V — Global Icon 2023
A decade of inspiration, hard work, grit, and creativity – Kim Taehyung, the superstar V of BTS, proves that his journey is an inspiration for his global fans. A decade of transformation has evolved V as a phenomenal artist, musician, and a global icon. From his humble childhood in Daegu to dominating international stages, V is undeniably a true global icon, capturing many hearts around the globe.
With much anticipation, V has received massive support from his fans, topping the lists and earning him the title of Global Icon 2023. Among the list in the global poll of 2023: The Global Choice 100, V received massive votes from the public, and earned this title as The Global Choice for 2023.
A soulful and unique voice, a captivating aura, a talented and incredible performer – some qualities to describe V, and to many he is the epitome of perfection. His courage to step out and become a superstar, and what many call him – the most handsome, a masterpiece, a trendsetter, and an icon – reveal within him a very passionate and inspiring artist. V continuously amazes fans and the public through his undeniable creativity and charisma. His ability to bring a character to life with his cool, calming voice, remarkable choreography, and magnetic presence makes him so unique, and that is why many have taken into account that he is a global icon. As he is most known for being a member of BTS, V wears many hats and is a singer, dancer, songwriter, composer, director, producer, actor and a global ambassador, and he proves time and time again that he is an exceptional star. Over time, V has evolved into a phenomenal artist and global icon, and what sets him apart is his embrace of change and diversity, creating a new wave of creativity and innovation.
The Global Choice is a platform that conducts annual public voting to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of global artists, empowering the global community to cast their votes. This year, with four categories, the nomination and voting started on 1 January 2023, and ended last 5 December 2023. Upon completion of the vote tally, Kim Taehyung, aka V, garnered the top public votes and is the overall winner of the 2023: The Global Choice 100 - Global Icon 2023. Lisa Manoban of Blackpink came in second place to Taehyung. Despite the close competition, Lisa is also a remarkable artist who is making waves on the global stage. Last year, V earned all titles: 2022 Global Fashion Icon of the Year, 2022 Global Face of the Year, and 2022 Global Artist of the Year. Taehyung remains top-tier as an influential, inspiring, and phenomenal artist and icon.
Now, as the Global Icon 2023, here are the highlights of V’s journey in 2023: celebrating a decade in the industry and becoming a Celine brand ambassador in March, gracing the cover of Elle Korea magazine April issue, appearing at Celine Cannes 2023 Dinner in May, featuring on the cover of Elle Japan July issue, becoming the Cartier global brand ambassador and the new face of Panthère de Cartier in July, solo debut of ‘Love Me Again’ in August, gracing the covers of WOW Korea, The Pop Mag, and Arena Korea in August, surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify as a soloist on the same month, debuting the Layover album in September, featuring on the cover of The Star’s Life Inspired magazine for October issue, winning two awards for Best K-Music Artist and Best K-Music in the KM Chart 2023 in November, and crowned by Forbes Korea as the Best Artist who shined the most in the second half of 2023 in December.
Featured on the cover of magazines, became a global brand ambassador for luxury brands Celine and Cartier, selling out magazines, the Panthère de Cartier launch was successful , and yet Taehyung had something up his sleeve when he debuted Layover, his first solo album last September. It garnered 100 million streams on its first week on Spotify, and just after 33 days, it became the fastest K-pop album to hit 500 million streams. A back-to-back feat for V as his songs surpassed 1 billion streams in August.
Blackpink’s Lalisa Manoban, hailing from Thailand, makes history as her single “Money” hit more than 1 Billion streams on Spotify. Lisa had a close competition with Taehyung, ranking second in the overall count. Blackpink has concluded their World Tour this year, and given their busy schedule, Lisa continues to prove she is a global icon. The highlights of her 2023 journey are: collaborated with the luxury brand Bulgari on a limited-edition watch, featured on Elle cover February issue, graced the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Singapore x Celine March issue, performed at Coachella 2023 in April, attended the red carpet of Bulgari 'Mediterranea' event in May, appeared in Bulgari’s “Serpenti 75 Years of Infinite Tales” exhibition in June, graced the cover of W Korea Magazine‘s August 2023 issue, the first K-pop idol to perform at Paris’ historic Crazy Horse Cabaret in September, inducted in the Asian Hall of Fame in Los Angeles in October, and joining Spotify’s Billions Club in November.
Taehyung and Lisa are undeniably two of the best solo artists who are taking K-pop into a whole another level. Both of them are dominating global stages, breaking barriers and records, creating new feats that astound and inspire the public and fans all around the world.
In recognition of the exceptional contributions of international artists, the categories for 2023: Global Choice 100 are:
100 Global Fashion Icons of 2023
100 Global Music Artists of 2023
100 Global Faces of 2023
100 Global Bodies of 2023
The results are as follows:
Category: 100 Global Fashion Icons of 2023
Title: 2023 Global Fashion Icon of the Year
Winner: V (Kim Taehyung), BTS
In March 2023, V breaks the ceiling as he was announced as the brand ambassador for Celine. He graced the Elle Korea April 2023 issue, and fans were left in awe of his photos. V sported casual pieces from Celine’s collection which featured him in a jacket, jeans, T-shirt, and a hooded sweatshirt. In May, his appearance at the Celine Cannes 2023 Dinner made him the event's most searched personality. His outfit was stunning, an all-black luxury ensemble paired with boots.
