Hey K-pop fans! It’s that time of the month again when we look at who is actually “owning” the industry’s buzz. On May 27, 2026, the Korean Business Research Institute dropped the Rising Singer Brand Reputation Rankings for May, and the results are absolutely wild. If you’ve been following the meteoric rise of 5th-gen leaders, today’s news is the ultimate confirmation that the “CORTIS syndrome” is very, very real.
The CORTIS Takeover
Taking the #1 spot by a landslide, CORTIS saw an eye-popping 328.60% increase in their brand index compared to last month.1 Their total score of 6,065,405 proves that they aren’t just a trend—they are the new standard. Between their music show wins and viral TikTok challenges, they are the definitive talk of the town.
Rising Singer Brand Reputation: Top 5 Snapshot
| Rank | Artist | Brand Index Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CORTIS | 6,065,405 | 328% Increase (1st Place) |
| 2 | Kim Yong Bin | 3,917,846 | Consistent Trot Power |
| 3 | HANRORO | 3,300,462 | Indie/Alternative Favorite |
| 4 | BIBI | 3,122,855 | 112% Jump into Top 5 |
| 5 | ENHYPEN | 3,099,769 | Global Fandom Strength |
Surprises and Consistency
Trot legend Kim Yong Bin held firm at #2, proving the “Trot Power” in Korea is as strong as ever. Meanwhile, soloist HANRORO and the multi-talented BIBI showed incredible digital longevity. ENHYPEN rounded out the top five, driven by their massive global touring data. Other notable mentions in the top 30 include Stray Kids, BABYMONSTER, and the rising global group KATSEYE.124
Want to see where other groups land? Check out the latest K-pop news and chart records or explore our BABYMONSTER members profile guide to see why they are ranking high. For those following the general scene, don’t miss the BTS ARIRANG Billboard records.
For a deeper look into the history of the industry and how these groups are formed, visit the K-pop Wikipedia page.
The “Rising Singer” rankings are always a great peek into the future of Hallyu. Who are you rooting for in the June rankings?
FAQs
Who is the #1 rising singer in May 2026?
The powerhouse group CORTIS secured the top spot this month with a massive brand index score of over 6 million, marking a 328% increase since April.
How are the brand reputation rankings for singers calculated?
The rankings are based on big data analysis of consumer participation, media coverage, communication, and community awareness indices over a 30-day period
