A user on the popular online community site TheQoo recently unveiled a list highlighting the top 50 most-searched K-pop idols on Google spanning the last two decades. This list was compiled using Google Trends, analyzing the search trends specifically within South Korea from 2004 to 2023.

The data offers a unique insight into the changing preferences and popularity of K-pop idols over the years, reflecting not only the enduring legacy of certain legendary artists but also the rise of new stars in the K-pop industry.

Here is the top 50 list with their debut years:

1. IU (2008 Debut)
2. BTS (2013 Debut)
3. Lee Hyori (1998 Debut)
4. Girls' Generation (2007 Debut)
5. TWICE (2015 Debut)
6. EXO (2012 Debut)
7. Wonder Girls (2007 Debut)
8. TVXQ (2003 Debut)
9. Girl’s Day (2010 Debut)
10. Big Bang (2006 Debut)

11. T-ara (2009 Debut)
12. 2NE1 (2009 Debut)
13. BLACKPINK (2016 Debut)
14. SHINee (2008 Debut)
15. BoA (2000 Debut)
16. AOA (2012 Debut)
17. Seventeen (2015 Debut)
18. Red Velvet (2014 Debut)
19. 2PM (2008 Debut)
20. Apink (2011 Debut)

21. miss A (2010 Debut)
22. Oh My Girl (2015 Debut)
23. IZ*ONE (2018 Debut)
24. Super Junior (2005 Debut)
25. SISTAR (2010 Debut)
26. GFriend (2015 Debut)
27. Wanna One (2017 Debut)
28. CNBLUE (2010 Debut)
29. IVE (2021 Debut)
30. NewJeans (2022 Debut)

31. BEAST (2009 Debut)
32. Kara (2007 Debut)
33. I.O.I (2016 Debut)
34. Infinite (2010 Debut)
35. BTOB (2012 Debut)
36. aespa (2020 Debut)
37. (G)I-DLE (2018 Debut)
38. FT Island (2007 Debut)
39. Fin.K.L. (1998 Debut)
40. SS501 (2005 Debut)

41. The Boyz (2017 Debut)
42. Shinhwa (1998 Debut)
43. 2AM (2008 Debut)
44. Monsta X (2015 Debut)
45. Sechs Kies (1997 Debut)
46. ITZY (2019 Debut)
47. Day6 (2015 Debut)
48. Stray Kids (2018 Debut)
49. S.E.S. (1997 Debut)
50. g.o.d (1999 Debut)

Netizens have expressed admiration for IU, BTS, and Lee Hyori for securing the top three spots in the ranking. There has also been notable appreciation for NewJeans, who have made a remarkable entry onto the list, considering their recent debut in 2022.