The Korean Business Research Institute has released its January 2026 brand reputation rankings for individual rookie idols, offering insight into the current public interest and market presence of emerging artists.
The rankings were compiled using big data collected between December 2, 2025, and January 2, 2026. Multiple factors were taken into account, including consumer participation, media exposure, interaction levels, and community awareness, to evaluate the overall brand influence of each rookie idol.
ILLIT’s Wonhee claimed first place with a brand reputation index of 365,844, marking a 38.50 percent increase from the previous month. Keyword analysis highlighted phrases such as “NOT CUTE ANYMORE,” “holiday version,” and “global chart,” while related terms reflected a shift toward images like “lovely,” “mature,” and “growth.” Her positivity score reached 84.90 percent, indicating a strong volume of favorable public responses.
Second place went to ILLIT’s Minju, who recorded a brand reputation index of 332,365, representing a notable 62.05 percent rise compared to last month. TWS’s Dohoon followed closely in third place with an index of 308,396, continuing his steady upward trend.
CORTIS’s Keonho maintained his position at fourth place with a brand reputation index of 280,674, reflecting a 24.50 percent increase month over month. Rounding out the top five was Hearts2Hearts’ Ian, who achieved an index of 225,354, signaling growing recognition among the public.
Overall, the January rankings reveal strong momentum among several rookie idols, with multiple artists showing significant gains in brand value. The results highlight an increasingly competitive and dynamic rookie landscape, where individual presence and public engagement play a crucial role in shaping early career trajectories.
