K-pop and Luminate have captured global attention as eight K-pop teams ranked in the top 250 of the Luminate Index, a tool measuring artist influence. LE SSERAFIM led K-pop artists, followed by Stray Kids, NewJeans, and TXT, showcasing the strength of dedicated fandoms despite challenges in recognition and streaming. The rankings reflect K-pop’s growing global influence alongside Western artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
K-pop Stars Dominate Global Rankings on Luminate Index
In the third quarter of this year, eight K-pop teams secured spots in the top 250 artists on the Luminate Index. LE SSERAFIM ranked the highest among K-pop artists at 66th with 72 points. Stray Kids followed in 84th (70 points), NewJeans in 97th (68 points), and TXT (Tomorrow X Together) in 106th (67 points). ITZY, TWICE, (G)I-DLE, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa also made the list, ranking 153rd, 177th, 225th, and 235th, respectively.
Notably, BTS and BLACKPINK did not appear in the rankings due to a lack of group activities this year. Meanwhile, global pop stars Taylor Swift, Adele, and Beyoncé claimed the top three positions.
Luminate Index and Its Key Metrics
The Luminate Index measures artist influence through five categories: streaming (30%), social media (15%), artist recognition (25%), public appeal (15%), and engagement scores (15%). Engagement scores include live event ticketing, live streaming, and brand participation. Luminate, a renowned market research company supplying Billboard chart data, introduced the index in October to deepen understanding of artist fandoms in the United States.
K-pop Fandoms Drive Strong Results on Luminate Index
The inclusion of K-pop stars among leading Western artists highlights their rising influence in the U.S. music market. Though Luminate did not disclose detailed scores, TXT’s 84 points, similar to Miley Cyrus and Olivia Rodrigo’s 82 points, indicate the power of dedicated K-pop fandoms. Luminate noted that while TXT had lower recognition and streaming figures, their highly engaged fans significantly contributed to their overall score.
Challenges and Opportunities for K-pop Artists
Critics praised the unexpected success of K-pop stars, excluding BTS and BLACKPINK, amid strong competition from Western artists. However, they pointed out that K-pop still faces challenges, such as lower recognition and streaming compared to U.S. pop stars. Bridging this gap remains crucial for K-pop artists to secure top spots on charts like the Billboard Hot 100.
Luminate Index Reinforces K-pop’s Expanding Global Reach
Korean communities celebrated the news, particularly LE SSERAFIM’s achievement as the highest-ranking K-pop group. Discussions on forums like MLBPARK highlighted curiosity about Luminate’s credibility, which was affirmed by others. Fans also noted the increasing global focus of K-pop idols and the decline in influence of negative domestic communities. Despite persistent criticism toward LE SSERAFIM, such as claims about vocal skills or anti-fan narratives, the group remained unshaken, signaling a shift in K-pop fandom dynamics.
Here’s a link to MLBPARK.
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How can anyone say such horrible things about Le Sserafim? They’re like angels! It’s crazy that people are so mean. But guess what? They’re already huge worldwide! Haters gonna hate, but they’ll always be losers.