K-pop has exploded from a South Korean craze in the early 2000s to a global phenomenon. Icons like BTS, Blackpink, and 2NE1 are topping the US Billboard charts and even lighting up stages at festivals like Coachella. Social media has been a game-changer in this rise. In South Korea, 20.9% of internet users follow influencers, 18.6% track actors and performers, and 10.8% follow bands and musicians. This online engagement keeps fans connected to their favorite idols' personal and professional moments, fueling K-pop's worldwide virality.
K-Pop idols hold significant influence in marketing, as fans seek to connect with their lifestyle and endorsed products. The trust and loyalty between idols and their fans extend to brands, making social media and influencer marketing top trends in South Korea. We've curated a list of the most-followed K-Pop idols on Instagram to help you effectively promote your brand in this market.
Top 17 K-Pop Idols on Instagram ⬇️
Username: @layzhang Followers: 14.3 million
Let's talk about Lay Zhang, hands down one of the most famous K-Pop idols and a total superstar! This multi-talented icon is a rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actor, and entrepreneur all rolled into one. Lay made his big debut in 2012 with EXO and its Chinese sub-unit, EXO-M, under SM Entertainment. Even after parting ways with SM in 2022, he stayed loyal to EXO and continues to slay as a member of the group. Talk about dedication and star power!
Username: @yoona__lim
Followers: 17.7 million
If you're a fan of top K-Pop idols, you definitely know Yoona from Girls' Generation! She's not only a singer but also a talented actress from South Korea. Yoona debuted in August 2007 with Girls' Generation, one of South Korea's best-selling and most popular female groups. She's also part of the sub-unit Girls' Generation-Oh! GG. On May 30, 2019, Yoona showcased her vocal talent with the release of her first solo album, A Walk to Remember. Impressive, right?
Username: @bambam1a Followers: 18.2 million
Have you heard of BamBam? He's one of the most popular idols in K-Pop, celebrated for his skills as a Thai rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. BamBam is also a standout member of the K-Pop boy band Got7. Recently, he and Blackpink's Lisa teamed up as the faces of a new 5G campaign by Thailand's largest mobile network operator, AIS, making them a true power duo!
Username: @hyunah_aa Followers: 16.9 million
If you're looking for a solo artist who's not afraid to be daring, then look no further than Kim Hyun-ah, better known as Hyuna. She's a South Korean singer-songwriter, rapper, and model who first debuted as a member of the girl group Wonder Girls back in February 2007. But in 2010, she struck out on her own with a performance-oriented music style that has since won her a huge following. Check out her feed for some serious style inspo!
Username: @taeyeon_ss Followers: 19.0 million
Kim Tae-yeon, legit one of the best K-Pop idols around. First stealing hearts as a member of the iconic Girls' Generation, she's now slaying it as a solo artist. With over a million albums and twenty million singles sold by 2021, she's totally one of South Korea's best-selling solo artists. Her stack of awards and nominations just proves she's a true superstar!
Username: @skuukzky
Followers: 20.2 million
You might know Suzy as a South Korean actress and solo singer, but did you know she actually started her career as a member of the girl group MissA? That's right, she debuted with them back in 2010 under JYP Entertainment. And in 2012, she made her film debut in Architecture 101, where she stole the nation's heart and was even hailed as "The Nation's First Love" in Korea. Talk about making an impact!
Username: @xxxibgdrgn Followers: 22.4 million
Get hyped for one of the biggest K-Pop stars ever—Kwon Ji-yong, aka G-Dragon! Known as the "King of K-Pop," this South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, and fashion designer is a total icon. G-Dragon burst onto the scene in 2006 as the leader of Big Bang, and he's been shaking up culture, fashion, and music ever since. Forbes even named him the most influential person under 30 in Asia's entertainment and sports industry back in 2016. Whether it's his killer tracks or trendsetting style, G-Dragon is a superstar in every sense.
Username: @dlwlrma Followers: 32.7 million
You may have heard of IU - a talented South Korean singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Did you know that her stage name is a combination of "I" and "you", symbolizing the connection between her and her fans through music? With her girl-next-door charm and incredible vocal range, IU has earned the title of "The Nation's Sweetheart". Not only has she released chart-topping hits, but she's also hosted TV and radio shows and acted in popular dramas. IU has even partnered with big brands such as Samsung, Sony, and Guess - it's no wonder she's a household name in South Korea!
Username: @jacksonwang852g7
Followers: 32.6 million
Jackson Wang is a multitalented artist hailing from Hong Kong. He's a rapper, singer, fashion designer, dancer, and TV host, and he's a member of both the South Korean boy group Got7 and the Chinese hip-hop group Panthepack. In 2021, Jackson ranked in the top 10 on Forbes China Celebrity 100 list - a well-deserved recognition for his hard work and talent.
