BTS, BLACKPINK rank high in May brand reputation list ahead of June comeback

It seems everyone is eagerly awaiting the arrival of June, as several top K-pop acts are set to make their much-anticipated comebacks. BTS members will begin returning from their mandatory military service, with a full OT7 reunion on the horizon. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK is expected to release either an album or a single ahead of their DEADLINE World Tour in July.

But while all of this is set to unfold in June, for now, the Korean Business Research Institute has released the brand reputation rankings for singers for the month of May, based on big data collected from April 24 to May 24. These rankings were based on analysis of media coverage, consumer engagement, and community buzz.

A look at Top 5 artists who made it to the list and the rest who followed.

Lim Young Woong

He topped the list with a brand reputation index of 6,928,012, marking a 5.80% rise from last month. His OST for JTBC's Heavenly Ever After further showcased his impact, reaching #2 on YouTube’s Weekly Trending Music Video Chart.

BTS?

Following closely behind in second place with a brand reputation index of 6,812,318 for May is the biggest boy band in the world. The 7 members — Jin, RM, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — will reunite as a septet after more than two years of being apart.

BLACKPINK?

The four-member girl group—Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa—has climbed to third place with a score of 4,899,637, marking a notable 12.78% rise since April. Their tour, titled DEADLINE, is set to kick off in Goyang, South Korea, this July.

IVE?

The six-member group—Gaeul, An Yu-jin, Rei, Jang Won-young, Liz, and Leeseo—secured fourth place with a brand reputation index of 3,536,148. In February, they began a new chapter with their highly anticipated third EP, IVE EMPATHY, expanding their signature theme of self-love.

BIGBANG?

Completing the top five is the second-generation group BIGBANG, with a score of 2,550,766. Originally a five-member band, the group now consists of G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung. They are set to celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2026 with special fan events.

Check out the top 30?

6. DAY6?

7. aespa?

8. Lee Chan Won?

9. SEVENTEEN?

10. TWS?

11. Car, the Garden?

12. i-dle?

13. PSY?

14. TWICE?

15. Red Velvet?

16. EXO?

17. Young Tak?

18. ZO ZAZZ?

19. Hwang Karam?

20. OH MY GIRL?

21. HIGHLIGHT?

22. ITZY?

23. Jang Yoon Jung?

24. KiiiKiii?

25. Jeong Dong Won?

26. Younha?

27. Baek Ji Young?

28. FIFTY FIFTY?

29. BIBI?

30. LE SSERAFIM?

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage?here.?