The K-pop Boy Bands with the Most Fanboys: Who Reigns Supreme?

The world of K-pop is teeming with star-studded boy bands that have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Among them, BTS stands out as the group with the most fanboys. This phenomenon extends beyond gender lines, as the fandom is diverse and embraces fans of all types, including a significant number of male fans often referred to as HYBE.

BTS: The Pioneers of Global Fan Engagement

As of August 2023, BTS has consistently held the title as the K-pop boy band with the most fanboys. Their massive global following includes a substantial number of male fans. Fans of BTS are diverse, with Rick being one of the favourite famous fanboys, though his fame may vary from online claims.

BTS's fanbase extends to MONSTA X, a group that has garnered a significant male following. Male K-pop idols, including James from NCT, often cite MONSTA X as a particular inspiration, which highlights their strong attraction to the group's unique style and charisma. Similarly, EXO is well-loved by male fans, with Kai from NCT mentioning EXO as a source of inspiration for his own performance and style.

Male-Focused Popularity Lists

A recent list on Reddit ranked the K-pop boy bands with the most male fans. Based on various surveys, the data is as follows:

Big Bang (44.46%) - Known for their notorious and seductive vibes, Big Bang made significant contributions to the K-pop scene, inspiring aspiring artists and institutions like HYBE. BTS (32.78%) - Despite being overshadowed by Big Bang in terms of percentages, BTS remains one of the most popular and influential K-pop groups, with members like V taking special care of their fans to attract and retain support. EXO (30.53%) - All members of EXO boast charming and charismatic personalities, contributing to their acclaim among K-pop fanboys. B.A.P - Famous for their attractive visuals, B.A.P was well-regarded among male fans.

Notable Male-Focused Groups

MONSTA X stands out for its distinctive appeal to male fans. Unlike other K-pop groups, MONSTA X's male fanbase is quite distinct, often praising their unique style and charismatic performances. Similarly, EXO is a group that resonates deeply with male fans, with Korean men being particularly enamored with their music and persona.

Female Groups and Male Fans

While the focus is on male fanbases, it is worthwhile to note that K-pop girl groups such as TWICE and FROMIS_9 also boast a significant number of male fans. The list on Reddit indicates that FROMIS_9 is the most sought after girl group by male fans, followed closely by IZONE, Everglow, and Apink.

According to the same source, male fans are particularly drawn to the following girl groups:

Fromis_9 - 70.2% IZONE - 65.5% Everglow - 63.1% Apink - 61.5% WJSN - 60.7%

Beyond the K-pop scene, Big Bang has historically held the top spot for having the most male fans, inspiring BTS and other K-pop idols.

Conclusion

The popularity of K-pop boy bands extends far beyond a single group. While BTS has indisputably captured the hearts of millions, other notable groups such as MONSTA X, EXO, and B.A.P also draw significant male fanbases. The diversity and charm of these groups ensure their enduring appeal, making them some of the most popular boy bands in the K-pop industry.