The battle for K-pop‘s most influential leader has officially begun, with fan-voting contests pitting the industry’s most respected figureheads against one another in the “Best Leader in K-Pop Vote 2025.” At stake is more than just bragging rights. In the intricate ecosystem of K-pop groups, leaders serve as the backbone—they’re the official spokespersons, creative directors, and emotional anchors who often determine a group’s trajectory and longevity.

How To Choose Your Favorite Idol in the Best Leader in K-pop Vote 2025

Fans can participate in multiple voting contests through platforms to choose their favorite K-pop leader of 2025. Some of the platforms include iconpolls.com and topfamous.com. The extended voting period gives fandoms ample opportunity to mobilize support for their favorite leaders.

The Best K-pop Leaders Contenders

BTS RM stands as perhaps the most globally recognized leader in the competition. Having guided his group from obscurity to worldwide dominance, RM has redefined what Asian artists can achieve on the global stage.

“He led his group from the ground up to being the biggest music act in the world,” one fan explained on Reddit, “shattering glass ceilings and barriers into unchartered territory as Asian artists.”

What distinguishes RM’s leadership style is his willingness to be vulnerable. His openness about the creative process has reportedly inspired his bandmates to pursue their own musical ambitions, fostering an environment where ideas flow freely.

“RM isn’t perfect and he doesn’t pretend to be,” the fan continued. “He acknowledges mistakes and doesn’t just talk the talk. He takes what he learns and applies it to his life.”

EXO Suho has emerged as another strong contender, particularly noted for his steadfast commitment during challenging periods. Fans praise his inclusive leadership approach, where every member’s voice carries weight.

“He really held EXO together during the hardest of times—you could visibly see his pain during music shows,” an admirer commented. “He always shows love and appreciation to his fellow members and EXO-Ls.”

EXO member Sehun has also credited Suho as the best leader. He gushed, “I think because we have such a leader (like you) EXO could continue until now. I think that’s a big factor, because Suho hyung is the leader.”

Meanwhile, Stray Kids‘ Bang Chan has captured attention for his unique balance of empowerment and accountability. As Stray Kids rocketed to global fame, Bang Chan’s leadership philosophy has been credited as a critical factor in their success.

“He gives the kids freedom but pushes them to be the best they can be,” noted one supporter. “That’s a real leader—not someone who rules strictly, but someone who makes you the best version of yourself.”

Fans particularly highlight Bang Chan’s dedication to his bandmates, pointing to how he personally helped member Felix adapt to Korean language and culture. His tireless work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed either, with observers frequently spotting him editing music while others rest.

The stakes are high in this popularity contest, but it reveals something deeper about K-pop’s enduring appeal: the profound connection between fans and the figureheads who shape their favorite groups’ identities.

Whether they function as spokespeople, parental figures, or creative directors, these leaders embody different approaches to guiding some of the world’s most successful entertainment collectives.

As voting continues, the question remains: which leadership style will resonate most with fans in 2025—RM’s boundary-breaking vulnerability, Suho’s steadfast loyalty, or Bang Chan’s empowering guidance?