The group, made up of Lisa, Jennie, Rosé, and Jisoo, has not only transformed the global music scene but has also become cultural icons, representing the power and influence of the Korean wave. Since their debut in 2016, Blackpink has broken countless records, firmly establishing themselves as pioneers in the music industry. They became the first Korean group to sell over two million domestic albums and the first to top the Billboard 200 chart. Their tours have set records in revenue for an Asian female artist.
Fortune highlights Blackpink’s pivotal role in spreading Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, worldwide. Their unique blend of music, fashion, and charisma has transcended language barriers, making them global household names. From headlining major events like Coachella to serving as ambassadors for luxury fashion brands, Blackpink has become a symbol of modern femininity and worldwide influence.
While Blackpink takes the lead, several other influential women have also been celebrated for their achievements across various sectors.
Second on the list is Josephine Teo, who became Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information last year. She leads Smart Nation 2.0, a US$780 million initiative focused on AI for public good. Teo has also been instrumental in updating Singapore’s AI governance framework, introducing new standards for generative AI, and spearheading global safety initiatives at the 2025 AI Action Summit in France. Her commitment to fostering an AI-fluent workforce has led to the placement of over 2,600 professionals in AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity roles. Her political career began in 2006, and as Minister for Manpower, she introduced policies to raise retirement ages, increase wages for essential workers, and expand support for vulnerable citizens.
In third place is Yuriko Koike, Tokyo’s governor since 2016. Known for her reformist approach, Koike began her tenure by eliminating seals on official documents and has continued to champion reforms. A former environment and defense minister, she led energy-saving initiatives like “Cool Biz” and managed Tokyo through the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2020 Olympics. Koike’s leadership challenges Japan’s gender gap in politics, serving as an inspiration for women in both politics and business, showcasing her expertise as a reformer and crisis manager.
Fourth is Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, who has had a career spanning over four decades and has been a trailblazer for Asian actors globally. She made history in 2023 when she became the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
The rest of the list includes Chinese actress Xin Zhilei, Filipino tennis player Alexandra “Alex” Eala, Chinese American freestyle skier Eileen Feng Gu, and Japanese American tennis player Naomi Osaka.