BTS’s V continues to take the world by storm, earning a spot in the prestigious Top 10 Most Searched Pop Stars Born in the 1990s on Google Trends!

V secured 10th place in the "Top 15 Most Searched Pop Stars Born in the 1990s" ranking, proving just how popular he is on a global scale. This ranking is based on Google search data and shows that V is right up there with some of the biggest names in music.

Taking the top spot was Justin Bieber, who became an international sensation at just 16 years old. Following him are Miley Cyrus, fresh off her Grammy wins in 2024, and Selena Gomez, who grabbed the third place. Other superstars like Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Demi Lovato, Harry Styles, The Weeknd, and Zayn Malik rounded out the top 9. And V? He’s the only K-pop idol to make it into the top 10!

Even during his military service, V continues to grab global attention, cementing his status not only as a BTS member but also as a massively popular solo artist. Known for his striking visuals, deep and emotional voice, songwriting skills, and as a fashion icon, V’s influence remains undeniable.

In fact, the letter “V” is now more closely associated with him than just the alphabet itself! Since debuting in 2013, V has consistently topped Google’s search rankings and was even named the most searched K-pop star in Asia in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

V’s presence in the rankings doesn’t stop there. In 2024, he was also recognized as 4th globally among male artists, trailing behind legends like Drake, Eminem, and Justin Bieber. The statistics channel Reigarw Comparisons even named him the most famous individual born in 1995 worldwide.

But it’s not just Google where V dominates. He’s also at the top of global rankings on platforms like Wikipedia and Instagram, where he remains the highest-ranking Asian star.

His massive influence and global fame continue to grow stronger, leaving fans in awe of his worldwide superstardom.

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Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

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