As 2026 begins, the rules governing the cultural and entertainment industries have clearly changed. In an era where influence is measured by the ability to generate economic value, maintain media presence, and connect directly with a global fandom, fame alone is no longer enough to define a star’s status. Artists who can expand their personal brands, mobilize fandom power, and lead the flow of popular culture are the ones who have truly become the new “power figures” of the modern entertainment industry.
That is also why Forbes кσяєα’s annual “Power Celebrity” list consistently draws special attention. Rather than focusing on who is more loved by the public, the list places greater emphasis on the economic influence celebrities generate. As Forbes кσяєα describes: “It (“Power Celebrity” list) looked at the flow of capital rather than the enthusiasm of fandoms, and valued the sustainability of influence over temporary buzz. In other words, it has interpreted celebrities not just as stars, but as industrial αѕѕets.”
The "Power Celebrity 40" is not a mere popularity vote. While a celebrity’s annual income is set as the most core selection criterion, the "Forbes кσяєα Celebrity Index" is calculated by also reflecting media coverage, social media buzz volume, and public voting. However, according to Forbes кσяєα, what matters is not the numbers themselves, but what those figures represent.
Income reveals who is moving the market. Social media influence reflects who can communicate directly with fandoms without relying on traditional media intermediaries. Media exposure and public votes, meanwhile, demonstrate the level of lasting connection a celebrity maintains with the au∂ιєnce. And in the landscape of cultural power in 2026, the most prominent name is none other than BTS!
In the newly released “2026 Power Celebrities” list, BTS secured the No.1 position, marking a powerful return after nearly 3 years and 9 months of interrupted group activities due to military service. Forbes кσяєα described BTS’s comeback as one of the biggest milestones in the кσяєαn entertainment industry this year and referred to the group as “the most iconic group in the history of Forbes кσяєα's Power Celebrity selections”.
Notably, BTS’s temporary hiatus as a group did not weaken their influence. On the contrary, each member’s solo activities further expanded the overall value of the group’s brand. Forbes кσяєα noted that the members successfully established their own individual fields, allowing their personal brands to grow significantly stronger, which in turn expanded the weight and influence of the BTS name on the global market.
Not only did BTS lead as a group, but they also demonstrated overwhelming dominance with four members appearing in the Top 10. Jin ranked No.6, followed by V at No.7, Jungkook at No.8, and j-hope at No.10. In addition, the remaining three members also entered the Top 20, with RM ranking No.11, Jimin at No.12, and SUGA at No.18.
Forbes кσяєα also offered detailed commentary on each member. Jin was praised for building a solid independent position based on an emotionally connected fandom and strong public favorability. V continued to strengthen his influence in the fashion and luxury industry, while Jungkook further solidified his image as a global pop star with exceptional international recognition.
In the performance sector, j-hope was recognized as an artist shaping the image of a global performer through his stage presence and solo music activities. RM continued attracting attention through his involvement in art and culture, reinforcing the image of an intellectually profound artist. Meanwhile, Jimin established a strong personal brand centered around fashion, visual identity, and dance. SUGA, on the other hand, was highly praised by Forbes кσяєα for proving his capabilities as a music producer through diverse solo projects.
BTS simultaneously dominating the rankings both as a group and as individual artists highlights a rare reality in the entertainment industry: the collective brand and the members’ individual brands are growing side by side. After nearly a decade at the top, BTS has not only maintained their status as an idol group but has also become the representative model of the “celebrity power” concept pursued by Forbes кσяєα — artists capable of generating cultural, economic, and media influence on a global scale.
Across social media, reactions praising BTS’s unwavering status continue to pour in, while fans have expressed immense pride: "Nobody is touching BTS's level of impact", "A true testament to BTS's enduring global popularity and the unwavering strength of their fandom", "BTS domination never ends", “This is legendary honestly", “Kings of global influence", “Seven stars, one legacy. Absolutely deserved", “Their power is unmatched", “BTS really built an empire",...
