Forbes Korea names BLACKPINK most powerful celebrity in 2024, BTS' Jimin and Jungkook in top 10

Jimin, BLACKPINK, Jungkook Pic/Facebook

Forbes Korea unveiled its 2024 Power Celebrity 40 list which features a multitude of South Korean celebs including those from the world of K-pop. Every year the magazine rolls out 40 influential personalities from the sports and entertainment sector. The factors considered are accolades received, achievements, media exposure, and popularity on social media platforms.

After BTS ruled the 2023 list, this year it was the girl band BLACKPINK that bagged the crowning position. The group consists of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa. The band is considered the most successful Korean girl group.

Earlier this year, BLACKPINK, which marked its debut in 2016, reached a new milestone as their track 'How You Like That' became the first performance video to cross 1.6 billion views on YouTube. Other music videos from the superband such as 'DDU-DU DDU-DU' (2.1 billion views), 'Kill This Love' (1.9 billion views), and 'BOOMBAYAH' (1.6 billion views) had touched the same milestone.

Meanwhile, the girl group NewJeans was placed in the third position on the list.

South Korean boy band BTS members Jimin and Jungkook ranked in seventh and ninth positions respectively.

Jimin and Jungkook have been enlisted in the military. In November last year, the four youngest members of the group were enlisted together.

Bighit Music announced, "Hello, this is Bighit Music. We would like to inform our fans that RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have initiated the military enlistment process," the company said in a statement issued via Weverse. "The artists are preparing to fulfill their military service duties."

"We ask you for your continued love and support for RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook until they complete their military service and safely return," the statement continued to read.

"Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artists. Thank you."

The group has been on a hiatus since June 2022 with the members carrying on individual activities until their reunion, which is expected in 2025.

For those unversed, the decision by BTS to enlist in the military helped avert a sticky situation for South Korea's government. Military service is compulsory for all able-bodied males under 30 years old. The current system allows for some exceptions on the grounds of exceptional service to the country. Some top athletes and classical musicians have been excused on this basis, but pop artists have not.

(With inputs from Agencies)