WHO IS K-POP'S NEXT "WORLD STAGE ICON"? 2026

101,909 total votes · 22 options Closed Ends in

About this ranking

Jungkook's Dreamers performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar set the benchmark. Lisa is set to perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony, the first female artist from a K-pop group to take a World Cup stage. The bar keeps moving, and the K-pop artists who clear it keep joining the list.

This poll asks fans to name who is next. The ballot spans solo artists with crossover momentum and groups that have built global audiences outside K-pop's usual lane. BTS members are expanding their solo profiles, TWICE has kept a steady international presence, and IU carries critical respect that reaches beyond the fandom.

Vote for K-pop's next world stage icon and make your case.

  1. 1
    V
    Closed
  2. 2
    Jimin
    Closed
  3. 3
    Jungkook
    Closed
  4. 4
    Lisa
    Closed
  5. 5
    j-hope

    j-hope

    BTS

    About J-hope →
    Closed
  6. 6
    Suga
    Closed
  1. 7
    RM
    Closed
  2. 8
    Jin
    Closed
  3. 9
    TWICE
    Closed
  4. 10
    Jisoo
    Closed
  5. 11
    Jennie
    Closed
  6. 12
    ROSÉ
    Closed
  7. 13
    Stray Kids
    Closed
  8. 14
    IU
    Closed
  9. 15
    TOMORROW X TOGETHER
    Closed
  10. 16
    G-Dragon
    Closed
  11. 17
    ATEEZ
    Closed
  12. 18
    aespa
    Closed
  13. 19
    (G)I-DLE
    Closed
  14. 20
    SEVENTEEN

    SEVENTEEN

    About SEVENTEEN →
    Closed
  15. 21
    LE SSERAFIM

    LE SSERAFIM

    About Le Sserafim →
    Closed
  16. 22
    Taeyang
    Closed

Frequently asked questions

Who is K-pop's next World Stage Icon right now?

V currently leads the fan vote for K-pop's next World Stage Icon, ahead of Jungkook and Jimin. Voting stays open until July 19, 2026.

What does World Stage Icon mean in this poll?

It names the K-pop act fans expect to define the genre on major global stages outside K-pop, following Jungkook's 2022 World Cup performance and Lisa's upcoming spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony.

When does voting close for this poll?

Voting closes July 19, 2026. Cast your votes before then to count toward the final ranking.

How does voting work?

Pick your favorite act and vote. Each fan gets 3 votes per hour, and votes reset every hour so you can return and vote again.

How is the ranking calculated?

Each act's score is upvotes minus downvotes. If two acts tie on score, the one with more upvotes ranks higher.

How many acts are on the World Stage Icon ballot?

22 acts are on the ballot, spanning solo artists and groups with global crossover momentum.

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