Jungkook of BTS has been crowned Maknae of the Year 2025, taking first place in Music Mundial’s highly anticipated global vote. The competition, which celebrated the youngest members of Kpop groups, drew massive participation from fans around the world, ultimately placing Jungkook at the top as the most outstanding youngest idol of the year.
Organized by Music Mundial, the Maknae of the Year vote aimed to recognize idols who, despite being the youngest in their groups, have demonstrated exceptional talent, charisma, and influence throughout 2025. Jungkook’s win reflects not only his artistic achievements but also the unwavering support of ARMY, BTS’s global fandom, who once again showed their strength and dedication.
Maknaes often embody a special charm, balancing youthful energy with growing maturity. They are frequently admired for their journey, as fans witness their evolution from trainees or rookies into fully realized artists. At Music Mundial, maknaes are celebrated for this duality, innocence paired with ambition, and for the emotional bond they create with fans.
Jungkook’s title as Maknae of the Year 2025 feels especially fitting. Since BTS’s debut, he has been widely known as the group’s Golden Maknae, a nickname earned through his remarkable versatility and work ethic. As the youngest member of BTS, Jungkook debuted at a very young age and grew up in the public eye, continuously refining his skills as a vocalist, performer, and artist.
Within BTS, Jungkook has often been playfully spoiled by the older members, RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, and V, yet he has never relied solely on that affection. Instead, he has consistently proven his dedication through relentless practice, discipline, and a clear desire to improve. His growth has been visible year after year, making him a symbol of perseverance and passion.
In 2025, Jungkook continued to stand out not only as BTS’s maknae but as a global artist whose influence extends far beyond his role in the group. His performances, artistic consistency, and connection with fans played a major role in securing his top position in this competition.
The Maknae of the Year title is entirely voted by the fans, making Jungkook’s win a direct reflection of public support rather than industry judgment. Throughout the voting period, ARMY mobilized across platforms, voting consistently and passionately to ensure Jungkook’s victory.
This win also highlights how maknaes often become emotional anchors for fandoms. Jungkook’s sincerity, humility, and authenticity have allowed fans to feel personally connected to his journey, reinforcing why he continues to resonate so strongly with audiences worldwide.
Second place: I.N of Stray Kids shines as the maknae on top
Securing second place in the competition is I.N of Stray Kids, another maknae who has earned immense admiration in 2025. As the youngest member of Stray Kids, I.N has shown remarkable growth, evolving confidently within a group known for its intensity and self produced identity.
Fans praised I.N for his vocal improvement, stage presence, and emotional expression, qualities that have strengthened his role within Stray Kids. His placement reflects the dedication of STAY, the group’s fandom, who consistently supported him throughout the voting process.
I.N’s second place finish underscores how maknaes can mature into essential pillars of their groups, earning recognition not just for their age but for their contributions as artists.
Third place: Keonho of Cortis earns deserved recognition
In third place, Keonho of Cortis emerged as a standout, marking an important milestone for both the idol and his group. As Cortis’s maknae, Keonho has captured attention for his charisma, potential, and growing presence within the industry.
His ranking is a testament to the passion of COER, Cortis’s fandom, who rallied together to support him against competitors from more established groups. Keonho’s placement highlights the rising influence of newer acts and the power of dedicated fanbases in shaping recognition within Kpop communities.
Jungkook’s victory, alongside I.N and Keonho’s strong placements, illustrates how maknaes are not simply the “youngest,” but often among the most dynamic and influential members of their teams.
A heartfelt thank you to the fandoms
Music Mundial extends a sincere thank you to ARMY, STAY, and COER for their incredible participation and enthusiasm. The overwhelming response to the Maknae of the Year 2025 vote demonstrates the passion that drives Kpop fandoms and the importance of this recognition.
Congratulations once again to Jungkook of BTS, officially named Maknae of the Year 2025, as well as to I.N of Stray Kids and Keonho of Cortis for completing the top three. This competition proved one thing clearly: the youngest idols continue to shape the present and future of kpop.