The K-pop boy group member brand reputation ranking is a monthly ranking released by the кσяєαn Business Research Institute. The brand reputation index is determined through an analysis of consumer behavior, including consumer participation, media coverage, communication, and community awareness index. Rather than being a fan vote or an evaluation by experts, the rankings are calculated based on large-scale, measurable real data, ensuring objectivity and accuracy.
When an idol tops the ranking, it indicates that he has received the highest level of public attention and engagement during that particular month. This reflects not only a large and active fanbase, but also the idol’s widespread visibility across news platforms and social media channels within a given period. As such, the ranking serves as a meaningful quantitative indicator of an idol’s online influence.
Although this ranking does not αѕѕess musical expertise or artistic talent, it continues to attract significant attention from fans, brands, and the media due to its considerable reference value within the entertainment and marketing industries. Major domestic and international media outlets such as OSEN, ChosunBiz, Pinkvilla, and AllKpop frequently cite data from this ranking, further reinforcing its credibility and influence. The ranking can also impact advertising deals, endorsements, and collaboration opportunities between idols and brands.
On January 17, the кσяєαn Business Research Institute released the January Boy Group Member Brand Reputation Rankings, which were analyzed using 58,889,185 pieces of big data collected from 755 male idols between December 17, 2025, and January 17, 2026. Notably, the Top 10 was dominated by five BTS members, with Jimin continuing to secure the top spot.
Koo Chang-hwan, Director of the кσяєαn Business Research Institute, stated, "According to the analysis, BTS’s Jimin took the top spot. The total big data for the boy group member category increased by 6.10% compared to December’s 55,502,285. Specifically, brand consumption rose by 16.26%, brand issues rose by 10.28%, brand communication fell by 6.80%, and brand diffusion rose by 10.89%."
He further added, "For Jimin, high-ranking phrases in the link analysis included 'record,' 'enter,' and 'unique.' In the keyword analysis, 'ARMY,' 'Who,' and 'Like Crazy' were the most prominent. His positive-negative ratio analysis showed a high positive score of 91.87%."
Notably, prior to his hiatus for mandatory military service, Jimin set a record by ranking first for 36 consecutive weeks. Since his return in June of this year, even without participating in any musical activities, he has continued to dominate the rankings in July, September, October, November, and December 2025, bringing his total number of No.1 months to 54. With his achievement extending once again into January 2026, Jimin has further solidified his status as one of the most influential idols.
Following Jimin, Jungkook ranked second in the January rankings with a brand reputation index of 3,709,736, marking a 56.62% increase from the previous month. BTS’s “Golden Maknae” has consistently maintained a high ranking for several months since completing his military service last year, demonstrating the continued strong public interest surrounding him.
In addition to Jimin and Jungkook, Jin, V, and j-hope also entered the Top 10, ranking 4th, 6th, and 10th, respectively.
Typically, an idol ranking first for one or two months may be attributed to active promotions or headline-grabbing news during that specific period, often referred to as a “timing effect.” However, BTS members—particularly Jimin and Jungkook—have remained at the top for dozens of months, even in the absence of musical activities. This clearly demonstrates the strength, sustainability, and long-term value of their individual brand power, as well as the steadfast support of the public.
More importantly, with hundreds of K-pop idols evaluated in this ranking and a growing number of rising stars emerging in recent years, the fact that BTS members consistently occupy half of the Top 10 underscores the group’s unparalleled status as the “21st-century pop icons.” As 2026 approaches with numerous plans awaiting them—including the release of their fifth full-length studio album in March and a world tour launching in April and extending into the following spring—the group’s brand reputation is expected to amplify even further.
