The Korea Reputation Center released its May 2026 girl group brand reputation rankings on May 10, and the results have sent ripples across the K-pop industry. IVE has officially dethroned BLACKPINK to claim the No. 1 position, while rookie powerhouse ILLIT made a striking leap to third place. The findings, drawn from a big data analysis conducted between April 10 and May 10, 2026, reflect the continuing power shift among Korea's top girl groups as fourth-generation acts solidify their dominance.
According to the institute, IVE — composed of Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo — recorded a participation index of 93,092, a media index of 499,549, a communication index of 1,624,334, and a community index of 2,446,726. The group's overall brand reputation index showed a sentiment analysis result of 93.41% positive responses, signaling overwhelming public favor. Industry observers note that IVE's nickname "Cho-Tongryeong" (literally "President of Elementary Schoolers"), reflecting their dominant influence among younger demographics, has now translated into measurable, cross-generational brand power that rivals — and now surpasses — even global heavyweights.
BLACKPINK, the long-reigning queens of the global K-pop scene, settled at No. 2 this month. While the YG Entertainment quartet continues to ride enormous international momentum from their world tour preparations and individual member activities, the data suggests that IVE's consistent domestic media presence, chart performance, and active fan engagement have given them the edge in this particular metric, which weighs Korean-language buzz and community participation heavily.
The biggest surprise of the month, however, came from ILLIT. The HYBE-affiliated rookie group climbed to No. 3, demonstrating just how quickly fifth-generation acts are establishing themselves at the top tier of the industry. Their rise, propelled by viral choreography moments, strong streaming numbers, and a steady stream of media coverage, marks one of the fastest ascents in recent brand reputation history. The result places ILLIT firmly alongside legacy groups in terms of brand power — a feat usually reserved for acts with multiple years of accumulated activity.
The Korea Reputation Center analyzes brand big data using four key metrics: participation index (consumer engagement and interest), media index (press coverage volume), communication index (online conversations), and community index (fan and public reaction across communities). The combined score determines a group's overall brand reputation index, which is widely regarded as one of the most reliable barometers of an artist's public standing in South Korea.
This month's rankings also highlight broader industry trends. With IVE solidifying its position as the face of the fourth generation, BLACKPINK maintaining its global icon status, and ILLIT representing the rapid emergence of the fifth generation, the May 2026 list captures a snapshot of K-pop's current transitional moment. Other notable groups in the top 30 include aespa, LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, TWICE, and (G)I-DLE, all of whom continue to compete fiercely for media attention and fan engagement.
For IVE, this No. 1 finish caps off a remarkable stretch of dominance. Member Jang Wonyoung has separately held the top spot in the individual girl group member brand reputation rankings for several consecutive months, and the group's collective brand power has been steadily rising since early 2026. With major comebacks and global activities lined up for the second half of the year, IVE looks poised to maintain — and possibly extend — its lead in the months ahead.
The May 2026 rankings serve as another reminder that in K-pop, brand power is no longer determined solely by international tours or chart positions. Sustained media presence, fan loyalty, online conversation volume, and positive sentiment all play decisive roles. As the industry watches to see whether IVE can hold its position into June — or whether BLACKPINK and ILLIT can stage a comeback — one thing is clear: the competition at the top has never been more intense, and the era of single-group dominance is firmly over.
