Which K-pop artists attracted the most Google searches during the first half of 2026, and who claimed the No. 1 spot?
Google Trends data offers a snapshot of global public interest in K-pop artists. Throughout the first half of 2026, many stars generated significant search traffic thanks to music releases, fashion activities, acting projects, and other high-profile appearances.
According to Google Trends data compiled by international media, here are the 10 most searched K-pop artists on Google during the first half of 2026.
1. V (Kim Taehyung) – BTS
BTS member V topped the global Google search rankings in the first half of 2026, once again proving himself to be one of the most internationally influential K-pop artists.
Since completing his military service in 2025, V has remained in the spotlight through music projects, solo activities, and brand collaborations. He has also continued to make waves in luxury fashion, with nearly every public appearance sparking widespread online discussion.
Known for his distinctive deep voice, artistic charisma, and captivating stage presence, V has built a massive global fanbase. Many international media outlets consider him an influential figure whose impact extends beyond K-pop into fashion, music, and popular culture.
Previously, V was the most Googled K-pop artist of 2025, leading Google Trends in 77 of the 81 countries included in the rankings. He was also the most searched Asian artist on Google in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Beyond Google Trends, V remains the only K-pop artist to maintain more than 50 million Wikipedia page views. In 2024, despite serving in the military, he ranked among the world’s top 10 most-viewed male pop singers on Wikipedia. He currently has more than 75.5 million followers on Instagram.
2. Jungkook – BTS
Jungkook ranked second, maintaining his position as one of the most globally influential K-pop artists.
His solo music has continued to achieve impressive streaming milestones, while concert tours, endorsement deals, and international projects have kept him consistently in the public eye.
With his stable vocals, commanding stage presence, and worldwide popularity, Jungkook is widely regarded as one of South Korea’s most influential male singers.
According to Allkpop, he also topped the list of the most searched male idol group members on YouTube in South Korea in May 2026. He previously led the same ranking in 2024 and placed second in 2025.
In 2025, Jungkook was the third most-mentioned person on YouTube worldwide with 4.6 million mentions, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
3. Lisa – BLACKPINK
Lisa ranked third, making her the highest-ranked female K-pop artist in the first half of 2026.
Over the past few years, she has steadily expanded her international career through music, fashion, and acting, strengthening her global influence.
As a Thai artist, Lisa enjoys enormous popularity throughout Southeast Asia while also establishing herself in Western entertainment markets. Industry observers credit her exceptional performance skills, fashion influence, and charismatic stage presence for generating constant online buzz.
4. Jennie – BLACKPINK
Jennie secured fourth place, reinforcing her status as one of K-pop’s biggest international stars.
During the first half of 2026, she attracted widespread attention through solo music releases, collaborations with global luxury brands, and acting activities.
In addition to her performance skills, Jennie remains one of the most sought-after fashion ambassadors in the luxury industry, helping her maintain strong media visibility and consistently high Google search interest.
5. IU
IU was the only solo artist to make the top five.
Highly successful in both music and acting, IU has established herself as one of South Korea’s most influential entertainers. Her songwriting ability, vocal talent, and positive public image ensure that every new project attracts significant public attention.
6. Rosé – BLACKPINK
Rosé ranked sixth among the most searched K-pop artists on Google during the first half of 2026.
Her music career continued to reach new milestones, particularly through her collaboration with Bruno Mars on “APT.” The song received praise from critics and earned Rosé several major nominations at the 68th Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
7. Jisoo – BLACKPINK
Jisoo placed seventh on the list.
Alongside her music career, she has continued to expand her influence through fashion and various personal projects. Her elegant image and sophisticated style have helped her maintain consistent popularity around the world.
8. Jimin – BTS
Within BTS, Jimin is recognized as both a main vocalist and an exceptional dancer, admired for his emotional performances and graceful choreography.
In 2023, he released his debut solo album FACE, with the title track “Like Crazy” making history by becoming the first song by a Korean solo artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Jimin enlisted alongside Jungkook in December 2023 and completed his military service in June 2025. In a February 2026 interview with GQ, he described his solo career as a “wake-up call” that motivated him to continue improving before BTS reunited.
9. SUGA – BTS
SUGA began his career in Korea’s underground hip-hop scene before joining BTS. In addition to serving as the group’s rapper and producer, he has released several successful solo projects under the stage name Agust D, including songs such as “The Last” and “Amygdala.”
He began his mandatory military service as a public service worker in September 2023 due to a previous shoulder injury and completed his service in June 2025.
Speaking with GQ in February 2026, SUGA said BTS would continue making music and touring for as long as fans continued supporting the group.
10. Jin – BTS
Jin, BTS’s oldest member and one of its lead vocalists, completed his military service in June 2024 after enlisting in December 2022.
During his February 2026 interview with GQ, Jin credited BTS’s success to the members’ relentless dedication since their debut and praised his bandmates for maintaining their professionalism and passion throughout the years.
Among the top 10 most Googled K-pop artists in the first half of 2026, BTS placed five members on the list, while all four members of BLACKPINK made the ranking. The results once again highlight the extraordinary global influence of the two groups in bringing K-pop to audiences around the world.
Why do BTS and BLACKPINK consistently dominate search rankings?
BTS and BLACKPINK have built enormous global fanbases over the years. Beyond their group activities, each member has developed successful solo careers spanning music, fashion, acting, and brand partnerships, keeping them constantly in the media spotlight.
Every album release, concert tour, fashion event, or major public appearance generates substantial online interest. Their strong presence in key markets such as the United States and Europe also contributes to their continued dominance in global search rankings.
Does Google Trends accurately measure a K-pop artist’s popularity?
Google Trends reflects public interest by measuring search frequency across different regions and time periods, but it is not a definitive indicator of an artist’s overall popularity or influence.
Search volume typically spikes when artists release new albums, launch tours, star in films or dramas, sign endorsement deals, or become the focus of major news events. As a result, Google Trends is best viewed as a measure of media attention and public curiosity rather than a complete evaluation of an artist’s career impact.
What other indicators reflect a K-pop artist’s global influence?
In addition to Google Trends, an artist’s worldwide influence can also be measured through streaming data from platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music, as well as engagement across social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and X.
Other important indicators include rankings on Billboard and the UK’s Official Charts, album sales, concert revenue, brand reputation, and partnerships with major luxury fashion houses. Together, these metrics provide a broader picture of an artist’s standing in the global entertainment industry.
Sources: k14
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