Gallup Korea’s latest year-end poll revealed surprising results in its ranking of the most popular singers of the year. Even with long breaks from group activities, both BTS and NewJeans made a notable impression on fans across the country.
For younger audiences under 30, BTS, IU, and BLACKPINK had dominated the top spots from 2020 to 2022, consistently ranking first through third. In 2023 and 2024, rookie sensation NewJeans rose to the top, capturing widespread attention with their fresh presence.
Despite a temporary halt in activities due to their legal fight with HYBE, NewJeans still maintained a strong showing, reflecting the group’s significant impact on the music scene. Similarly, BTS has been on a partial hiatus since mid-2022 while members fulfill their mandatory military service, yet their continued influence was clearly felt in this year’s results.
Both acts appeared multiple times in the top ten artists of the year for different age groups.
“Despite breaks in full-group activities, both NewJeans and BTS showed a strong presence…
Although NewJeans temporarily paused activities in March due to agency issues, and BTS has been on a full-group hiatus since mid-2022 for sequential military service, both still maintained a strong presence.”
— Gallup Korea
Korean netizens seemed particularly impressed by NewJeans’ rankings, who have often faced scathing backlash and scrutiny from community sites this past year.
- What is NewJeans’ brand value even… wow”
- “NewJeans… Amazing🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰”
- “I’ve never seen a group like NewJeans before… I like them though”
- “Wow IU is insane”
- “I want to see NewJeans~!! Hope things go well for them next year~!”
- “NewJeans are crazy! I hope they come back soon”
