BTS, BLACKPINK rank high in May brand reputation list ahead of June comeback
As fans gear up for major K-pop comebacks in June, the Korean Business Research Institute has announced the singer brand reputation rankings for May, based on big data collected from April 24 to May 24, analyzing media, engagement, and community buzz.
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, Ros└, 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
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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