Blackpink and BTS' Jimin Break Out at the Top of Korea's July 2025 Brand Reputation Rankings

In the ever-shifting world of K-pop, July 2025 marked a defining moment in the brand power race: Blackpink reclaimed their throne as the top idol group in South Korea, while BTS' Jimin soared to the No. 1 spot among all individual idols, proving once again that some stars only shine brighter with time.

The Korea Business Research Institute released this month's Brand Reputation Rankings, and it's not just about numbers, it's a window into fan sentiment, media buzz, and who's truly influencing the culture right now.

Blackpink Dominates the Group Rankings

After months of relative quiet, Blackpink roared back into the spotlight with a surge of momentum fueled by their long-awaited comeback single "JUMP" and the kick-off of their Deadline World Tour. The result? A staggering 8.1 million brand reputation index, reflecting an 85.6% increase from the previous month, the highest growth among all groups in July.

Key phrases linked to Blackpink's dominance included "JUMP," "all-kill," "sold out," "Jennie New York," and "global icons." Their group positivity score hit 94.57%, showing just how strong the public's affection remains after nearly a decade in the industry.

Whether it was Rosé's soaring vocals, Jennie's viral solo performance at Coachella Japan, or Lisa's fashion week takeover in Paris, Blackpink's ability to combine music, style, and social media virality continues to set them apart.

Fans and even casual observers are calling this their true second wind.

Jimin Reclaims His Crown as Top Individual Idol

bts jimin Naver

Over on the individual rankings, BTS' Jimin proved that absence makes the heart grow even fonder.

Despite being on military service, Jimin ranked No. 1 with a brand reputation index of 8.18 million, up more than 17% from the previous month. That puts him ahead of G-Dragon, Rosé, Jungkook, and Jennie, who round out the Top 5.

So, how does someone who isn't promoting outpace idols actively touring?

Jimin's strength lies in emotional connection. Known among fans as the "comfort idol," his name was linked to keywords like "cake fairy," "overwhelming," "ARMY," and "kind heart." Social media continues to circulate clips of his old vlogs, fan letters, and solo performances like "Like Crazy," keeping his energy alive online.

His reputation isn't just built on music it's rooted in authenticity. And in today's digital landscape, that's what builds loyalty that lasts through enlistments and beyond.

Sentiment Over Soundbites

The data collected by the Korea Business Research Institute doesn't just track mentions, it analyzes the emotional tone of those mentions. For Jimin, the positivity rate clocked in at 94.05%, meaning that nearly every post, article, or video referencing him this month was filled with admiration, nostalgia, or encouragement.

The same applied to Blackpink, whose fans (Blinks) have been pushing hashtags like #JUMPWithBlackpink, #RoséReturns, and #JennieInParis to global trending charts daily.

This kind of digital devotion is what drives the K-pop ecosystem and it's a major reason why these stars remain at the top, regardless of schedules or media cycles.

Comebacks, Enlistments, and What's Next

Blackpink's Deadline Tour is expected to run through December, with stops in Europe, Asia, and North America. There's also buzz about a second mini-album dropping this fall, with Lisa rumored to have co-written a track in both English and Thai.

As for Jimin, his return from military service is projected for mid-2026, but fans are already anticipating post-service plans. HYBE has hinted at solo projects and even a global fan meet-up upon his return.

Meanwhile, BTS as a group is expected to resume full-group activities in 2026, making this calm before the storm one of the most emotionally charged times in the fandom's recent history.