of April 28, the ninth day since voting began, G-Dragon holds 47.4% of the vote, while BTS follows closely with 46.2%, creating a narrow 1.2 percentage point gap. Cha Eun-woo is trailing behind, forming a competitive top-three structure.
The “Power Celebrity 40” ranking goes beyond simple popularity metrics. It evaluates celebrities based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including annual income, media exposure, social media influence, and fan voting results. By factoring in achievements across broadcasting, advertising, music, and concerts, the index establishes itself as a symbolic measure of influence within the cultural industry.
This year’s voting period runs from April 20 to May 10, with approximately 70 nominees included. In the music category, artists such as Kim Dahyun, Kim Hee-jae, Song Ga-in, Lim Young-woong, Jang Yoon-jeong, and Cho Yong-pil are competing alongside multi-entertainers like Suzy, IU, YoonA, and Lee Junho. Global idol groups also feature prominently, including all members of BTS, BLACKPINK, Jang Wonyoung, and Karina.
In the acting category, top stars such as Park Bo-gum, Son Ye-jin, Song Hye-kyo, and Lee Byung-hun have been nominated. The sports category includes global figures like Son Heung-min, Kim Yuna, and Lee Kang-in, highlighting a cross-disciplinary battle of influence. In broadcasting, well-known personalities such as Yoo Jae-suk, Shin Dong-yup, and Jun Hyun-moo are also competing.
The selection process begins with candidate identification through portal search rankings, followed by the calculation of a “celebrity index” that combines revenue, media buzz, major awards, and fan voting results. Notably, fan votes directly impact the final rankings, making fandom mobilization a key decisive factor in determining the outcome.
One of the most compelling aspects of this year’s vote is the “cross-genre competition.” With singers, actors, athletes, and broadcasters competing on equal footing, attention is focused on who will ultimately claim the top spot.
The final winner will receive rewards including a feature advertisement in Forbes Korea magazine, online media exposure, and a commemorative trophy. A representative from Forbes Korea emphasized that the index serves as a comprehensive evaluation of a celebrity’s impact beyond popularity, reflecting their influence across markets and culture, and acting as a barometer for the current state of Korea’s celebrity industry.
Sources: Nate
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