The K-Brand Index, regarded as a national brand index, is a big-data system developed by the Asia Brand Research Institute in collaboration with scholars both in кσяєα and abroad. This ranking includes multiple categories—boy groups, girl groups, individual artists, brands, and more. The K-Brand Index measures overall brand influence, meaning the subject’s media impact and public image on a wide scale.
Typically, big-data systems only collect numerical data and generate scores without professional evaluation, but the K-Brand Index operates differently. Every step in the process—from selecting candidates to filtering the final index—is verified by advisory panels in each respective field, making the index more accurate and reliable.
Notably, this edition of the K-Brand Index also includes the “Stardom Index,” a fan-based voting indicator that has been applied for the first time since October. This index reflects a brand’s actual influence in popular culture, identifies truly active fandom communities, and improves the ability to forecast trends and international popularity.
On December 9, the Asia Brand Research Institute announced the Top 10 Brand Value Rankings of November 2025 for Boy Group Individual Members. Individuals from top K-pop boy groups who generated the highest search volume across major portals were analyzed based on 208 million data points collected between November 1 and November 30, 2025.
In the Top 10 male idol category, five BTS members appeared—Jin, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Most notably, surpαѕѕing all currently popular male idols, V ranked No.1, earning an impressive 13 million social points and outstanding scores in every category, demonstrating the powerful brand value of his individual influence.
What makes this even more remarkable is that V had virtually no official musical activities or promotional schedules throughout November. He was only discharged from the military this June and has been inactive for two years due to enlistment. Nevertheless, his No.1 position in the K-Brand Index proves that his popularity and influence remain undiminished. He stands as living evidence of transcending the boundaries of music to become a global cultural icon.
Experts also point out that V’s dominance extends not only to the entertainment industry but also to the fields of fashion and advertising. He has repeatedly generated record-breaking “earned media value” for CELINE while attending major global fashion events, highlighting his strength in amplifying brand exposure. The same applies to the two beauty brands that announced V as their Global Brand Ambαѕѕador in November—TIR TIR and Yunth.
Meanwhile, five of the seven BTS members entering the Top 10 of the K-Brand Index once again demonstrates the unrivaled standing of the K-pop superstars, even during the group’s temporary hiatus. Last year, despite minimal collective activities, BTS still ranked second in the Idol Group category of the K-Brand Index when the annual review was published.
Naturally, this does not come as a big surprise, as BTS’s status has never wavered since they emerged as “the 21st-century pop icons.” Even toward the end of last year—before all members completed their enlistment—the global public was already anticipating their eventual comeback. Experts forecast substantial impact and enormous value once BTS resumes full-group activities in 2026.
The latest K-Brand Index results are undeniably uplifting news for ARMYs. Social media is currently filled with congratulations and excitement from fans celebrating the members’ achievements:
- Congratulations V. His influence and popularity continue to remain at the highest level - truly a global star
- So proud of our boys! Congratulations, BTS! The Legend
- Five members in the Top 10?? That’s insane. BTS keeps proving why they’re the standard of K-pop
- Even after two years of military service, V goes straight to No.1. BTS doesn’t just return — they rule
- We are always proud of you Taehyungie. Always be happy. TOP TIER ARTIST V
- Five members in the top 10! Absolutely deserved. BTS is the main pillar of Kpop
- Congratulations! We're proud of you beyond words!!! Staying true to yourself and pursuing your dreams!
- BTS always slays! Proud ARMY moment
- Congrats to RM, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook! You guys earned it
- Congratulations to every BTS member! No matter how long the break is, their impact never fades. Kings stay kings
- This is what happens when legends stay legendary! BTS forever
