January 2026 K-pop Idol Group Brand Reputation Rankings: BTS and BLACKPINK Lead Ahead of Major Comebacks and Tours

As 2026 starts with major comeback plans and new releases, more groups are climbing and securing their spots in the idol group rankings. For January 2026, BTS, BLACKPINK, IVE, EXO, and SEVENTEEN topped the top 50 K-pop idol group brand reputation rankings. See the complete list here.

January 2026 Top 50 K-pop Idol Group Brand Reputation Rankings

The K-pop idol group brand reputation ranking combines boy and girl groups into one overall brand category. The Korean Business Research Institute collected and analyzed 80,379,475 pieces of big data on idol group brands for K-pop idol group rankings in January 2026 from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. The number of idol group brand big data decreased slightly by 2.96 percent from December’s 82,834,932 pieces. 

The analysis measures consumer participation, media interest, communication, and community engagement to determine each group’s Brand Reputation Index. The institute determined the idol group rankings using their Brand Reputation Index.

Let’s take a closer look at this month’s top five K-pop idols.

TOP 5

1. BTS

At number one, BTS achieved a Brand Reputation Index of 7,665,021. Their brand reputation index increased by 23.19 percent from their December index of 6,221,966. The group’s index growth is driven by their comeback announcements for “Arirang,” The 5th Album, on March 20, 2026, and the 2026 BTS World Tour.

BTS also led the communication index at 2,184,045  and the community index at 4,511,119, showing high fan engagement and discussion across platforms. Their top keywords include “March 20,” “full group,” and “world tour.” The link analysis showed high scores for terms like “making a comeback,” “strong presence,” and “waiting for them.”

2. BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK secured second place with a brand reputation index of 5,260,330, jumping 40.48 percent from their December index of 3,744,572. Despite generating broad-based buzz through individual projects, collaborations, and brand partnerships, the group had the lowest communication score at 825,872. Still, anticipation is building fast. Their recent comeback announcement, scheduled for February 27, 2026, is likely to keep them in the spotlight going into next month.

3. IVE

Taking third place is IVE with a Brand Reputation Index of 4,698,168. Unlike the top two, IVE’s brand reputation index saw a slight dip of 4.71 percent from their December index of 4,930,558. IVE had the lowest media index among the top five at 285,917. This is due to low of promotional activities.

However, they remained in the top three for their performances and achievements, such as the 2026 GDA, which generated high levels of fan interaction and community buzz, as shown by their high communication index of 1,081,005 and community index of 3,165,332. The group has also confirmed a February comeback, which is expected to keep them in the spotlight alongside BLACKPINK.

4. EXO

In fourth place, EXO recorded a Brand Reputation Index of 4,359,274. This marks a strong 39.41 percent rise from their December index of 3,126,993. The numbers speak volumes. EXO’s long-awaited comeback with the new album “REVERXE” and member-related news sparked a strong fan discussion and intense media coverage. This situation is depicted in the highest participation index (337,414) and media index (754,142) among the top five groups. They also achieved a high communication index of 1,030,782 and a community index of 2,236,935. 

5. SEVENTEEN

And rounding out the top five is SEVENTEEN. They experienced the largest decline among the top five, dropping 18.98 percent from December’s 4,502,966 to 3,648,163 in January 2026. The group recorded the lowest indexes across all five factors among the top five, including participation index (119,658), media index (308,071), communication index (1,136,101), and community index (2,084,334). 

However, the drop likely reflects timing rather than momentum. Currently, SEVENTEEN is in a tranquil period, focusing solely on the “NEW_” World Tour, with no major announcements, comebacks, releases, or promotional activities.

TOP 50

1. BTS
2. BLACKPINK
3. IVE
4. EXO
5. SEVENTEEN
6. aespa
7. TWICE
8. Stray Kids
9. MAMAMOO
10. BIGBANG
11. Red Velvet
12. Oh My Girl
13. THE BOYZ
14. ENHYPEN
15. Apink
16. Super Junior
17. Wanna One
18. i-dle
19. CORTIS
20. LE SSERAFIM
21. NCT
22. BtoB
23. SHINee
24. KiiiKiii
25. TWS
26. RIIZE
27. NMIXX
28. WJSN
29. ILLIT
30. ATEEZ
31. BABYMONSTER
32. Billlie
33. Weeekly
34. Hearts2Hearts
35. MONSTA X
36. tripleS
37. Infinite
38. HIGHLIGHT
39. 2PM
40. TREASURE
41. Xlov
42. BOYNEXTDOOR
43. H1-Key
44. ZEROBASEONE
45. FIFTY FIFTY
46. Izna
47. TXT
48. KATSEYE
49. ALPHA DRIVE ONE
50. KickFlip

Final Thoughts

The January’s idol brand reputation rankings highlight how strongly comeback news and promotional activity influence brand reputation. Groups tend to climb during active periods and dip when schedules slow down, which shows a natural pattern in the K-pop release cycle.

Do you agree with this month’s results? Which groups deserve a higher spot? Let us know in the comments.

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