The ranking of Top Most Popular Idol in China is controversial

Initially, Kpop idols were just Korean nationals.  Over time, as Kpop becomes more and more popular, reaching out to Asia and the world, the number of foreign idols has increased.  In particular, there are many idols from China, they are not only famous in Korea but also the most popular name in their homeland.

Recently, Allkpop has gathered a series of extremely famous Kpop idols in China.  It is undeniable that these are influential idols with a great reputations, but this list has caused a lot of controversies.  Many fans believe that the list below lacks many prominent names such as “global group” BTS, TWICE, Red Velvet … Meanwhile, Lisa (BLACKPINK) is the only exception when she is not  Chinese but still passionately loved in that country. However, she is ranked at a relatively low position despite being a famous “international sister”.

1. UNIQ Wang Yibo

While UNIQ hasn’t released any songs since 2018, each member has separate successful careers in China and Korea. Wang Yibo, in particular, has skyrocketed in popularity in both China as well as internationally. From mentoring in shows like Produce 101 China and Street Dance of China, Yibo received great recognition for his professional dancing skills.

2. GUGUDAN Sally

Since departing from GUGUDAN, Sally, also known as Liu Xiening, participated in the project girl group show, Produce Camp 2020. Produce Camp mentors included stars like f(X)’s Victoria Song and was known for the show that satisfied EXO-Ls by finally reuniting ex-EXO members Tao, Luhan, and Kris in one screen once again! Sally finished the show in 6th place, successfully debuting in the Chinese girl group, BonBon Girls 303.

3. EXO Lay

EXO’s Lay Zhang may not have actively participated in EXO’s comebacks since 2016, but he has been rapidly building even more popularity in China. Known affectionately by the trainees he has mentored on several Chinese project boy group shows as Zhang PD, Lay is a recognized professional in singing, dancing, music production, and acting. On his birthday this year, Lay announced that he had opened his own entertainment company, Chromosome Entertainment, and was eagerly holding auditions for prospective trainees.

4. BLACKPINK Lisa

BLACKPINK may have already been wildly popular in China for their bold girl crush concept, but Lisa in particular skyrocketed in popularity after appearing as a dance mentor on the show, Youth With You 2. Fans internationally tuned in to the Chinese project girl group show solely for Lisa’s cute yet stern mentoring as she helped many trainees drastically improve their dance skills. To the excitement of many BLINKS, Lisa is also a confirmed member for Youth With You 3.

5. GOT7 Jackson

Jackson’s humorous personality has helped him score perfectly through variety shows.  Jackson is also a versatile idol, good at rapping, dancing, and acting.

6. Yiren (EVERGLOW)

Wang Yiren (Yiren) was born in 2000, participated in Produce 48, and won a lot of love from fans.  In 2019, she debuted with EVERGLOW and quickly became popular, becoming one of the most popular female rookie female idols.

7. SEVENTEEN Xu Minghao

Xu Minghao, also known as his stage name, THE8, is part of SEVENTEEN’s performance unit. He gained even more popularity in China after appearing as a dance mentor on the project boy group show, Idol Producer 2, where he taught and performed one of SEVENTEEN’s hit songs, “Highlight,” with the trainees on the show. For many viewers, his professionalism and devotion to improving the trainees’ skills were truly admirable!

8. WJSN Cheng Xiao

Though many fans are unsure if Cheng Xiao has officially departed from WJSN, one thing is for sure — she is one of the hottest female celebrities in China at the moment. Recently, Cheng Xiao’s commercial for feminine hygiene products went viral on the internet, and many Kpop fans joked that they wished her commercial was a real Kpop song that they could download and listen to.

9. f(x) Victoria

f(x) members Amber, Luna, Krystal, and Victoria, may not have renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment, but they’ve made it clear that f(x) is far from disbanding. Though they are individually focusing on their own careers right now, f(x) fans are happy to see them thriving on their own. Victoria has participated in shows like Produce Camp 2020 and Hot Blood Dance Crew and showed off her dance skills on stage as a powerful female idol on her own. With outstanding achievements, it is more difficult for audiences to understand when Victoria’s position is so low in this ranking.

10. Zhou Jieqiong

Zhou Jieqiong used the stage name Kyulkyung when operating in Korea.  She was a member of the girl group project I.O.I, came out of the program Produce 101 season 1. After that, the female idol debuted under Pledis Entertainment with Pristin.  Unfortunately, Pristin disbanded after only 2 years of operation, Zhou Jieqiong returned to work in China.  The female idol is famous, but it is followed by countless scandals such as dating Wang Sicong, disrespecting her senior, wearing fake clothes …