On December 28, TC Candler and The Independent Critics released their annual 100 Most Handsome Faces 2025 video, and the TC Candler 2025 K-Pop rankings immediately lit up timelines. BTS’s V placed at #7 overall — the highest-ranking K-pop idol on this year’s list — while ENHYPEN’s Ni-ki entered the Top 10 at #10 and Stray Kids’ Hyunjin landed at #18.
The full list mixes longtime favorites and fast-rising rookies. Coverage from outlets like Koreaboo and TC Candler’s official YouTube video sparked celebration, fancams, and a fresh round of “visual king” debates across fandom spaces.
Receipts and rollout: the key details
- Release timeline: The 100 Most Handsome Faces 2025 video went live on Dec. 28 on TC Candler’s YouTube, with media summaries arriving Dec. 29 via outlets including Koreaboo.
- Top K-pop placements confirmed: V (BTS) #7, Ni-ki (ENHYPEN) #10, Hyunjin (Stray Kids) #18.
- Other notable K-pop spots: Jungkook (BTS) #14, Cha Eunwoo (ASTRO) #33, Jake (ENHYPEN) #46, Jimin (BTS) #60, Bang Chan (Stray Kids) #68, Beomgyu (TXT) #70, Felix (Stray Kids) #83.
- Context: Compiled annually by The Independent Critics, the list leans into global visibility and public sentiment rather than music charts or sales metrics.
V (BTS) — #7 overall, the year’s top K-pop visual
V leads the K-pop field at #7 on the 100 Most Handsome Faces 2025. It’s a strong global placement that underscores his appeal beyond music. As clips from the video circulated, fans pushed celebratory edits and trended tags recognizing his star power.
The result also resets this year’s visual conversation. For many ARMYs, V’s ranking reads as a nod to his enduring presence even during breaks from group promotions. His “face card” remains a staple across stages, fashion spreads, and viral TikToks.
Ni-ki (ENHYPEN) — #10 and the rookie shockwave
Ni-ki cracked the Top 10 at #10, one of the list’s most eye-catching placements for a younger-gen idol. The moment shows how quickly Gen 4/5 stars can scale global notice when dance performances, fancams, and styling align.
ENGENEs celebrated with edit compilations and calls for more solo photoshoots and magazine covers. Expect agencies to spotlight this in press materials — it’s a clean narrative: a rookie visual making noise on an international stage.
Hyunjin (Stray Kids) — #18, consistent and camera-ready
Hyunjin’s #18 confirms what STAYs and fashion editors have said for years: he photographs beautifully and delivers on stage. Between dance-led content, tour clips, and editorial shoots, his image stays front-of-mind globally.
Visual lists like this can translate into runway invites, glossy covers, and brand touchpoints. The ranking also mirrors Stray Kids’ expanding footprint, as mainstream recognition follows the group’s rise.
Jungkook (BTS) — #14, power of a global pop heartthrob
Jungkook lands at #14, reinforcing his draw both as a soloist and as a BTS member. He remains a go-to example of an all-rounder whose visuals match vocal and performance strength.
Even between major release cycles, his face and name rarely leave the feed. On lists like TC Candler 2025, his inclusion feels inevitable and fans treat it as proof of staying power.
Cha Eunwoo (ASTRO) — #33, the actor-idol dual threat
At #33, Cha Eunwoo continues to embody the idol-actor archetype. Casting teams and brands know his visuals translate from CFs and K-dramas to glossy pictorials.
This placement keeps him in the conversation for luxury endorsements and lead roles. It supports his long-game image as a top-tier visual within and beyond K-pop.
Jake (ENHYPEN) — #46, another ENHYPEN face making waves
Jake’s #46 adds another ENHYPEN name to the Top 50, signaling the group’s wider visual resonance. For fans, it supports the “no visual hole” claim — multiple members stand out.
Expect more fan-led edits highlighting Jake’s styling eras and stage presence. With Ni-ki and Jake on the board, ENHYPEN’s visual narrative keeps building.
Jimin (BTS) — #60, a stylish staple
Jimin comes in at #60, fitting his reputation as a style chameleon with expressive features. From moody concept films to high-fashion editorials, he maintains a distinct visual identity.
Fans often note how his stage charisma reads immediately in still photos. The rank is another reminder that BTS members continue to score individually on aesthetics-driven lists.
Bang Chan (Stray Kids) — #68, leader with presence
Bang Chan at #68 underscores how leadership and charisma shape perceived visuals. His public warmth — from livestreams to candid interactions — boosts appeal beyond angles and lighting.
STAYs highlight his duality: approachable offstage, commanding on it. For brands and shows seeking relatability plus looks, this kind of ranking helps.
Beomgyu (TXT) — #70, the moodboard favorite
TXT’s Beomgyu at #70 reflects his steady rise on fashion moodboards and edit accounts. He’s often cited for hair-and-makeup versatility and camera-friendly proportions.
These lists tend to reward that kind of repeat-viral face. The placement mirrors TXT’s growing global fanbase and editorial footprint.
Felix (Stray Kids) — #83, distinctive and unforgettable
Felix appears at #83, and his instantly recognizable features remain a fan favorite. From freckles to blonde eras, his look has a signature quality that pops in group visuals.
The ranking keeps him in rotation for fashion’s edgier lanes. As Stray Kids’ profile expands, Felix’s unique appeal gets even more visible internationally.
How fans and media are reacting
- Fanbases trended celebratory edits within hours: ARMYs rallied around V’s #7, ENGENEs amplified Ni-ki’s Top 10 moment, and STAYs spotlighted Hyunjin’s consistent high rank. “Best angles” threads and compilation clips spread fast.
- Media outlets like Koreaboo posted quick roundups tallying K-pop and Korean stars on the list, treating the rankings as a yearly pop-culture barometer.
- Balanced takes also trended: many reminded that the list is subjective and rooted in visibility and meme/voting culture, not music sales or awards.
Why this matters for 2025 schedules and branding
Visual lists don’t decide music awards, but they do influence casting shortlists, magazine calls, and brand lookbooks. For idols already on fashion’s radar — V, Hyunjin, Cha Eunwoo — a fresh placement can nudge new campaigns or covers.
For rookies and newer-gen stars like Ni-ki and Jake, the list can be a gateway to solo features and expanded styling narratives. It also helps keep names trending between group comebacks and solo drops.
Agencies watch these moments closely. Expect PR lines referencing “Top 10” and “Top 50” credentials in pitches for CFs, photoshoots, and global events.
What to watch next
- Agency amplification: Expect posts from HYBE, Belift Lab, and JYP spotlighting the placements, plus behind-the-scenes photos timed to the buzz.
- Short-term analytics: Look for bumps in followers, YouTube and TikTok edits, and hashtag volume tied to “100 Most Handsome Faces 2025” and “BTS V TC Candler ranking.”
- Fashion and endorsement moves: Photo shoots, pop-up campaigns, and special covers often follow in Q1–Q2 as these lists circulate widely.
- Further content from TC Candler: Keep an eye on the official video comments and playlist updates as more media recaps roll out.
