The Korean Business Research Institute revealed BTS held the top spot this month, with EXO followed closely behind. And K-pop groups Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN, and BIGBANG completed the top five. Discover the top 50 K-pop boy group brand reputation rankings in January 2026 below.
January 2026 K-pop Boy Group Brand Reputation Rankings
The Korean Business Research Institute analyzed 54,340,762 pieces of boy group brand big data collected from December 10, 2025, to January 10, 2026. They measured participation index, media index, communication index, and community index through consumer behavior analysis. Compared to last December’s 60,343,246 pieces of big data, this shows a 9.95% decrease.
TOP 5
1. BTS
BTS claimed the top spot in January’s rankings with a brand reputation index of 7,976,571. It increased by 16.84% from 6,827,202 in December 2025.
The group held the top spot, fueled by their long-awaited full group comeback announcements. The group achieved the highest community index (4,333,440), indicating strong fan interest in their return with “The 5th Album.”
In the keyword analysis, their most popular keywords include “full-group comeback,” “Run BTS,” and “March 20.” Meanwhile, in link analysis, the group’s popular related terms were “return,” “grateful,” and “wait.”
In the positivity-negativity analysis, the group achieved a positive ratio of 92.86% from the public, contributing to their consistent #1 ranking despite a lower participation index (129,465) than other top performers.
2. EXO
EXO jumped to the second position with a marvelous brand reputation index of 5,184,344 this month. It rose 72.86% from December’s index of 2,999,184. This exceptional growth shows renewed attention ahead of their 2026 comeback with “REVERXE.”
The group also recorded the highest participation index (235,846) and media index (1,276,426) among the top five, showing strong fan engagement and intense media coverage around their comeback announcements.
3. Stray Kids
Stray Kids slipped to the third spot with a brand reputation index showing a 35.13% decline from 5,477,864 to 3,553,553 this month. This drop shows post-activity momentum loss following their December run. In December 2025, the group earned multiple Daesang at the 2025 AAA and 2025 MAMA, generating 35.13% growth in that month’s performance.
4. SEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN experienced the same trend as Stray Kids. The group’s brand reputation index decreased by 30.53%, from 4,846,859 to 3,367,053. This number points to post-concert cooling after their December Japanese leg. Despite the decline, the group maintained their position in the top 5 this month.
5. BIGBANG
BIGBANG returned to the top five this month with a brand reputation index of 2,098,395, rising 19.82%. With consistent but modest growth, BIGBANG continues to prove they’re a reliable performer with lasting legacy appeal.
Reports about their possible Coachella appearance this year boosted online buzz. Even so, BIGBANG’s legacy and loyal fanbase help keep engagement steady between major headlines.
TOP 50
- BTS
- EXO
- Stray Kids
- SEVENTEEN
- BIGBANG
- TWS
- CORTIS
- Xlov
- Super Junior
- NCT
- SHINee
- ENHYPEN
- Wanna One
- BtoB
- ATEEZ
- THE BOYZ
- MONSTA X
- 2PM
- Infinite
- TREASURE
- TVXQ
- ASTRO
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- Highlight
- KickFlip
- ZEROBASEONE
- RIIZE
- B1A4
- TXT
- Alpha Drive One
- VIXX
- VERIVERY
- Evnne
- Block B
- AHOF
- Cravity
- PENTAGON
- SF9
- WINNER
- Sechs Kies
- P1Harmony
- Idid
- F.T. Island
- Teen Top
- ONF
- ONEUS
- NEXZ
- 2AM
- NOWZ
- CLOSE YOUR EYES
Brand rankings track attention. But they show more than popularity. They show how fandom turns attention into action and moves like a real community. These metrics measure noise, not human worth. So, what do you think this month’s top 50 says about K-pop right now? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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