BTS’s j-hope and Jin Solidify Their Status as Iconic Representatives of K-POP by Headlining Global Festivals

Members of BTS continue to strengthen their position as iconic representatives of K-POP through appearances at global music festivals and a survey in Japan. j-hope has been confirmed as the headliner for the main stage of “Lollapalooza Berlin,” which takes place on July 12–13 in Berlin, Germany. This marks his first solo performance on a European festival stage, three years after he became the first Korean artist to headline Lollapalooza in Chicago, USA, in 2022. IVE will also perform at the same festival, further demonstrating K-POP’s global influence. Meanwhile, Jin topped a survey conducted by the Japanese media outlet Danmee from March 13–20 titled “The K-POP Senior Idols You Want to Receive Your Second Button From.” He received 4,247 votes out of a total of 9,333 votes, accounting for 45.51%, and was chosen as the most admired senior idol in reference to Japan’s graduation culture. In Japan, receiving a male student’s second button first during a graduation ceremony holds special significance. Jin serves as the eldest member in the group and has long been regarded as a reliable senior who affectionately looks after his younger members since their debut. Japanese media explained that Jin’s gentle demeanor, unrealistically beautiful appearance, and kind personality—so notable even without appearing on variety shows—are the reasons he is loved by people of all ages. Jin is currently serving as an army trainee and is scheduled to be discharged in June. The performances of j-hope and Jin, as confirmed through global music festival stages and Japanese fan surveys, show that BTS remains the most influential group in the K-POP industry.