January Individual Rookie Idol Brand Reputation Rankings Announced

1/1/2026, 10:38:42 PM

The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for individual rookie idols!

The rankings were determined through an analysis of the consumer participation, media coverage, interaction, and community awareness indexes of various rookie idols, using big data collected from December 2, 2025 to January 2, 2026.

ILLIT’s Wonhee topped this month’s list with a brand reputation index of 365,844, marking a 38.50 percent increase in her score since December. High-ranking phrases in her keyword analysis included “NOT CUTE ANYMORE,” “holiday version,” and “global chart,” while her highest-ranking related terms included “lovely,” “mature,” and “grow.” Wonhee’s positivity-negativity analysis also revealed a score of 84.90 percent positive reactions.

ILLIT’s Minju took second place with a brand reputation index of 332,365, marking a 62.05 percent rise in her score since last month.

TWS’s Dohoon came in at a close third with a brand reputation index of 308,396, marking a 9.19 percent increase in his score since November.

CORTIS’s Keonho held onto his spot at fourth place with a brand reputation index of 280,674, marking a 24.50 percent rise in his score since last month.

Finally, Hearts2Hearts Hearts2Hearts K-POP GROUP Hearts2Hearts (하츠투하츠) is an 8-member girl group under SM Entertainment, debuting in 2025 with a fresh, emotional pop sound and a global focus. ’ Ian rounded out the top five for December with a brand reputation index of 225,354.