 |
| China's Most Popular Idol 2026 Rankings Are Out and Xiao Zhan Takes the Crown Again. (Image via: KingChoice/Instagram Ningning) |
Xiao Zhan has another major fan-voted title to add to his collection after being crowned China's Most Popular Idol of 2026, comfortably finishing ahead of Lucas and Wang Yibo in the latest international popularity ranking. The results have quickly become one of the hottest talking points among C-pop and K-pop fans, proving once again that when it comes to fan voting, nobody mobilises quite like Xiao Zhan's supporters.
The annual KingChoice poll measures fan popularity rather than commercial success, album sales or expert opinions. Instead, it reflects the strength of an artist's global fandom, online presence and voting power.
This year's ranking brings together stars from Chinese entertainment alongside Chinese idols currently active in Korean groups, creating one of the most closely watched popularity lists among international fans.
The final standings placed Xiao Zhan in first place, followed by Lucas in second and Wang Yibo in third. NINGNING narrowly missed the podium in fourth, while Kun completed the top five.
The remainder of the Top 20 featured familiar names including Jackson Wang, Song Yuqi, Li Wenhan, Cheng Xiao, Lay Zhang, Lu Han, Wang Yiren, Fan Chengcheng, Song Qian, Kyulkyung, Karry Wang, Roy Wang, Hua Chenyu and Chenle, highlighting just how competitive Chinese-speaking entertainment has become across both domestic and international markets.
For many fans, Xiao Zhan's victory came as little surprise. Although he debuted as a member of X NINE, it was the massive success of The Untamed that transformed him into one of Asia's biggest stars.
 |
| Xiao Zhan Crowned China's Most Popular Idol of 2026 |
Since then, he has avoided becoming trapped in a single genre, balancing historical dramas, modern romance, military productions and music releases while maintaining extraordinary fan engagement.
Nearly a decade into his career, his popularity still refuses to slow down, almost as if every new project simply reminds fans to vote even harder the next time a poll appears.
Second-placed Lucas arguably delivered one of the biggest surprises in this year's ranking. After leaving NCT and WayV, followed by the conclusion of his contract with SM Entertainment, many expected his visibility to decline.
Instead, his loyal international fanbase has continued to show up in force, pushing him ahead of several active idols. His ranking suggests that public interest has remained remarkably resilient despite the twists and turns of his career.
Meanwhile, Wang Yibo once again proved his staying power by securing third place. From his early days with UNIQ to becoming one of China's biggest television stars through The Untamed, he has built a reputation that stretches well beyond music.
 |
Acting, dancing, hosting and even motorsport have helped shape an image that keeps attracting supporters across multiple generations of fans.
One of the biggest talking points is undoubtedly NINGNING, who finished fourth despite remaining one of the most recognisable Chinese idols in K-pop.
As the powerhouse vocalist of aespa, she continues to enjoy enormous popularity in both China and overseas. Some fans even joked that finishing fourth in a fan vote hardly counts as losing when your social media trends seem to appear every other week anyway.
Kun, captain of WayV, quietly rounded out the Top Five. Unlike many idols who dominate headlines through variety shows or constant online buzz, Kun has built his reputation through leadership, musical production and consistent performances. His result reflects the appreciation many fans have for artists whose influence comes through talent rather than endless viral moments.
Elsewhere in the ranking, Jackson Wang maintained his strong international appeal following another busy year of solo activities, while Song Yuqi continued to benefit from her successful balance between K-pop promotions and Chinese television appearances.
 |
Veterans such as Lay Zhang Yixing, Lu Han and Song Qian also demonstrated impressive longevity, proving that established stars can still compete with newer generations for fan support.
As expected, the rankings have sparked lively discussion across social media. Supporters of Xiao Zhan celebrated another well-earned victory, with many pointing to his consistent drama releases and enduring popularity across Asia.
Fans of Lucas described second place as proof that his dedicated fanbase remains firmly behind him, while NINGNING's supporters argued that fourth place hardly reflects her influence, especially considering aespa's global success.
They were simply pleased to see artists from different generations sharing the same chart, making the ranking feel more like a snapshot of modern Chinese entertainment than a battle between rival fandoms.
Even so, 2026 results underline one clear message. Xiao Zhan continues to sit comfortably at the top of one of the world's most dedicated fan communities, while stars including Lucas, Wang Yibo, NINGNING and Kun remain powerful forces with loyal supporters spread across the globe.