The world of K-pop is no stranger to intense competition, but October 2025 has seen a particularly fierce battle for the crown of singer brand reputation in South Korea. According to the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, BTS has surged back to the top spot in the latest rankings, outpacing both Lim Young-woong and IVE amid a whirlwind of fan activity and viral moments that have reverberated far beyond the music charts.
Between September 25 and October 25, the Institute analyzed a staggering 192,521,107 pieces of data, including metrics such as brand participation, media coverage, communication, and community engagement. This exhaustive analysis covered over 100 artists, reflecting not only the fierce rivalry among Korea’s biggest acts but also the ever-evolving nature of fandom in the digital age.
BTS—comprised of RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—scored a brand reputation index of 7,806,991 points for October, marking an impressive 8.85% increase from the previous month’s tally of 7,172,156. Their participation index stood at 237,311, with a media index of 1,729,551, a communication index of 2,532,854, and a community index of 3,307,275. According to the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, this leap is largely attributed to the ARMY, BTS’s global fandom, whose relentless engagement on online platforms continues to set new standards for artist-fan relationships.
Hot on their heels was Lim Young-woong, who captured the second spot with a brand index of 7,140,672 points. While this represented a 13.71% dip from his September score of 8,275,105, the loyalty of his fan base, Hero Generation, remains undiminished. Lim’s performance included a participation index of 1,450,524, media index of 1,470,965, communication index of 1,753,448, and community index of 2,465,735—numbers that speak to the enduring power of his appeal, even amid shifting tides.
IVE, the dynamic girl group featuring An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo, secured third place with a brand index of 4,037,409. Their participation index was 311,403, media index 718,158, communication index 1,635,345, and community index 1,372,503. Despite a dramatic 46.37% drop from September’s 7,528,740, IVE’s sustained popularity among younger audiences has kept them firmly in the top three.
The rest of the top ten reads like a who’s who of contemporary Korean music: BLACKPINK landed fourth with 3,590,606 points, followed by Kim Yong-bin in fifth with 3,574,941, and then Park Ji-hyun, SEVENTEEN, Cho Yong-pil, Lee Chan-won, and BIGBANG rounding out the list. The rankings also featured notable mentions such as Park Seo-jin, DAY6, Red Velvet, BABYMONSTER, EXO, TWICE, Young Tak, Na Hoon-a, and Jannabi, reflecting a rich tapestry of generations and genres that continue to shape the country’s musical landscape.
Koo Chang-hwan, director of the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, provided some insight into the shifting patterns behind the numbers. “BTS held onto first place in October’s singer brand reputation rankings thanks to the strong brand trust built by their global fandom. Lim Young-woong continues to thrive through community-driven fan activities, while IVE’s appeal among the younger demographic boosts their brand’s visibility,” he explained. Koo also noted a subtle shift in the way fans are interacting with their idols online: “While brand consumption has increased, exposure in media and communities has declined, indicating a shift in online engagement patterns.”
But the story of BTS’s October resurgence doesn’t end with the numbers. One member in particular—Jungkook—has been making waves both inside and outside the music industry. On October 21, Calvin Klein released a new campaign video featuring Jungkook, titled “Do you have your Calvins on?” The video, which went viral on TikTok almost instantaneously, sparked a frenzy among fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. According to Soap Central, Jungkook’s appearance in the campaign led to a noticeable boost in Calvin Klein’s sales, with countless fans around the globe recreating the video and sharing their own takes on social media.
The impact was so immense that Calvin Klein’s websites reportedly crashed in multiple countries following the campaign’s announcement—an occurrence that speaks volumes about the power of Jungkook’s global influence. Fans, meanwhile, showered the idol with praise, dubbing him a “trendsetter” and a “TikTok phenomenon.” One particularly enthusiastic supporter wrote, “Jungkook is taking over the internet! He's a TikTok phenomenon, totally obsessed, rocking CK gear, and nailing recreations nonstop. His influence is next-level wild!”
Others highlighted the depth of his reach, noting that his influence extends far beyond music. “Influence beyond Music, just him fully clothed with his favorite @CalvinKlein & fans following him.. always Jungkook proving his unmatched popularity & impact,” another fan commented. The anticipation for the next phase of the campaign is palpable, with many looking forward to the official launch of Jungkook’s Calvin Klein collection on October 28. “THE KING IS COMING! THE KING IS COMING! THE KING IS COMING !!! JUNGKOOK COLLECTION CAMPAIGN OCTOBER 28th. I am so sat and waiting to be enthralled by what he has in store for us,” one fan tweeted, echoing the fervor felt across social platforms.
Brand experts and marketers have taken notice, too. “Nothing more powerful than a genuine ambassador! You can tell how much Jungkook loves his Calvins, how can you possibly not want to buy some?” remarked another observer, underscoring the authenticity that has made Jungkook such a coveted figure in the world of endorsements.
The synergy between BTS’s chart-topping dominance and Jungkook’s viral fashion moment is a testament to the group’s enduring ability to bridge music, culture, and commerce. As K-pop continues to expand its global footprint, artists like BTS and Jungkook are not only shaping the soundtracks of millions but also setting the tone for trends in fashion, technology, and brand engagement.
As October draws to a close, the singer brand reputation rankings offer more than just a snapshot of who’s hot in Korean entertainment. They reveal a dynamic ecosystem where music, fandom, and digital culture intersect—sometimes explosively—reshaping what it means to be a global superstar in the twenty-first century.
