BTS's V, also known as TaeTae, continues to rule Japan's popularity rankings, cementing his status as a global superstar and making "TaeTaeLand" the place to be!

From January 13 to 19, 2025, V took the top spot in the male idol ranking poll on Japan's popular site NEHAN, marking an unbelievable 199 consecutive weeks at number one. This achievement is a testament to his immense popularity in Japan, where his influence keeps growing by the day.

But V didn’t stop there! During the same period, he made history by ranking first for an incredible 47 straight weeks in the "Actor Popularity Ranking" on the Korean actor site BIHAN.

He also secured the top position for 195 consecutive weeks in the "20s Korean Actor" category, proving that his reach isn't just limited to music.

On K-board, a platform offering K-culture news, V’s dominance continued as he topped the "K-pop Idol Popularity Ranking" for 155 weeks in a row. He also maintained the top spot in both the "Korean Drama Male Actor Election" and the "Flower Boy Election." Over on the K-pop site KPOP JUICE, V’s popularity remained unmatched.

V’s influence stretches beyond music and acting. Since the rise of the Hallyu wave in Japan, he has topped the "Celebrity Ranking" on X (formerly Twitter), surpassing both Korean and Japanese stars. BTS has also topped Japan's Google Trends, further proving their immense popularity.

Not only has V become a trendsetter in music and acting, but he's also a style icon, especially for Japanese Gen Z men.

Many have started copying his hairstyle and fashion, making him a true trend leader. One example of V’s impact is a small café in Japan, run by a barista rumored to look like V.

The café has become a hotspot, drawing huge crowds every weekend as women visit to see if the barista really resembles V.

Recently, this barista appeared on the Japanese variety show Too Beautiful Ramen Shop Owner & Handsome Café Owner alongside his mother. When asked if she thought her son looked like V, his mother humorously replied that she didn’t think he resembled V from the front but found it funny nonetheless.

The barista revealed his dream of having the best café in the world, with the host jokingly suggesting calling it "Cafe TaeTae."

V’s influence is so powerful that simply being rumored to look like him has brought appearances on Japanese media and broadcasts, proving just how far his reach extends.

Fans all over Japan are obsessed with TaeTae, and it's clear that his popularity is only going to rise even more.

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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!

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