Hey K-drama fans! The results are officially in, and the “Sun-jae fever” is showing no signs of slowing down. On May 22, 2026, the Korean Business Research Institute revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for actors. This list is the ultimate popularity barometer in South Korea, and this month features a mix of rising heartthrobs and seasoned “acting gods” who are absolutely owning the spotlight.
May 2026 Actor Brand Reputation: Top 10
| Rank | Actor Name | Key Project / Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Byeon Woo-seok | Lovely Runner Global Syndrome |
| 2 | Kim Hye-yoon | Lovely Runner Chemistry |
| 3 | Park Ji-hoon | The Legend of Kitchen Soldier Success |
| 4 | Kim Soo-hyun | Queen of Tears Longevity |
| 5 | Ma Dong-seok | The Roundup: Punishment Box Office |
| 6 | Ji Sung | The Lawless Announcement |
| 7 | Park Sang-min | Wedding Impossible Fame |
| 8 | Chae Won-bin | Sold Out on You Popularity |
| 9 | Lee Jae-wook | Military Enlistment News |
| 10 | Shin Min-ah | The Eyes Thriller Teaser |
The “Sun-jae” Effect Takes Over
It’s no surprise that Byeon Woo-seok took the #1 spot with a massive lead. His portrayal of Ryu Sun-jae has sparked a cultural phenomenon, driving his participation and communication indices through the roof. Close behind is his co-star Kim Hye-yoon, proving that their onscreen synergy is the talk of the town.
Meanwhile, Park Ji-hoon climbed to the #3 spot thanks to the record-breaking ratings of his military comedy, The Legend of Kitchen Soldier. His transition from idol to “acting god” is officially complete!
Want to see more of the top performers? Check out our guide to the best Byeon Woo-seok K-dramas or stay updated with the latest K-drama news and ratings.
For a deeper look into how these rankings are calculated and their impact on the industry, visit the Korean Business Research Institute Wikipedia page.
Whether it’s the heart-fluttering romance of the “Sol-Sun” couple or the gritty thrills of new movie announcements, these actors are the definitive faces of Hallyu this May!
