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

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.

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