The Korean Business Research Institute just dropped this month’s drama actor brand reputation rankings, and there’s a new king at the top. Lee Chae Min, the rising star who captured hearts in tvN’s “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,” has claimed the number one spot, proving that fantasy rom-coms still reign supreme in Korean entertainment.
Table of Contents
Lee Chae Min Understanding Brand Reputation Rankings
These monthly rankings aren’t just popularity contests—they’re data-driven analyses that measure an actor’s overall brand value. The Korean Business Research Institute evaluates four critical metrics: media coverage, public participation, audience interaction, and community engagement. For October’s rankings, they analyzed 50 actors who appeared in dramas airing between August 11 and September 11.
Think of it as a comprehensive report card showing which actors are dominating conversations, capturing media attention, and building genuine connections with viewers.
October 2025 Top 10 Rankings
| Rank | Actor | Brand Reputation Index | Recent Drama |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lee Chae Min | 3,482,313 | Bon Appétit, Your Majesty |
| 2 | Ma Dong Seok | 3,170,065 | Twelve |
| 3 | Kang Han Na | 2,330,978 | Bon Appétit, Your Majesty |
| 4 | Choi Yoon Ji | 1,941,975 | Love, Take Two |
| 5 | Yang Se Jong | 1,841,040 | Low Life |
| 6 | Yoon Hyun Min | – | Our Golden Days |
| 7 | Kim Nam Gil | – | – |
| 8 | Mun Ka Young | – | – |
| 9 | Lim Yoona | – | – |
| 10 | Kim Tae Hee | – | – |
Lee Chae Min’s Stellar Performance
With a brand reputation index exceeding 3.4 million, Lee Chae Min didn’t just win—he dominated. His keyword analysis reveals why: “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,” “Lee Heon,” and “fantasy rom-com” topped the list, showing strong association between actor and character.
Even more impressive? His related terms included “powerful,” “immersed,” and “sweet”—descriptors that show audiences didn’t just watch his performance, they felt it. The positivity-negativity analysis sealed the deal with 91.34 percent positive reactions, an exceptionally high score that indicates genuine audience appreciation.
This breakthrough performance in the historical fantasy rom-com positions Lee Chae Min as one of the most promising actors of his generation. Playing King Lee Heon opposite a modern-day chef trapped in the Joseon era, he delivered the perfect blend of royal charisma and romantic vulnerability.
Ma Dong Seok’s Consistent Popularity
Action star Ma Dong Seok secured second place with an index of 3,170,065, thanks to his recent KBS drama “Twelve.” Known internationally for his roles in “Train to Busan” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Eternals,” Ma Dong Seok’s television presence continues expanding his already massive fanbase.
His consistent ranking demonstrates that established stars maintain strong brand value even when competing against trending newcomers.
Kang Han Na’s Villainous Victory
Claiming third place with 2,330,978 points, Kang Han Na proves that playing the villain can be just as career-boosting as playing the hero. Her antagonistic role in “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” generated significant buzz, showing that compelling antagonists drive just as much conversation as beloved protagonists.
For more K-drama news and actor updates, visit Soompi’s comprehensive coverage or explore our Korean entertainment section on TechnoSports.
Notable Rankings
Choi Yoon Ji ranked fourth with 1,941,975 points for her work in “Love, Take Two,” while Yang Se Jong rounded out the top five with 1,841,040 points from “Low Life.”
The full top 30 includes familiar faces like Yoon Hyun Min (currently starring in “Our Golden Days”), veteran Kim Nam Gil, and fan-favorite Mun Ka Young. Girls’ Generation’s Yoona also made the list, demonstrating her continued relevance in both music and acting.
What These Rankings Mean
Brand reputation rankings influence casting decisions, endorsement opportunities, and overall career trajectories. A high ranking signals to producers, advertisers, and entertainment companies that an actor has genuine public support and commercial viability.
For viewers, these rankings offer insight into which dramas are resonating culturally and which performances are genuinely connecting with audiences beyond just viewership numbers.
You can watch Lee Chae Min’s award-winning performance in “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” on Viki and catch Choi Yoon Ji in “Love, Take Two” on Viki.
The Power of Fantasy Rom-Coms
Lee Chae Min’s victory highlights the enduring appeal of fantasy romance dramas in Korean entertainment. “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” combines historical settings, time-travel elements, and food culture—a winning formula that Korean audiences consistently embrace.
The drama’s success and Lee Chae Min’s subsequent ranking prove that well-executed genre pieces with strong chemistry can compete against any big-budget production.
Rising Stars to Watch
This month’s rankings showcase several rising talents alongside established veterans. The diversity in the top 30—from action stars like Ma Dong Seok to romance specialists like Lee Chae Min to character actors excelling in supporting roles—demonstrates the breadth of talent in Korean drama.
For newcomers to K-dramas, these rankings serve as an excellent guide for discovering which actors are currently making waves and which performances are worth watching.
FAQs
Q: How are drama actor brand reputation rankings calculated?
A: The Korean Business Research Institute analyzes four key metrics: media coverage (how much press an actor receives), participation (how actively audiences engage with content about them), interaction (social media engagement and fan activity), and community indexes (online community discussions). They collect data from news articles, blogs, social media, forums, and video platforms, then compile it into a comprehensive brand reputation index score.
Q: Do brand reputation rankings affect an actor’s career opportunities?
A: Absolutely! High rankings significantly impact an actor’s career by influencing casting decisions, endorsement deals, and appearance fees. Producers and advertisers view these rankings as indicators of an actor’s current market value and public appeal. A top-10 ranking can open doors to leading roles in high-profile projects and lucrative commercial contracts, making these monthly announcements crucial for career momentum in the competitive Korean entertainment industry.
