G-Dragon Tops Male K-Pop Idol Brand Rankings Again; BTS Jin and Cha Eun Woo Follow Close Behind

Big Bang’s G-Dragon has claimed the top spot in the Korea Brand Reputation Index for male K-Pop idols for the third month in a row. The latest rankings, released on May 17, 2025, show G-Dragon leading with 4,679,825 points, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in K-Pop.

BTS member Jin secured second place with 4,419,595 points, while ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo ranked third with 4,343,362 points. The rankings are based on big data analysis covering consumer participation, media activity, communication, and community engagement from April 17 to May 17, 2025.

The top 10 male K-Pop idols in brand value for May 2025 are:

1. G-Dragon (Big Bang) – 4,679,825 points
2. Jin (BTS) – 4,419,595 points
3. Cha Eun Woo (ASTRO) – 4,343,362 points
4. Jimin (BTS)
5. Jungkook (BTS)
6. Park Ji Hoon
7. V (BTS)
8. SUGA (BTS)
9. Kang Daniel
10. Doojoon (Highlight)

Other notable names in the top 30 include RIIZE’s Wonbin, SHINee’s Key, EXO’s Baekhyun, and ATEEZ’s San. The list reflects a mix of veteran idols and rising stars, with BTS members dominating multiple spots.

G-Dragon’s consistent high ranking highlights his enduring influence despite being less active in music recently. His strong fandom engagement, fashion ventures, and media presence contribute to his brand power. Meanwhile, Jin’s second-place position is fueled by his solo activities and military service completion, which kept him in the public eye.

Cha Eun Woo’s third-place ranking comes as no surprise, given his acting roles, endorsements, and ASTRO’s steady popularity. His recent completion of an 11km race as a promotional ambassador for ‘2025 TNF 100 Gangwon’ also boosted his visibility.

The Korea Brand Reputation Index is a key indicator of an idol’s marketability and public interest. Factors like social media buzz, news mentions, and fan interactions play a major role in the rankings. This month’s results show that legacy artists and active soloists continue to dominate.

BTS members remain a dominant force, with six members in the top 10. Their individual projects, from music releases to variety show appearances, keep them highly relevant. Meanwhile, RIIZE and ZEROBASEONE members are rising stars, proving that newer groups are gaining traction.

Super Junior’s Heechul and Kyuhyun also made the list, showing that second-generation idols still hold strong brand power. Similarly, Big Bang’s Taeyang and Daesung maintained their positions, proving their lasting appeal.

The rankings reflect the diverse ways K-Pop idols stay influential—whether through music, acting, variety shows, or social media. G-Dragon’s consistent lead highlights his iconic status, while newer idols like RIIZE’s Wonbin and Sohee show the industry’s evolving landscape.

Fans have been reacting strongly to the rankings, with many praising G-Dragon’s enduring legacy. Others are celebrating the strong presence of BTS and rising fourth-gen idols. The data confirms that K-Pop’s male idols remain powerful brand influencers across multiple fields.

The Korea Brand Reputation Index is updated monthly, tracking shifts in public interest and engagement. With summer comebacks and festivals approaching, the rankings may see further changes in the coming months.

For now, G-Dragon reigns supreme, but the competition remains fierce. Whether through music, acting, or variety, these idols continue to shape K-Pop’s global influence.

Also Read: BLACKPINK Tops May 2025 K-pop Girl Group Brand Rankings; Full List Revealed

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