With 2024 approaching its end, Google released its annual report showcasing the most searched topics globally. In 2024, K-pop made a significant impact on global search trends, as fans around the world showed their admiration for their favorite idols and groups.
Google’s annual report revealed that K-pop dominated global searches in 2024. BTS member Kim Taehyung, aka V, was the most searched K-pop idol on Google worldwide. BTS continued to lead as the most searched K-pop group.
Rosé collaborated with Bruno Mars on the song APT., which became the most searched song by a K-pop artist, and ranked second overall.
Fans were ecstatic as K-pop continued its global reign in 2024. Taehyung's title as the most searched K-pop idol caused ARMY and V fans to come up with posts celebrating his impact.
"THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE MOST POPULAR," one fan wrote.
Fans' of BTS' V took to the social media platform, X, to express their joy.
"And when I say taehyung is more famous than any other artist in the world, i mean it. KING" commented one fan of V.
"He will always be the most popular kpop idol, fortunately popularity is something that cannot be bought, cannot be manipulated, and I love this fact because it always takes his antis out of the delusional world," said a netizen.
BTS topping the charts as the most searched K-pop group sparked a wave of nostalgia and admiration among fans.
"The way a lot of kpop groups went to carpets, important awards and big music festivals this year but the group that has been on hiatus since 2022 is still the most searched is so funny," wrote this ARMY.
"Most streamed and most searched kpop group in 2024 and don't forget they have achieved these records while being on group hiatus.. bts you'll always be famous and loved," remarked one more ARMY.
"Wow, the power of BTS and V! According to Google Trends, they are the most searched K-pop group and idol in 2024. Their global impact just keeps growing. What do you think makes them so special? Let's celebrate their success!" shared one ARMY.
Rosé's success with APT. alongside Bruno Mars ignited a frenzy among BLINKs and music enthusiasts alike. Fans hailed the collaboration.
"Queen rose making history," said a fan of Rosé.
"I wasn't kidding when I said this was the biggest hit since Gangnam style," added an X user.
"Second overall and number one for K-pop this collaboration is truly unstoppable," another fan commented.
Rosé and Bruno Mars' Apt. and BTS' Taehyung tops Google global trends and music charts
Rosé, the New Zealand-South Korean singer, and American artist Bruno Mars teamed up for the release of Apt. on October 18, 2024, through The Black Label and Atlantic Records. This track marked the lead single from Rosé’s highly anticipated debut studio album, Rosie (2024).
The song became an instant hit, topping the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts for seven consecutive weeks. It also earned both artists their second number-one single on these charts.
In South Korea, Apt. achieved a "perfect all-kill," making it the first track for both Rosé and Mars to reach the top spot on the Circle Digital Chart.
The song topped the charts across multiple countries. This included New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the MENA region, the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan. It also broke records by entering the top ten on the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart, which marked Rosé to be the first K-pop female soloist song to achieve this feat on either chart.
Meanwhile, BTS member Kim Tae-hyung, known as V, released three singles in 2024 while fulfilling his mandatory military service in South Korea. The singles include Fri(end)s, Winter Ahead (with Park Hyo-shin), and a remix of White Christmas featuring Bing Crosby.
Fri(end)s performed well globally, charting at No. 65 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Global 200. His collaboration with Park Hyo-shin, Winter Ahead, made history as the first jazz song by a K-pop artist to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
White Christmas was a holiday classic originally written by Irving Berlin for the 1942 film, Holiday Inn. The new rendition by Taehyung, collaborating with the original singer's voice, also charted worldwide. It topped the Worldwide and European iTunes Song Charts on December 7, 2024, 81 years after its original release.
Google's 2024 trends: Korean dramas, major sports events, political moments, and global travel hotspots lead search rankings
Korean dramas also made a strong impact on Google’s 2024 trends, with Queen of Tears ranking 7 and Marry My Husband securing 8 in the TV Shows category. In South Korea, Min Heejin emerged as one of the most searched topics, highlighting her influence in the entertainment industry.
The Google Trends report also captures the events, figures, and trends that defined the year. It spans various categories, including sports, politics, entertainment, and travel, reflecting the world’s diverse interests.
Sports events captured widespread attention. Copa América and the UEFA European Championship led the global sports search trends. Major political events and climate-related issues drove global Google search trends. The US Election was the most searched political event of the year.
Climate-related searches also surged as Hurricane Milton and excessive heat made headlines. The 2024 Olympics were another focal point, sparking worldwide interest with its memorable moments.
Public figures remained central to Google searches. Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, were among the most searched personalities.
Actors like Katt Williams, Pawan Kalyan, Adam Brody, Ella Purnell, and Hina Khan also gained global attention. In cinema, Inside Out 2 emerged as the most searched movie worldwide. Music trends soared, with Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us, becoming the most searched song globally followed by Rosé and Bruno Mars’ APT. as second.
Athletes also captured attention. Imane Khelif, Mike Tyson, Lamine Yamal, Simone Biles, and Jake Paul topped sports-related searches. Popular teams included the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Inter Miami CF, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and Boston Celtics.
Google Maps searches highlighted global travel hotspots. Central Park in New York was the most searched park. Museums also trended in Google searches, with The British Museum in London topping searches.
Stadiums were another major category of Google trends. Arena di Verona in Italy was the most searched stadium.
Currently, V, along with BTS members SUGA, RM, Jimin, and Jungkook, is serving in the South Korean military. They are expected to be discharged by June 2025.
Jin and j-hope, who completed their service in 2024, have returned. Jin released his debut solo album, HAPPY, after his discharge in June, while j-hope followed in October.