The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for idol groups!

The rankings were determined through an analysis of the consumer participation, media coverage, interaction, and community awareness indexes of 100 idol groups, using big data collected from December 17 to January 18.

BTS held onto their spot at the top of the list with a total brand reputation index of 13,693,956 for January. High-ranking phrases in the group’s keyword analysis included “Jimin,” “Jungkook,” and “V,” while their highest-ranking related terms included “enjoy,” “cool,” and “worry.” BTS’s positivity-negativity analysis also revealed a score of 52.83 percent positive reactions.

Red Velvet rose to second place this month after seeing a 35.83 percent increase in their score since December. The girl group scored a total brand reputation index of 7,793,658 for January.

EXO came in at a close third with a total index of 7,658,217, marking a 23.24 percent rise in their score since last month.

Check out this month’s top 30 below!

1. BTS
2. Red Velvet
3. EXO
4. TWICE
5. BLACKPINK
6. MAMAMOO
7. NU’EST
8. AOA
9. GFRIEND
10. (G)I-DLE
11. SEVENTEEN
12. Apink
13. ASTRO
14. Oh My Girl
15. MOMOLAND
16. Girls’ Generation
17. BIGBANG
18. SF9
19. NCT
20. Super Junior
21. MONSTA X
22. HOTSHOT
23. WJSN
24. Stray Kids
25. GOT7
26. WINNER
27. TXT
28. SHINee
29. ITZY
30. APRIL

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In a recent interview and pictorial for Esquire magazine, BIGBANG’s Taeyang talked about his upcoming plans for the near future!

The singer, who will be gracing the cover of the magazine’s February issue, is currently gearing up for his return to the industry after his military discharge last November. Earlier this month, BIGBANG made headlines when the famous U.S. music festival Coachella confirmed that the group would be joining this year’s lineup.

Taeyang revealed that the BIGBANG members worried a great deal and debated amongst themselves after receiving the offer to perform at Coachella this spring. “If I had a wish,” he shared, “it would be to leave Coachella with a great performance.”

Long before BIGBANG’s return to the stage in April, Taeyang will be reuniting with his fans in Korea by hosting a special charity flea market and fundraising auction for a meaningful cause.

The singer explained that the inspiration for the event came to him during his time in the military, recalling, “When you’re in the army, you only wear your military uniform and combat uniform. And that’s enough. So it occurred to me that I had too much.

“I was thinking about ways to sort out the things I owned, when I thought that it would be nice if I held a flea market in my name, so I could share good things [with others] and send the proceeds to a good cause.”

All proceeds from the upcoming flea market and auction—which will feature not only items donated by Taeyang but also by CL, Sandara Park, WINNER, iKON, AKMU, and IONE—will go to Snail of Love, a non-profit organization that helps provide cochlear implants and hearing aids to those in need.

When asked about his choice to specifically support Snail of Love, Taeyang explained, “To me, hearing sound in and of itself is extremely meaningful. Of course sight is important too, but I think that one word or one beautiful sound has the ability to transform a person most. That’s why I hope that this can be a special gift to those who are hearing-impaired.”

Taeyang’s “Flower Response” flea market and auction will take place on January 18 at Pier59 Studios in Seoul.

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