사진 확대 Lim Young-woong. Photo courtesy of Fish Music
Singer Lim Young-woong has claimed the top spot in the Star Brand Reputation rankings.
According to the Korea Institute of Corporate Reputation, the September 2025 Star Brand Reputation big data analysis ranked Lim Young-woong first, followed by Son Heung-min in second and BTS in third.
The Korea Institute of Corporate Reputation analyzed 274,117,319 pieces of star brand big data collected from August 29 to September 29, 2025. The analysis measured participation, media, communication, and community indices for each star brand based on consumer behavior. Compared to August’s 260,436,228 data points, this represents a 5.25% increase.
The Brand Reputation Index is a metric developed through big data analysis, reflecting the significant impact of consumers’ online habits on brand consumption. The Star Brand Reputation analysis measures consumer relationships, sentiment (positive and negative), media attention, and the level of interest and engagement surrounding each star brand.
The Star Brand Reputation analysis targets entertainers, singers, trot singers, drama actors, film actors, boy groups, girl groups, and athletes. It analyzes the brands ranked at the top using a big data reputation algorithm to assess their relationship with consumers. The detailed indicators of the Star Brand Reputation Index also include a recommendation index as a weighted factor.
Lim Young-woong, who ranked first in the Star Brand Reputation, recorded a participation index of 1,516,012, a media index of 3,162,600, a communication index of 3,218,640, and a community index of 3,238,648, resulting in a total brand reputation index of 11,135,899. This marks a 43.63% increase compared to August’s index of 7,753,405.
In second place, Son Heung-min achieved a participation index of 1,495,012, a media index of 2,923,703, a communication index of 2,815,231, and a community index of 3,042,083, totaling a brand reputation index of 10,276,030. This represents a 33.93% decrease from August’s index of 15,553,318.
In third place, BTS (RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jungkook) recorded a participation index of 205,158, a media index of 2,285,724, a communication index of 3,674,019, and a community index of 3,205,533, resulting in a brand reputation index of 9,370,434. This is an 8.96% decrease compared to August’s index of 10,292,560.
Kim Jong-kook, in fourth place, achieved a participation index of 674,108, a media index of 1,457,959, a communication index of 2,158,678, and a community index of 2,775,461, resulting in a brand reputation index of 7,066,205. This marks a 14.97% increase from August’s index of 6,146,253.
In fifth place, Blackpink (Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, Lisa) recorded a participation index of 108,710, a media index of 1,080,857, a communication index of 2,656,741, and a community index of 3,044,875, resulting in a brand reputation index of 6,891,182. Compared to August’s index of 6,860,892, this is a 0.44% increase.
Koo Chang-hwan, director of the Korea Institute of Corporate Reputation, stated, “According to the September 2025 Star Brand Reputation big data analysis, Lim Young-woong ranked first. Lim Young-woong has shown overwhelming performance in music releases, variety shows, and concerts. Son Heung-min, who ranked second, is setting new records with Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). BTS, in third place, continues to generate excitement as a complete group while also pursuing active solo activities. Kim Jong-kook, who ranked fourth, has attracted consumer attention with news of his marriage. Blackpink, in fifth place, is making history with their world tour and ongoing achievements.”
He added, “Analyzing the September 2025 Star Brand Reputation big data category, there was a 5.25% increase compared to August’s 260,436,228 data points. A closer look shows a 1.98% rise in brand consumption, a 6.45% increase in brand issues, a 4.08% increase in brand communication, and a 6.49% rise in brand diffusion.”
The top 30 in the September 2025 Star Brand Reputation rankings are as follows: Lim Young-woong, Son Heung-min, BTS, Kim Jong-kook, Blackpink, Yoo Jae-suk, IVE, Lee Chae-min, Lee Byung-hun, TWICE, Stray Kids, Park Ji-hyun, Kim Yong-bin, Lee Jung-hoo, Byun Woo-seok, Ma Dong-seok, Ryu Hyun-jin, Park Jin-young, SEVENTEEN, Faker, Lee Dae-ho, DAY6, Red Velvet, Cha Eun-woo, BIGBANG, Kim Ha-seong, Kim Jong-min, Kang Ho-dong, Lee Jung-jae, and Lee Young-ae.
[Soyoung Yang Star Today]