Kim Seonho Surpasses 10 Million Instagram Followers as Global Fans Rally Behind Viral Popularity

South Korean actor Kim Seonho has cemented his status as a global star, reaching 10 million followers on Instagram (@seonho__kim) on April 11, 2025, in a milestone celebrated by fans worldwide using the hashtag #Happy10MKimSeonho. The achievement follows a surge in attention driven by his brief but impactful role in Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines, where a playful wink scene sparked a viral social media challenge across China’s Douyin and Xiaohongshu platforms.

The Viral Spark Kim’s scene as Park Cheong-seop—a cameo role in the IU and Park Bo-gum-led drama—showcases his character dramatically clutching his chest and winking at his bride-to-be, played by IU. The moment, described as “iconic” by fans, inspired the “Kim Seon-ho Smile Challenge,” which amassed over 1 million likes on Douyin within days. Chinese actress Bai Lu (Till the End of the Moon) further amplified the trend by recreating the scene, pairing it with the Meteor Garden OST Ai Cun Zai.

Fan Frenzy and Milestone Celebrations Fans flooded Instagram with congratulatory posts, edits, and nostalgic throwbacks to Kim’s past projects, including Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Start-Up. The hashtag #Happy10MKimSeonho trended globally, with supporters highlighting his resilience and charm. “All of this from a 64-minute special appearance,” tweeted one fan, referencing his limited screen time in When Life Gives You Tangerines. Others noted how older clips from his variety show 2 Days & 1 Night resurfaced, racking up thousands of likes.

A Career on the Rise The milestone underscores Kim’s rebound from a 2022 hiatus, when he paused activities following personal controversies. His return to Instagram in May 2022, marked by a heartfelt apology and gratitude toward fans, laid the groundwork for rebuilding trust. Since then, his filmography—including the upcoming presenter role at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards—has kept him in the spotlight.

Cultural Impact and Legacy Kim’s blend of comedic timing and emotional depth continues to resonate. The Douyin challenge alone has drawn over 170 million views under his associated topics, while When Life Gives You Tangerines remains IMDb’s top-rated 2025 TV series (9.3/10). Fans attribute his success to authenticity: “His wink should have its own fandom,” one supporter quipped.

As Kim’s influence spans borders—from Korean television to Chinese social media trends—the 10-million mark solidifies his place as a beloved figure in global pop culture. For Seonhohadas (his fandom), the achievement is not just a number but a testament to his enduring appeal.