Who sells best? Not by sales, but by buzz. The Korean Business Research Institute has released its October brand reputation rankings for advertisement models, and BTS once again lead a list packed with idols, actors and athletes.
Table of Contents
Top 5 October 2026
| Rank | Star | Brand Reputation Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BTS | 4,009,253 |
| 2 | RESCENE | 3,716,679 |
| 3 | Lim Young Woong | 1,519,748 |
| 4 | IVE | 1,246,560 |
| 5 | Kim Do Yeong | 1,082,144 |
How the Rankings Work?
The institute analyzed consumer behavior using big data collected from September 5 to October 5. It evaluated each model’s participation, communication, media and social values to calculate a total monthly brand reputation index.
BTS Hold the Throne
BTS kept first place, and their index rose 1.96% from September. Top keywords in their analysis included “ARMY,” “ARIRANG” and “ambassador,” while the highest-ranking related terms were “power of influence,” “fan loyalty” and “highly influential.” Their positivity-negativity analysis showed 93.85% positive reactions.
Biggest Movers
RESCENE held second place with an 8.42% rise from last month, the strongest growth among the top two. Lim Young Woong stayed at No. 3, while IVE rose to fourth.
Ranks 6-15
| Rank | Star |
|---|---|
| 6 | Go Youn Jung |
| 7 | BLACKPINK |
| 8 | Shin Min Ah |
| 9 | Son Heung Min |
| 10 | Heo Nam Jun |
| 11 | Yu Jae Seok |
| 12 | Gong Yoo |
| 13 | Lee Jung Jae |
| 14 | Park Ji Hoon |
| 15 | Seo Kang Jun |
The top 30 continues with names including Lee Byung Hun, Faker, Kim Hye Yoon, Seongri, Kim Hye Soo, Jun Ji Hyun, Girls’ Generation’s Lim Yoona, Park Bo Gum, Byeon Woo Seok and Kim You Jung at No. 30.
For background on the No. 1 group, see the BTS Wikipedia page.
Want more? Check our latest K-pop news, browse celebrity rankings and keep up with entertainment headlines on Technosports.
FAQs
Who is No. 1 in October’s ad model rankings?
BTS lead with a brand reputation index of 4,009,253.
How are the rankings calculated?
They use big data on participation, communication, media and social values from September 5 to October 5.
