V of BTS Achieves Top Rankings in Japan
BTS member V has claimed the top position in numerous popularity rankings across diverse categories in Japan, as reported by the South Korean news outlet STARNEWS. His remarkable achievements were recorded between April 14 and April 20, 2025, during which he topped several polls conducted by leading Japanese platforms.
Recognition Boosted by Military Achievement
The surge in V’s popularity can largely be attributed to his recent military accomplishments. He was honored with the Military Police Model Award after excelling in winter urban training and shooting exercises, even while dealing with an injury. This achievement not only enhanced his visibility but also triggered a significant increase in Japanese Google searches and two days of top-ranking coverage on Yahoo Japan.
Success in Idol Rankings
On NEHAN, a prominent idol ranking platform in Japan, V dominated the male idol category for an impressive 212 consecutive weeks. During the same time frame, he achieved the top ranking on BIHAN’s ‘Actor Popularity Ranking’ for the 59th consecutive week, and he remained the leading figure in the ‘Korean Actors in Their 20s’ category for an astounding 208 weeks.
Consistent Performance in K-Pop Rankings
STARNEWS also revealed that V has maintained the top position on KPOP JUICE, a Japanese site specializing in K-pop news. He has consistently garnered the highest number of mentions on Japanese Google Trends among K-pop artists since BTS’s debut.
In addition to search trends, V experienced notable engagement on social media platforms. He held the highest individual ranking on X (formerly Twitter) among all Korean and Japanese celebrities since the inception of the Korean Wave. His two consecutive days as a headline story on Yahoo Japan’s largest news portal further illustrate his substantial media presence in Japan.
Leadership in K-Pop Idol Rankings
In domestic rankings, V secured the No. 1 position in K-board’s K-pop Idol Popularity Ranking for a remarkable 168 weeks. He also led several categories, including the ‘Korean Drama Male Actor General Election’ and the ‘Flower Boy Election’, showcasing his sustained appeal and influence in the entertainment industry.
Outstanding Performance in Military Service
On April 19, 2025, V was awarded the Military Police Excellence Award, highlighting his exceptional performance despite physical challenges during training. Fellow soldier Lee Seungmin provided this update via Instagram, outlining V’s impressive achievements in shooting and urban warfare training.
Lee recounted that V, despite facing injuries to his shoulder and thighs, excelled in shooting evaluations and physical drills. He completed a challenging 3 km evaluation ahead of the elite standard, a testament to his determination and resilience.
Acts of Kindness in the Military
Beyond his training, V was recognized for his generosity towards fellow soldiers, donating workout equipment and treating them to meals during their downtime. This insight into his military service showcases both his leadership qualities and personal character.
Upcoming Discharge and Future Plans
BTS’ V is approaching the end of his mandatory military service, with a discharge date set for June 10, 2025. He enlisted on December 11, 2023, alongside fellow BTS member RM, both serving as active-duty soldiers in the South Korean Army.
Post-basic training, V was assigned to the prestigious Special Duty Team (SDT) within the 2nd Military Police Corps, where he has consistently excelled, earning a promotion to sergeant. Fans eagerly anticipated updates about his service, which he shared via letters on Weverse.
Future Anticipation
BTS leader RM is slated for discharge on the same day as V, while Jungkook and Jimin are expected to follow shortly on June 11. SUGA, who is currently serving as a public service worker, will complete his service later in the month.