K-pop Debut Group Brand Rankings: No. 3 BABYMONSTER, No. 2 Hearts2Hearts, and No. 1?

Rookie girl group KiiiKiii has taken the top spot in the latest rookie idol group brand reputation rankings.

According to the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute's big data analysis for March 2025, KiiiKiii recorded a brand reputation index of 1,592,255, securing first place. H1-KEY followed in second place, while BABYMONSTER ranked third. BOYNEXTDOOR and TOHERS rounded out the top five at fourth and fifth place, respectively.

The brand reputation index is a metric that evaluates the impact of consumer online behavior on brand consumption. It is calculated based on brand big data, factoring in positive and negative evaluations, media interest, consumer engagement, and community interaction.

KiiiKiii's brand index breakdown showed a participation index of 275,714, a media index of 464,591, a communication index of 517,359, and a community index of 334,590. These figures indicate strong media exposure and active fan engagement.

Goo Chang-hwan, director of the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, stated, "KiiiKiii ranked first in the March rookie idol group brand reputation rankings. Compared to February's brand big data, which stood at 12,197,575 pieces, March's data increased by 28.11% to 15,625,750 pieces."

A closer analysis revealed a 36.76% rise in brand consumption, a 36.19% increase in brand issues, a 17.87% growth in brand engagement, and a 30.22% expansion in brand dissemination—indicating a general surge in public interest in rookie idol groups.

Keyword analysis linked to KiiiKiii’s brand showed high associations with terms such as "debut," "free-spirited," and "hip." Additional keyword analysis highlighted "I Do Me," "debut song," and "Gen Z vibe" as prominent search terms. The positive-to-negative sentiment ratio was overwhelmingly favorable, with 84.91% positive feedback.

This brand reputation analysis was conducted on rookie idol groups that debuted after 2023. The evaluation period spanned from February 3 to March 3, with a total of 15,625,750 data points collected to assess brand consumption, issues, engagement, and dissemination.

The top 30 rookie idol groups in the March 2025 brand reputation rankings are as follows: KiiiKiii, H1-KEY, BABYMONSTER, BOYNEXTDOOR, TWS, KISS OF LIFE, RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE, QWER, MEOW, tripleS, ISNA, LISENNE, ILLIT, KICKFLIP, UNIS, HORIZON, EVEN, ARTEMIS, KATSEYE, MADEIN, NOWADAYS, FANTASY BOYS, ALL HOURS, SOUPIA, LUN8, A1, GENIUS, THE WIND, and POW.