The Boy Group Brand Reputation Ranking is a brand reputation index exclusively for male idol groups, released on a monthly basis by the кσяєα Corporate Reputation Research Institute. The institute collects and analyzes big data from various online sources — including the internet, social media platforms, news outlets, and user communities — and evaluates it using the following key indices: the Participation Index, Media Index, Communication Index, and Community Index. These indicators are then compiled into the overall Brand Reputation Index, which represents the level of public popularity, attention, and real engagement based on online behavior.

Because the evaluation is based on standardized digital big data rather than subjective fan voting, the ranking holds significant reference value within the entertainment and marketing industries. Major кσяєαn and international media outlets such as OSEN, ChosunBiz, Pinkvilla, and AllKpop frequently cite data from this ranking, further underscoring its credibility and influence.

When a boy group ranks first on the chart, it indicates that the group has received the highest level of public attention and engagement during that month. This not only reflects a strong and active fandom but also demonstrates broad exposure across news platforms and social media channels within the given period. As such, the ranking serves as a meaningful quantitative indicator of an idol group’s online influence.

On December 13, the кσяєα Corporate Reputation Research Institute released the December Boy Group Brand Reputation Ranking, with BTS securing the top position. According to the index analysis, BTS achieved high and well-balanced scores across all categories, indicating that global attention remains firmly focused on the “21st-century pop icons.”

Notably, this is not the first time BTS has topped the rankings this year. In fact, BTS ranked No. 1 for nine months in 2025, despite the absence of group activities or an official musical comeback. December also marked the group’s sixth consecutive month at the top since all members fully completed their military service in July.

Ranking first for a single month signifies peak public attention at that moment — but maintaining the top position for six consecutive months, and nine out of twelve months in a single year, reflects soмєтнing far greater: BTS’s unwavering status as global K-pop superstars and a level of popularity that shows no signs of fading. While K-pop is an industry defined by constant change, BTS continues to stand as a rare exception to that rule.

Looking more closely at this month’s ranking, keyword analysis revealed frequent appearances of phrases such as “all members,” “apart but still connected,” and “ARMY.” These keywords reflect the strong anticipation and interest surrounding full-group activities following the members’ completion of military service. In the linkage analysis, top αѕѕociated terms included “waiting,” “donations,” and “setting records.”

The group’s positive response rate exceeded 90%, once again highlighting the powerful influence of BTS’s fan community.

Koo Chang-hwan, director of the кσяєα Corporate Reputation Research Institute, commented, “Although the BTS brand showed a slight decline compared to the previous month, it still maintained an overwhelming No. 1 position. ARMY’s unwavering interest in the group’s full reunion is clearly reflected in the data.”

As these results spread across social media, netizens expressed αωє at BTS’s continued dominance on the brand reputation rankings following their military service. At the same time, many acknowledged that the outcome was hardly surprising, given that anticipation for the group’s return has been building worldwide for months. Meanwhile, fans proudly reaffirmed BTS’s standing as an unshakable No. 1 — a position the group has held for over a decade — saying:

- The whole 2026 will be fvcking bts year. I swear

- Bts no new release and the other group 20 albums to make it seem they are in same level.

- Yeah this list pretty much confirms what we already knew it’s basically BTS all year and everyone else just watching from the sidelines. That kind of consistency is crazy, dominance like that doesn’t happen by α¢¢ι∂єит.

- BTS IS BACK KINGS OF KPOP IS ON TOP OF TOP

- The throne returned to its rightful owner yesterday for the 9th time haha. Only a military-enlistment hiatus could affect their brand reputation—and even during the hiatus, BTS still managed to hold on lol

- So this is what people call the ‘2025 BTS downfall era’? BTS didn’t even do anything this year, yet they still ranked No. 1 in the Boy Group Brand Reputation Rankings throughout 2025, all the way through December.

- BTS dominated 2025 even during their break. BTS PAVED THE WAY

- The way BTS wasn’t even out the military for March, April, and May. Kings never ∂ιє

- No comeback, no group promos—still No.1 durung 9/12, so insane

- Winning streak during hiatus is actually crazy. So proud of our boys, the center of global attention

- The throne never really left BTS. This is why they’re called global superstars