BTS claimed the top spot in the January 2026 star brand reputation rankings, signaling strong public interest ahead of their anticipated full-group comeback. The rankings were released by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, which analyzed over 279 million pieces of star brand big data collected between December 29, 2025, and January 29, 2026. This marked a 24.13% increase in data volume compared to the previous month, reflecting heightened engagement across the entertainment industry.
BTS and Yoo Jae Suk Lead January Star Brand Reputation Rankings
BTS secured first place with an impressive brand reputation index of 10,625,128. Their strong performance was supported by high scores across all categories, including participation, media exposure, communication, and community engagement. Notably, their overall brand reputation score rose by 62.84% compared to December, underscoring growing anticipation surrounding the group’s activities and return as a full unit.
Comedian and television host Yoo Jae Suk ranked second with a brand reputation index of 7,315,283. His score showed the largest month-over-month growth among the top five, surging by 111.14%. The increase highlighted his continued influence and popularity across multiple platforms, driven by strong public participation and communication metrics.
Top K-Pop Artists Maintain Strong Influence in January Brand Reputation Rankings
Singer Lim Young Woong placed third with a brand reputation index of 7,240,227, reflecting a steady 16.71% increase from December. His consistent performance demonstrated his enduring appeal and loyal fanbase. Girl group IVE followed closely in fourth place with a brand reputation index of 7,117,488, marking a 60.64% rise, while BLACKPINK rounded out the top five with 6,329,284, showing a 60.76% increase.
The January rankings illustrated the sustained dominance of established stars alongside the growing influence of leading K-pop groups. BTS’s return to the top emphasized their continued cultural impact and global presence, even during periods of limited group activity, reaffirming their position as one of the most influential acts in the industry.