Username: @eunwo.o_c Followers: 46.4 million
Cha Eun-woo is a triple threat - he's a a famous singer, actor, and model from South Korea. He's part of the boy group Astro, and in February 2021, he became Penshoppe's international ambassador. Cha has also been selected as a brand ambassador for Burberry - talk about a fashion icon! With his good looks and talent, it's no surprise that he's making waves in the entertainment industry.
Username: @rkive Followers: 46.7 million
If you're all about K-pop, you definitely know RM, the leader of BTS. He's not just another rapper; he's a songwriting and producing genius behind many of the group's hits. Originally known as "Rap Monster" (pretty fitting, right?), RM was even spotlighted on XXL’s "10 Korean Rappers You Should Know" list. With his epic talent and leadership vibes, RM stands tall as one of the biggest K-pop stars, driving BTS to global fame.
Username: @agustd
Followers: 49.0 million
Suga, also known as Agust D, is a South Korean rapper, songwriter and record producer. He debuted as a member of the South Korean boy band BTS in 2013. Originally joining the company as a music producer, Suga trained under Big Hit Entertainment for three years alongside members J-Hope and RM. In 2021, Suga recomposed Samsung's signature ringtone, "Over The Horizon".
Username: @j.m
Followers: 53.1 million
Ah, Jimin! He's one of the talented members of the K-pop sensation BTS. Did you know that he's not just a singer and a dancer, but also a record producer and songwriter? Back in 2014, he teamed up with his bandmate Jungkook to create a Korean version of Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe" called "Christmas Day". Jimin even wrote the Korean lyrics himself!
Username: @roses_are_rosie Followers: 79.4 million
Roseanne Park, famously known as Rosé, is a Korean-New Zealand singer and dancer who has captivated global audiences. Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Rosé joined South Korean label YG Entertainment after a successful audition in 2012, eventually debuting as a member of the girl group Blackpink in August 2016. Her influence extends beyond music; in July 2020, she was named the global ambassador for Yves Saint Laurent, and in April 2021, she was revealed as Tiffany & Co's newest global ambassador.
Username: @sooyaaa__ Followers: 79.6 million
Jisoo from Blackpink is not just a talented singer and actress, but she's also a popular model. Before her debut with Blackpink in 2016, she was featured in commercials for big brands like Samsonite, Smart Uniform, LG Electronics, and Nikon. In 2019, she even became a local ambassador for Dior's cosmetics brand, Dior Beauty.
Username: @jennierubyjane43 Followers: 85.3 million
Jennie from Blackpink is known for her smooth vocals and impressive rapping skills. She spent five years studying in New Zealand before returning to South Korea and debuting as a member of Blackpink. Jennie has worked with international brands like Samsung and Lotte, and was even chosen as the new muse for Chanel Korea Beauty in 2018. Talk about a fashion icon!
Username: @lalalalisa_m Followers: 105 million
Lisa, or Lalisa Manoban, the dancing queen of Blackpink, is one of the most famous K-pop idols. Her mesmerizing moves captivate fans worldwide. In September 2021, Lisa made her record-breaking solo debut with the album Lalisa, selling an impressive 736,000 copies in its first week. The music video for its lead single also racked up 73.6 million views on YouTube within 24 hours, setting the record for the most-viewed video by a solo artist in that time frame. A true style icon, Lisa has collaborated with major brands like AIS, Samsung, Adidas, MAC, Bulgari, and Celine.
The Power of Instagram
Instagram has become an essential marketing platform for K-Pop groups and solo artists. Instagram empowers fans to take a sneak peek into their idols' personal lives, and to take a look at their lifestyle outside the cameras and the stage lights. K-Pop idols also use this platform to truly connect with their loyal followers.
Blackpink is a famous example of how to use Instagram to connect with fans, promote music, and share little glimpses of life beyond the spotlight. It's no surprise that all four members have snagged the top spots on the platform, engaging millions of followers worldwide.
Instagram's personal character humanize K-Pop idols, making them more reachable and authentic to the public eye. The idols' posts allows fans to know how these artists live their lives, what they eat, what they use, and where they buy products. This is also why influencer marketing collaborations with K-Pop stars has risen as one of the best ways to promote a brand in South Korea.
We hope this list has helped you in your research on the top K-Pop idols you could work with on your campaign.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who are the most followed K-Pop idols on Instagram?
The most followed K-Pop idols on Instagram include BLACKPINK members Lisa, Jennie, Rosé, and Jisoo, along with BTS members like Jungkook and V. These idols have millions of followers due to their global fame.