Kim Taehyung, known globally as V from the South Korean supergroup BTS, has achieved a significant milestone on Instagram. As of today, July 25, 2025, V has become the first Korean male idol to surpass 69 million followers on the platform. This accomplishment solidifies his position as the most-followed Korean male idol on Instagram, demonstrating his immense global popularity and social media influence.
V's Instagram account, @thv, has become a favorite among fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. His unique aesthetic, candid posts, and glimpses behind the scenes of his life resonate with a wide audience. According to HypeAuditor, V's engagement rate on Instagram is exceptionally high, averaging around 15.99%, which is considered "Excellent" compared to similar accounts. His posts often garner over 12.5 million likes, with some exceeding 14 million.
The top 10 most-followed male K-pop idols on Instagram are dominated by BTS members. Following V, the list includes Jimin (@j.m), j-hope (@uarmyhope), Jin (@jin), and SUGA (@agustd). Other notable K-pop idols in the top 10 include ASTRO's Cha Eunwoo (@eunwo.o_c), GOT7's Jackson Wang (@jacksonwang852g7), and Stray Kids' Felix (@yong.lixx) and Hyunjin (@hynjinnnn).
V's journey on Instagram has been marked by impressive records. In December 2021, he broke two Guinness World Records for the fastest time to reach 1 million followers (43 minutes) and 10 million followers (4 hours and 52 minutes). His influence extends beyond follower count, as he has also been ranked among the top global influencers by HypeAuditor, surpassing celebrities like Selena Gomez and Kendall Jenner.
Beyond his social media achievements, V has been making headlines for his recent discharge from military service. In 2023, prior to his enlistment, he released his debut solo album, "Layover," which received widespread acclaim. Recent livestreams with fellow BTS members RM and Jungkook have revealed V's physical transformation during his time in the military, with both acknowledging his increased strength and fitness. V served in South Korea's Special Duty Team (SDT), excelling in counter-terrorism, and even earned recognition as an ace marksman.
Despite his accomplishments, V has also faced challenges, including a defamation case against a YouTuber. The lawsuit, initiated in March 2023, remains unresolved after a recent mediation session failed, and the case is now proceeding to trial.
V's continued success on Instagram and his recent military discharge mark a new chapter in his career. As BTS prepares for a comeback in 2026, fans eagerly anticipate his future activities and contributions to the group and as a solo artist.