Unrivaled: The K-pop Artist Who Proudly Claimed No. 1 in January Brand Reputation, Surpassing SEVENTEEN

According to the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute’s analysis of big data collected from December 25, 2024, to January 25, 2025, BLACKPINK ranked No. 1 in singer brand reputation.

◆ No. 1: BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK maintained its dominant brand reputation, securing the top spot.

Debuting in August 2016 with ‘Whistle’ and ‘BOOMBAYAH’, BLACKPINK quickly rose to global stardom. They continued to release worldwide hits such as ‘As If It’s Your Last’, ‘KILL THIS LOVE’, ‘How You Like That’, ‘Shut Down’, and ‘Pink Venom’, gaining massive support from fans both in Korea and internationally.

Currently, BLACKPINK holds the record for the most subscribers on YouTube among all male and female artists globally. Their influence rivals that of internationally renowned pop stars.

Additionally, Rosé’s solo track ‘Apartment’, released in October last year, continues to rank high on major charts in the UK, the U.S., and beyond, demonstrating sustained popularity.

◆ No. 2: SEVENTEEN

SEVENTEEN secured the No. 2 spot.

Debuting in 2015 as a 13-member boy group, SEVENTEEN initially gained attention with songs like ‘Adore U’, ‘Pretty U’, and ‘Oh My!’ known for their refreshing and youthful vibes. They later expanded their musical horizons with tracks such as ‘Don’t Wanna Cry’, ‘Thanks’, ‘HIT’, ‘HOME’, and ‘Super’, showcasing their diverse concepts and distinct world-building.

A major factor behind SEVENTEEN’s popularity is their strong team dynamic. Their group variety series ‘Going SEVENTEEN’, where members play games and engage in challenges, highlights their close bonds and keeps fans entertained.

◆ No. 3: Lim Young-woong

Lim Young-woong ranked third on the list.

He rose to fame as the winner of the hit trot competition show ‘Mr. Trot’, which sparked a nationwide trot boom. His powerful performances captured the hearts of audiences across different age groups, particularly the younger generation and the 50s-60s demographic.

Lim Young-woong’s impact has extended beyond traditional trot fans, as he topped streaming charts often dominated by idol groups and sold out concerts nationwide. His continued success is fueled by appearances on various programs and ongoing musical activities.

Other Top Performers in January

The rankings also included BTS, IVE, aespa, BIGBANG, and Lee Chan-won, showcasing a diverse range of genres and artists dominating the Korean music scene.

January Singer Brand Reputation Rankings:

1. BLACKPINK

2. SEVENTEEN

3. Lim Young-woong

4. BTS

5. IVE

6. aespa

7. BIGBANG

8. Lee Chan-won

9. DAY6

10. TWS