Lisa of Blackpink, a global ambassador of Bvlgari, appeared on the red carpet of Bvlgari 'Mediterranea' in a black satin off-shoulder dress which featured a striking bow at the back. The outfit was completed with exquisite Bvlgari jewelry pieces, including a diamond and emerald Mediterranea necklace. Lisa again made her way to the spotlight when she attended Bulgari’s Serpenti 75 Years of Infinite Tales. She wore an elegant white satin gown, accessorized with Bvlgari jewelry.
This year, Lisa secured the second spot in the fashion category, standing next to Kim Taehyung. These two K-pop international stars demonstrate their extraordinary versatility as true fashion icons of their time, effortlessly transitioning from casual and stylish looks to elegant appearances on the red carpet.
Category: 100 Global Music Artists of 2023
Title: 2023 Global Music Artist of the Year
Winner: V (Kim Taehyung), BTS
In the past, Kim Taehyung has released his own music, with his tracks amassing millions of streams. In 2023, V took a big step. He debuted his first solo album, Layover, with just five tracks; it garnered 100 million streams in its first week on Spotify. Just 33 days later, it surpassed New Jeans’ ‘Get Up,’ and became the fastest K-pop album to hit 500 million streams. In June, his ‘Christmas Tree’ track surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify. His smooth, deep voice gives his music a different taste, leaving his fans wanting more. On his Layover album, listeners are captivated by the melancholic trip of emotions which brings them to a vulnerable state of longing, sorrow, and love. With a majority of votes in favor of V, he earned the 2023 Global Music Artist of the Year.
Jungkook of BTS and Taylor Swift are tied on the second spot. Jungkook’s ‘Standing Next to You’ has now spent five non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Digital Song Sales chart, and seven weeks on the chart overall, tying Miley Cyrus’s ‘Flowers’ for the 2023 song with the most weeks at No. 1 on Billboard. Taylor Swift continues to dominate as her Eras Tour became the highest-grossing concert tour in just eight months.
Category: 100 Global Faces of 2023
Title: 2023 Global Face of the Year
Winner: Lisa (Lalisa Manoban), Blackpink
Lisa graced the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Singapore, March issue, appearing on five covers. This special March edition, in collaboration with Celine, featured Lisa in chic and fashionable pieces from the brand. Lisa is also featured on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Korea, June issue where she was seen in statement pieces from Celine and Bulgari. These covers allowed Lisa to showcase her diverse personalities in accompanying unique styles. She has cemented her status as the 2023 Global Face of the Year, propelled with the support of her dedicated global fans.
In a tight race, Kim Taehyung secured the second spot. Meanwhile, he became the new face of the Panthère de Cartier campaign in July. Cartier revealed that they chose V for his captivating aura as the perfect individual to represent the panther. His photos prominently featured the gold panther necklace and ring. The campaign was a success, with the Cartier necklace selling out in minutes. Both Lisa and Taehyung are admired for their beauty, versatility, and the ability to effortlessly captivate audiences on a global scale.
Category: 100 Global Bodies of 2023 +fearless
Title: 2023 Global Body of the Year +fearless
Winner: V (Kim Taehyung), BTS
Through the years, V of BTS consistently proven his prowess as a global fashion icon. As the most followed member of BTS, V is often described as someone who could step right out of a fantasy movie. His appeal goes beyond his attractive face, striking eyes, and impeccable physique; it lies in his ability to stand out among artists, radiating a captivating presence and confidence that simply shines.
His recent achievements, including his role as a Celine brand ambassador, featured on the covers of Elle Korea and Elle Japan, attendance at the Celine Cannes 2023 Dinner, and his appointment as the Cartier global brand ambassador and face of the Panthère de Cartier campaign emphasize his exceptional capabilities. Beyond the accolades, this title serves as a reminder that beauty is not confined to a single mold; it comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. In continuing to influence and inspire people, V is not only redefining standards but also breaking molds, paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting world.
Lisa of Blackpink secured the second spot for this category. She has graced prestigious magazine covers and represented iconic brands including Celine and Bvlgari. Her global presence goes beyond mere aesthetics; being a true icon involves more than an attractive face. It involves a fusion of talent, confidence, strength, resilience, and creativity that resonates on a global scale.
Taehyung has dominated the 2023: The Global Choice 100, earning him titles of 2023 Global Fashion Icon of the Year, 2023 Global Music Artist of the Year, and 2023 Global Body of the Year, and Lisa Manoban earning the title of 2023 Global Face of the Year. Hence, Taehyung's overall victory earned him the title of Global Icon 2023. With massive global support, V continues to solidify his position as a phenomenal artist and influential global icon.
With that, we conclude this chapter! Stay tuned for an exciting lineup of new nominees and categories. Make your voice heard by supporting your favorite personalities through engaging polls and votes on our social media platforms.
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The Global Choice: Global Icon of an Era, 2014–present is gearing up for an extraordinary global poll launching in January 2024. Fans from around the world are invited to cast their votes on Patreon and take part in selecting the most iconic figures in fashion, beauty, music, and entertainment from across the globe. Batch 1 nominees feature an impressive lineup, including BTS members V, Jimin, j-hope, and Jung Kook, Blackpink's Lisa, Jisoo, and Jennie, as well as global sensations Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. The list also includes stars like Gabriel Guevara and Bright Vachirawit.
Prepare to have your voice heard as you contribute to crowning the era's defining icons. But that’s not all—stay tuned for exciting updates about the poll and exclusive insights into the nominees. The Global Choice: Icon of an Era promises to offer a captivating journey celebrating unparalleled talent and influence.
Keep a close eye on Patreon for the latest updates, and play a key role in deciding which stars will leave an indelible mark on this era. The countdown has begun, and an immersive experience awaits as the world collectively decides its era-defining icon.
