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| Google Year in Search Taiwan 2025 Highlights Public Focus on Disasters, Pop Culture, and Policy (Photo: Google) |
Google Taiwan has officially unveiled its Year in Search 2025, offering a snapshot of the topics, events, and public figures that captured the island’s attention throughout the year.
The annual list is compiled based on search terms that saw the highest growth between December last year and mid-November 2025, reflecting what Taiwanese users were most curious about during a year shaped by major events and emotional moments.
Topping the overall rankings was “earthquake”, underscoring how natural events once again became a key public concern.
Close behind at number two was Barbie Hsu, also widely known as Big S, whose name drew massive attention across the region this year.
Other major searches rounding out the top tier included cash distribution policies, hanzii.net, and Gemini, highlighting a mix of public policy interest, digital tools, and technology trends.
The inclusion of Barbie Hsu and Khalil Fong, who ranked sixth, was closely linked to the wave of public discussion surrounding their passing earlier this year.
Barbie Hsu passed away in February while travelling in Japan, following complications from flu-related illness.
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She was only 48.
Her sudden departure sent shockwaves through the Asian entertainment scene, with fans, colleagues, and industry figures sharing tributes in her memory.
Known to many as the iconic Shan Cai in the legendary drama Meteor Garden, Barbie Hsu left a lasting mark on Taiwanese pop culture.
Her sister Dee Hsu temporarily stepped back from work, while her family continued to process the loss away from the public eye.
Meanwhile, musician Khalil Fong passed away on 21 February in Dali, China, at the age of 41.
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His record label later confirmed the news, sharing that the singer-songwriter had faced long-term health challenges over the past several years while remaining positive throughout.
Khalil Fong was widely respected for his artistry and influence on Mandopop and R&B, making his name one of the most searched music-related terms in Taiwan this year.
Beyond individual names, Donald Trump emerged as the most searched non-deceased public figure, ranking seventh overall, with tariff-related topics following closely behind. This reflects Taiwan’s strong interest in global politics and economic developments.
In entertainment searches, popular dramas and films continued to trend, while natural events such as typhoons also made the top ten, including a powerful storm that impacted eastern Taiwan earlier this year.
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Travel searches revealed a strong preference for Japanese destinations, with places like Ishigaki Island, Fukuoka, Naha, and Miyako Island dominating the accommodation category, showing how Japan remains a favourite getaway choice for Taiwanese travellers.
Overall, Google Taiwan’s Year in Search 2025 paints a clear picture of a year shaped by environmental concerns, public policy discussions, global affairs, and moments that deeply resonated on a personal and cultural level.