BTS paves the way in star brand reputation rankings despite group hiatus — here's who follows

Since 2022, there has been no group release from BTS. The seven members — Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook — enlisted in South Korea's mandatory military service but kept their fandom, known as ARMY, engaged through solo releases. Despite the hiatus, it seems there's no stopping the world's top boy group.

The Korean Business Research Institute recently published its star brand reputation rankings for the month of April, and unsurprisingly, BTS made an appearance — and even topped the list. The rankings were based on an analysis of media coverage, consumer engagement, interactions, and community awareness, using big data collected between March 29 and April 29.

BTS

The global superstars took the top spot this month with a brand reputation index of 8,639,155, marking a 19.99 percent increase in their score since March. They are expected to reunite as a group in June, and ARMY is eagerly anticipating their comeback.

Lim Young Woong

The solo artist took second place with a brand reputation index of 7,846,690, reflecting a 12.99 percent rise since last month. Known for his massive and dedicated fanbase, the trot singer tends to dominate the charts for weeks whenever he releases new music.

BLACKPINK

The four-member girl group — Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa — climbed to third place with a brand reputation index of 6,184,452 for April. They are also set to make a comeback soon, as YG Entertainment has already announced their upcoming world tour dates.

Lee Jung Hoo

The baseball star is sitting on the fourth place after securing 101.75 percent increase in his brand reputation index. This brought his total to 6,049,222 for the month of April. As a center fielder, he has been actively playing for the San Francisco Giants.

BIGBANG

The second-generation group ranked fifth with a brand reputation index of 6,045,322. Originally a five-piece, they now have three active members — G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung — who have each been releasing solo music for quite some time.

Check out the other artists that made the cut?

6. IVE

7. Son Heung Min??

8. Lee Byung Hun?

9. Yoo Jae Suk??

10. SEVENTEEN?

11. Park Hyung Sik?

12. Kim Yeon Koung?

13. Son Suk Ku?

14. Ryu Hyun Jin?

15. Kim Jong Min?

16. aespa??

17. PSY

18. Kim Jong Kook?

19. ASTRO's Cha Eun Woo?

20. Choo Sung Hoon?

21. Kang Daniel

22. SHINee

23. Lee Chan Won?

24. (G)I-DLE

25. Kim Do Yeong

26. Lee Jung Jae

27. Byeon Woo Seok

28. OH MY GIRL

29. NCT

30. Go Youn Jung?

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