The Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute has announced the May 2026 idol group brand reputation rankings, with BTS taking the No. 1 spot. IVE followed in second place, while BLACKPINK ranked third, forming a top three made up of some of the most influential names in the current K-pop market. The result reflects how strongly these groups continue to shape public conversation, fan engagement and media visibility across the industry.
The monthly ranking is based on brand-related data such as media attention, consumer interest, communication activity and online community response. Because it combines multiple indicators, the list offers more than a simple popularity snapshot. It shows which idol groups are generating consistent public attention, active fan discussion and broader cultural relevance during the measured period.
BTS' continued position at the top highlights the group's sustained influence even in a fast-moving K-pop market. Their brand power remains strong across music, touring, fandom activity and global media coverage. IVE's second-place ranking also points to the group's steady presence as one of the leading girl groups of the current generation, while BLACKPINK's third-place finish shows the lasting strength of a group with major international recognition.
The May 2026 ranking is a useful indicator of where K-pop fandom attention and public visibility are concentrated right now. With BTS, IVE and BLACKPINK leading the list, the results suggest that both long-established global acts and top-performing girl groups continue to dominate idol brand influence. For fans and industry watchers, the ranking also offers a data-driven way to track which groups are maintaining momentum beyond album sales or chart performance alone.
