November 2025 K-POP Idol Rankings: A Major Upset? Identity Revealed of 'Monster Rookie' Set to Halt BTS's Dominance
Today (25 November), the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute announced the results of its big data analysis of idol group brand reputation for November 2025.
As expected, “world-class” BTS firmly held onto the top spot. However, industry insiders and fans who saw the chart were stunned. This was because a rookie group, not even a year into their debut, had overtaken established seniors to secure a place in the TOP 4.
What on earth happened? We analyse the shocking results of November's idol chart alongside detailed data.
📊 November 2025 Idol Brand Reputation TOP 10
First, we reveal the ranking chart at the centre of the buzz. The brand reputation index is calculated by combining the participation index, media index, communication index, and community index.
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| Rank | Group name | Brand Reputation Index | Month-on-month change |
| 1 | BTS | 9,854,120 | ➖ |
| 2 | BLACKPINK | 6,423,100 | ▼ 5.1% |
| 3 | IVE | 5,102,330 | ▲ 1.2% |
| 4 | Cortis | 4,988,200 | ▲ 320.5% |
| 5 | NewJeans | 4,510,150 | ▼ 2.0% |
| 6 | SEVENTEEN | 3,980,400 | ▲ 4.5% |
| 7 | Stray Kids | 2,870,220 | ▲ 1.1% |
| 8 | Aespa | 2,650,100 | ▼ 3.2% |
| 9 | TWICE | 2,100,550 | ➖ |
| 10 | RIIZE | 1,950,300 | ▲ 0.8% |
(Source: Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, November 2025 data, restructured)
🔍 Key 1. BTS's majestic presence
Following their military discharge, BTS, now gearing up for full group activities, maintained their top position with a lead of over 3 million points over second place.
- Key keywords: “ARMY”, “Billboard”, “full group comeback”
- Even without special broadcast activities, the combined firepower of their fandom (ARMY) and the resurgence of past tracks has led to assessments that ‘BTS has done a BTS’. It seems unlikely this stronghold will be easily broken for the foreseeable future.
🔍 Key 2. Chart-topper and monster rookie “Cortis”: Who are they?
This month's most shocking data comes from “Cortis”, ranked fourth. They recorded an astonishing 320% increase compared to the previous month.
It's often called a “miracle” for a rookie group to even break into the top 10, yet they've now closed in on BLACKPINK and IVE.
Short-form challenge sensation: The challenge for their recently released track has become a global trend on TikTok and Reels, sparking explosive engagement among teenagers.
Member “Geonho” effect: Footage of “Geonho”, the group's visual member, went viral on YouTube, driving search volume as tens of thousands of comments flooded in asking ‘Who is this handsome guy?’.
Fresh appeal: Analysis suggests their raw charm, distinct from established major agency idols, resonated strongly with Generation Z.
CORTIS Call Billboard Chart Success ‘Surreal’ & Say ‘It’s Just the Beginning’
CORTIS discuss their Billboard chart success and more for new 'Billboard Brasil' digital cover story.
www.billboard.com
🔍 Key 3. K-Idol Dramas Set for Success Too?
Beyond idol charts, there's more intriguing news. The drama <Idol-I>, starring Girls' Generation's Choi Soo-young, has secured an overseas broadcast rights deal with Netflix.
This proves that content centred on K-POP idols has global market potential not just as music, but also within the “drama” genre. The drama's broadcast is also expected to positively impact the brand reputation of the featured idols.
📢 Where does your “favourite” rank?
November saw a clash between established powerhouses and formidable newcomers. All eyes are on whether Cortis can break into the TOP 3 in December's year-end rankings, or if the established leaders will defend their pride.
Where does your favourite group rank?
Share your artist's position in the comments or leave a message of support! (Your comments might just influence next month's brand reputation rankings...? 😉)
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