Top 10 Best K-Pop Leaders of 2025 According To Fans

We at ICON are super excited to finally share the official results of our annual Best K-Pop Leaders poll! We launched this survey earlier in the year and just wrapped it up, and wow  the response from fans around the world has been absolutely amazing. We let you all vote hourly for your favorite leaders, and the passion and dedication we saw was incredible.

This poll was all about celebrating the leaders who guide their groups with wisdom, charisma, responsibility, and inspiration. Being a K-Pop leader isn't easy these people have to take care of their members, represent the group, and handle so much pressure. We wanted to honor those who do it best, and after months of voting, the results are finally in.

We're so proud to announce our Top 10 Best K-Pop Leaders of 2025 based on the votes you all cast. These exceptional individuals have earned the admiration and trust of fans worldwide through their outstanding leadership. Let's count down from number 10 to our ultimate winner.

10. Suho from EXO 172 VOTES 

Starting off our list is Suho from EXO We've always admired how he's like the guardian of the group. His leadership style is gentle but firm, and he genuinely cares about his members. What we love about him is how he's steered EXO through so many challenges and triumphs over the years. He's been such a steady presence for one of K-Pop's most enduring groups.

9. Jihyo from TWICE 213 VOTES 

Jihyo from TWICE landed in ninth place! We have so much respect for her as a leader. She's got this powerhouse vocal strength and such a disciplined work ethic. Fans always describe her as having this maternal care for the members, which really helps keep TWICE's dynamic energy united. Her leadership keeps the group thriving even with their busy schedules.

8. Yeji from ITZY 229 VOTES 

Yeji from ITZY came in eighth and we think she's such a fierce leader! What we love about her is that sharp charisma and motivational presence she brings. She leads her members with so much confidence and empowerment, both on and off stage. For a relatively newer group, she's really proven herself as a strong captain who inspires her team.

7. S.Coups from SEVENTEEN  261 VOTES 

S.Coups from SEVENTEEN secured seventh place! We have to say, leading SEVENTEEN must be incredibly challenging since it's one of the largest groups in K-Pop. He's got this strategic mindset and protective instincts that really stand out. We admire his hands-on approach in managing a self produced group that takes serious dedication and skill.

6. Onew from SHINee 314 Votes

Onew from SHINee took sixth place and we absolutely love his leadership style! He has this quiet strength and humility that's really special. What impresses us is how gracefully he's navigated SHINee's legacy while supporting each member's individual growth. He's been such a warm-hearted presence for the group through everything they've been through.

5. Soobin from TXT 485 VOTES 

Soobin from TXT danced into fifth place! We think what makes him a great leader is his empathetic communication style and youthful maturity. He's really skilled at fostering a harmonious environment for his teammates, which is so important. Even though TXT is still a relatively young group, we've been impressed by how thoughtfully he leads them.

4. JinJin from ASTRO 1,497 VOTES 

JinJin from ASTRO grabbed fourth place and we're so happy to see him getting this recognition! What we really appreciate about him is his songwriting contributions and creative force within the group. His positive energy and steadfast commitment to leading with passion and innovation really shine through. He's been such a driving force for ASTRO.

3. Hyebin from MOMOLAND 1,996 VOTES 

Hyebin from MOMOLAND earned bronze with almost 2,000 votes! We have so much respect for her resilience as a leader. What we've noticed is her determination, vocal advocacy for the group, and uplifting spirit that has kept MOMOLAND bonded through both highs and lows. She deserves way more recognition for how she's held the group together.

2. Bang Chan from Stray Kids 2,514 VOTES 

Bang Chan from Stray Kids claimed second place! We are constantly in awe of everything he does he produces their hits, mentors the members, and has built this incredible global family of fans. His dedication is truly unwavering. What makes him special is that all-encompassing role he plays. He's not just a leader, he's like the heart of Stray Kids. We love how beloved he is by fans.

1. RM from BTS  112,457 VOTES 

And our winner by an absolutely OVERWHELMING margin is RM from BTS with over 112,000 votes! We're so excited to crown him as the Best K-Pop Leader of 2025! The vote difference is just incredible he got like 45 times more votes than second place which shows how much fans admire him.