BTS V isn’t just a K-pop star anymore—he is a global data phenomenon. While many celebrities see their numbers dip during military service, Kim Taehyung did the impossible. According to data from Jagran Josh and Google Trends, V secured the #4 spot for the most searched person worldwide in 2025. He sits right at the top with political and tech giants Donald Trump (#1) and Elon Musk (#2), and pop icon Taylor Swift (#3).
This makes Taehyung the highest-ranking Asian celebrity and the only K-pop artist to crack the global top 10 this year. He even outpaced sports legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as well as music heavyweights like Drake and Kendrick Lamar. His search volume hit a perfect 100% peak on June 10, 2025. That is the exact day he officially returned to civilian life.
Dominating the Map: #1 K-Pop Idol in 77 Countries
V’s digital dominance wasn’t limited to one region. Google Trends data shows he was the most searched K-pop idol for the entirety of 2025 across 77 out of 81 tracked countries. This “Taehyung Fever” spanned both the Western and Eastern hemispheres. It proves his brand power stayed untouchable even during an 18-month hiatus.
Even while serving, V remained the most-loved Korean celebrity on the military app Goondori. He set an unmatched record with over 4.65 million supportive messages from fans. Forbes Korea further solidified his status by naming him the #1 male idol on their “Top 30 Representative K-pop Idols of 2025” list.
Return of the Elite: The Special Duty Team Discharge
V officially completed his service on June 10, 2025. He didn’t just serve; he chose the elite Special Duty Team (SDT) of the Military Police—a specialized counter-terrorism unit. Serving in the Ssangyong unit of the 2nd Corps, Taehyung earned widespread praise for his discipline. Photos of him in his black tactical uniform went viral constantly, earning him the nickname of a real-life action movie lead.
The atmosphere in Chuncheon was electric on his final day. V celebrated his discharge alongside fellow member RM, who was released at the same time. In a touching moment for fans, the duo performed a saxophone piece that immediately took over social media. Over 1,000 global media outlets reported on the event, treating the discharge like a major international festival.
“I am challenging myself in a new environment,” V had shared regarding his decision to join the elite SDT. Now, his successful completion has only added to his “main character” aura.
Snapshot: Taehyung’s 2025 Dominance
- Global Search Rank: #4 (All People)
- K-Pop Specific Rank: #1 (Most searched idol)
- Discharge Date: June 10, 2025
- Military Role: Special Duty Team (SDT) Counter-Terrorism
- Record Peak: 100% Google Trends value worldwide on June 10
The “V Road” Phenomenon: Fans Paint Chuncheon Purple
@garmy2022bts Taehyung Military Discharge Day 2025.06.10. Credit: Dispatch Instagram Story #taehyung #v #bts #kimtaehyung #bts_v #thv #sdt #chuncheon #rm #bts2025 #di ♬ Spring Day – BTS
To celebrate his return, ARMYs organized a massive “V Road” welcome near the military base in Gangwon Province. The tribute featured over 130 custom banners and miles of purple ribbons lining the streets. BigHit Music had requested fans to avoid visiting for safety, but the digital celebration was unavoidable. “Welcome Home Taehyung” trended at #1 globally on X for hours.
Now, the industry is looking at V as a major fashion force again. Even in military fatigues, media outlets were quick to discuss his post-service style and his massive influence as a global ambassador for Celine.
The Road to the 2025 BTS Reunion
With V and RM back, the countdown to a full BTS comeback has officially accelerated. Analysts expect V to jump straight back into high-profile activities, including solo music and global campaigns. With Suga’s discharge scheduled for late June 2025, the biggest boy band in the world is finally ready to reclaim their throne.
How do you think V’s experience in the elite SDT will influence his solo music or his energy for the 2025 comeback? Let us know in the comments!
