He Who Beat G-Dragon and Hwang Min-hyun—K-Pop Male Idol Ranks as Top Brand Ambassador

ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo has claimed the No. 1 spot in the latest boy group member brand reputation rankings.

The Korean Business Research Institute analyzed big data collected over the past month to determine the brand reputation index for individual boy group members. The rankings were calculated based on consumer engagement, media exposure, communication, and community indices.

◆ 1st Place: Cha Eun-woo (ASTRO)

Topping the brand reputation list, Cha Eun-woo demonstrated strong brand power with high engagement, media, communication, and community scores. The singer-actor has been actively involved in various fields, including dramas, variety shows, and advertisements, maintaining a solid global fan base. While his brand reputation index saw a slight decline compared to last month, he still held onto the No. 1 position.

Cha Eun-woo debuted with ASTRO in 2016 and quickly captivated both domestic and international fans with his striking visuals, earning him the title of South Korea’s ultimate "visual center." In addition to his music career, he has proven his acting skills by starring in hit dramas such as My ID is Gangnam Beauty, True Beauty, and A Good Day to Be a Dog.

ASTRO's signature track, Breathless, is a refreshing summer dance song featuring a lively guitar sound and an addictive melody.

◆ 2nd Place: G-Dragon (BIGBANG)

Coming in at No. 2 is BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, who saw a significant rise in brand reputation thanks to his recent activities. His influence spans across fashion, music, and pop culture, with increased media exposure and high fan engagement contributing to his ranking boost.

G-Dragon debuted with BIGBANG in 2006 and has been a trailblazer in K-pop, inspiring numerous idol groups. Known for his trendsetting style, he has solidified his status as a global fashion icon.

In October 2024, G-Dragon released POWER, his first solo album in seven years since 2017. The hip-hop track features an intense beat combined with his signature powerful rap.

◆ 3rd Place: Hwang Min-hyun

Hwang Min-hyun secured the No. 3 spot, with his brand reputation index experiencing a significant rise compared to the previous month. His increasing popularity can be attributed to his recent successes in both musical theater and dramas.

Debuting in 2012 as part of NU’EST under Pledis Entertainment, Hwang gained further recognition in 2017 when he participated in Mnet’s survival show Produce 101 Season 2, earning a spot in Wanna One. His standout visuals and skills won over many viewers.

Following Wanna One’s disbandment, he expanded his career by appearing on various variety shows and dramas. Most recently, he starred in the TVING drama Study Group, receiving praise for his immersive acting.

Wanna One’s hit song Energetic is known for its infectious energy and dynamic beat, embodying the group’s youthful and vibrant charm.