Global sensation BTS (RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jungkook) has once again claimed the top spot in the Idol Group Brand Reputation rankings for May 2026, reaffirming their unparalleled popularity in the K-Pop world.

According to the comprehensive big data analysis results for May 2026’s Idol Group Brand Reputation, BTS secured an impressive first place, followed by IVE in second, and BLACKPINK rounding out the top three.

May 2026 K-Pop Brand Reputation: Key Findings

The Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute conducted an extensive analysis, extracting 86,673,948 pieces of idol group brand big data from April 14 to May 14, 2026. This latest data collection reflects a 12.57% decrease compared to the 99,131,825 data points analyzed in the previous month of April.

BTS Continues Dominance Despite Data Shift

The BTS brand achieved a total brand reputation index of 10,608,366. This comprehensive score was calculated from a participation index of 226,772, a media index of 747,039, a communication index of 2,278,666, and a community index of 7,355,889. Despite securing the coveted top position, this score marks a 43.87% decrease from their impressive April 2026 index of 18,899,941.

Top 5 Idol Group Brand Rankings for May 2026:

• 1st Place: BTS – Brand Reputation Index: 10,608,366
• 2nd Place: IVE – Brand Reputation Index: 5,538,659
• 3rd Place: BLACKPINK – Brand Reputation Index: 5,121,648
• 4th Place: SEVENTEEN – Brand Reputation Index: 3,450,894
• 5th Place: CRAVITY (previously listed as Cortis) – Brand Reputation Index: 2,951,852

Expert Commentary on May 2026 Idol Group Brand Reputation

Koo Chang-hwan, Director of the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, provided insightful comments on the latest findings. “In the May 2026 idol group brand reputation rankings, the BTS brand (RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jungkook) successfully maintained its top position. Analyzing the overall idol group brand category, we observed a 12.57% reduction in total big data compared to April’s 99,131,825. A deeper look into the metrics reveals a 13.85% decline in brand consumption, a 16.13% decrease in brand issue, a 5.44% drop in brand communication, and a 15.12% reduction in brand spread.”

He further elaborated on the specifics of BTS’s exceptional performance: “For the BTS brand, which secured first place in the May 2026 idol group brand reputation, our link analysis highlighted popular terms such as ‘sing along,’ ‘perform,’ and ‘record.’ In the keyword analysis, ‘ARMY’ (BTS’s fandom), ‘Mexico concert,’ and ‘Arirang’ emerged with high relevance. Furthermore, the positive-negative ratio analysis for BTS recorded an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with a remarkable 95.53% positive ratio.”

Extensive List of Idol Groups Included in the Analysis

This in-depth brand reputation analysis covered a wide range of popular K-Pop idol groups, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the industry. The groups included in the survey are: BTS, IVE, BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, CRAVITY, TWICE, LE SSERAFIM, BIGBANG, ENHYPEN, ILLIT, Stray Kids, KIKI, aespa, Wanna One, Red Velvet, KISS OF LIFE, EXO, Apink, fromis_9, SHINee, INFINITE, THE BOYZ, TWS, BTOB, ATEEZ, OH MY GIRL, Girls’ Generation, NMIXX, H1-KEY, (G)I-DLE, IDENTITY, ITZY, WJSN, NCT, RIIZE, Super Junior, 2PM, Hats to Hearts, BABYMONSTER, CATS EYE, TVXQ, RESCENE, MONSTA X, Kep1er, tripleS, FIFTY FIFTY, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, CRAVITY, BOYNEXTDOOR, and ALPHADRIVEONE.