Jungkook tops K-Brand Index 2026 first-half K-pop individual rankings

Jungkook claimed the top spot in the K-Brand Index 2026 first-half K-pop idol individual category, Asia Brand Research Institute announced on June 26.

The index analyzed 1,625,659,763 online big data records from January 1 to May 31, 2026, drawing from the top 30 K-pop idols by portal site search volume. Scores combined weighted criteria across Trend, Media, Social, Positive, Negative, TA (Activation), Community, and AI Index. Offline figures were excluded.

Top 10: Jungkook (BTS), Jang Wonyoung (IVE), Jennie (BLACKPINK), Jimin (BTS), G-Dragon (BIGBANG), Karina (aespa), Rosé (BLACKPINK), V (BTS), Winter (aespa), Yeonjun (TOMORROW X TOGETHER).

Ryu Won-seon, Research Center Director at Asia Brand Research Institute, attributed Jungkook's win to "combined musical achievement, global recognition, and a strong fan community." He also ranked first among male group idols by Korean YouTube search volume as of 2026. A Hooligan challenge video Jungkook posted hit 100 million views four days after upload.

Ryu pointed out that Jang Wonyoung and Jennie's top-three finishes reflect K-pop's reach beyond music into fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. The presence of next-generation artists Karina, Winter, and Yeonjun in the top 10 signals a broadening generational spread.

G-Dragon, who placed fifth, shared a poster for BIGBANG's 20th anniversary world tour Goyang concert on Instagram on the 24th.

Asia Brand Research Institute was established in 2016.