BTS member V (Kim Taehyung) has once again proven his unmatched global influence by dominating both Instagram and Google Trends as the No. 1 Asian star in 2024, all while fulfilling his military duties.

V’s Instagram power is undeniable. According to HypeAuditor, a leading influencer analytics platform, he ranked 7th among the "Most Influential Influencers in the World" and also in the U.S., making him the highest-ranking Asian star on the list.

The top global spot went to Cristiano Ronaldo, with over 645 million followers, followed by Taylor Swift, Lionel Messi, and Ariana Grande. Yet, V shined as the most influential non-American pop star in the UK, coming in 3rd, right after Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande.

He also ranked 4th among "Music Influencers" worldwide and claimed the 8th spot in Brazil and 2nd in Indonesia, leading as the top Asian star in these regions.

Google Trends data further cemented V’s global popularity. He was the most-searched Asian celebrity in 2024, a feat he had previously achieved in 2021 and 2022. Coming in second was cricket legend Virat Kohli, with Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan in third.

Since BTS’s debut in 2013, V has consistently been the most-searched K-pop star on Google. In 2024, he ranked 4th among the most-searched male pop stars globally, following Drake, Eminem, and Justin Bieber.

His Wikipedia stats are just as impressive. V was the most-viewed K-pop star on the platform and ranked 7th among the most-searched male pop stars in the world, standing alongside legends like Michael Jackson and Eminem.

Across platforms like Google, Wikipedia, and Instagram—ranked among the "Top 5 Most Popular Websites in the World"—V holds the highest position for an Asian star, proving his global superstar status once again.

Even during his military service, V's reach and influence remain untouchable, reaffirming why he is celebrated as the "Most Influential Asian Star in the World."

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]