The K-pop rookie scene is heating up as the Korean Business Research Institute releases their September 2025 brand reputation rankings for debut groups. This month’s results showcase some surprising climbs and impressive growth rates that are reshaping the landscape for emerging idols.
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KiiiKiii Takes the Lead with Explosive Growth
KiiiKiii has officially claimed the top spot with a remarkable brand reputation index of 1,083,312, representing an impressive 18.44% increase from August. This surge demonstrates the group’s growing influence in the competitive rookie market.
The group’s success can be attributed to their viral moments and authentic Gen Z appeal. Key phrases dominating their analysis include “DANCING ALONE,” “Strawberry Cheesegame,” and “Gen Z vibe,” while positive descriptors like “innocent,” “lovely,” and “charming” paint a picture of their public perception.
September 2024 Top 5 Rookie Rankings
| Rank | Group | Brand Index | Monthly Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KiiiKiii | 1,083,312 | +18.44% |
| 2 | Hearts2Hearts | 867,646 | +17.35% |
| 3 | ILLIT | 583,927 | N/A |
| 4 | TWS | 546,674 | N/A |
| 5 | BABYMONSTER | 496,433 | N/A |
Hearts2Hearts Makes Impressive Jump
Hearts2Hearts secured second place with a brand reputation index of 867,646, marking a substantial 17.35% increase from the previous month. This dramatic rise showcases the group’s ability to capture public attention and build meaningful connections with fans.
Established Names Hold Strong
ILLIT, the rookie sensation that took the industry by storm earlier this year, maintains their position in the top three with 583,927 points. Their consistent presence in these rankings proves their staying power in the highly competitive rookie idol landscape.
TWS follows closely in fourth place with 546,674 points, while BABYMONSTER rounds out the top five with 496,433 points, demonstrating that established rookie names continue to command significant brand recognition.
The Science Behind the Rankings
These rankings aren’t just popularity contests – they’re based on sophisticated data analysis. The Korean Business Research Institute evaluates groups across four key metrics:
- Consumer Participation: Direct fan engagement and interaction
- Media Coverage: News articles, features, and press mentions
- Interaction: Social media engagement and viral moments
- Community Awareness: Overall public recognition and discussion
The data spans from August 2 to September 2, 2024, providing a comprehensive snapshot of rookie group performance during this crucial period.
Rising Stars to Watch
The complete top 30 list reveals several groups making waves in the rookie scene. Notable mentions include izna, MEOVV, and KATSEYE, all of whom are establishing themselves as forces to be reckoned with in the evolving K-pop industry.
AHOF, SAY MY NAME, and UNIS also demonstrate the incredible diversity of talent emerging in 2024’s rookie class, each bringing unique concepts and musical styles to the table.
What This Means for the Future
The September rankings highlight several key trends:
Authenticity Wins: KiiiKiii’s “Gen Z vibe” approach resonates strongly with audiences seeking genuine connections.
Consistent Growth: Multiple groups showing double-digit percentage increases suggest a healthy, expanding rookie market.
Diverse Appeal: From girl groups to boy bands, various concepts are finding their audiences and building sustainable fan bases.
The 84.51% positive reaction rate for KiiiKiii particularly stands out, indicating that authentic engagement strategies are more effective than traditional promotional approaches.
Looking Ahead
These rankings serve as a crucial indicator for industry professionals, investors, and fans tracking the next generation of K-pop superstars. With rookie debuts continuing to surge, competition remains fierce, making these monthly assessments invaluable for understanding market dynamics.
Stay updated on the latest K-pop rookie developments and rankings by following our K-pop news section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are rookie idol brand reputation rankings calculated?
A: The Korean Business Research Institute analyzes four key metrics: consumer participation, media coverage, interaction, and community awareness using big data collected over a one-month period to determine each group’s brand reputation index score.
Q: What made KiiiKiii rank #1 in September 2024?
A: KiiiKiii topped the rankings with a brand reputation index of 1,083,312, featuring an 18.44% monthly increase. Their success was driven by viral content like “DANCING ALONE,” strong Gen Z appeal, and an impressive 84.51% positive reaction rate from audiences.
