K-pop groups made every second count this January since a strong start is considered essential for their trajectory in 2025. With their music releases, social media updates, and overall exposure, the Korean Business Research Institute determined the groups that made the most buzz this January.
Unsurprisingly, BLACKPINK leads the pack once again, following their reign in December 2024. Trailing behind the quartet are SEVENTEEN and BTS.
Here are the 30 most popular K-pop groups in January 2025!
1. BLACKPINK
As expected of the global girl group, BLACKPINK once again dominated the rankings with an impressive brand reputation index of 11,241,703.
As BLACKPINK is gearing up for a full-group comeback this 2025, following the members' solo music releases, the anticipation for new content is high.
BLINKs are currently abuzz with the members' solo releases. Rosé already made waves with her first full album, rosie, while her co-members Jennie, Lisa, and Jisoo are set to unveil their respective solo projects as well.
YG Entertainment also confirmed that a full-group comeback and world tour are on the horizon.
2. SEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN secured second place with a brand index of 8,026,659.
The third-gen boy group has trended this January for their daily updates on social media, content, and ongoing RIGHT HERE World Tour.
3. BTS
Despite their hiatus, BTS snagged the third spot with an index of 6,340,427.
4. IVE
IVE secured the fourth seat with a brand index of 5,479,545.
The group has also dropped a new song, titled, "Rebel Heart," which is a pre-release from their upcoming album IVE EMPATHY.
5. aespa
The fifth place was claimed by aespa due to their brand index of 5,150,630.
See the remaining groups below:
6. ITZY
7. BIGBANG
8. SHINee
9. (G)I-DLE
10. ENHYPEN
11. Stray Kids
12. TWICE
13. TWS
14. Red Velvet
15. ILLIT
16. NCT
17. FIFTY FIFTY
18. EXO
19. LE SSERAFIM
20. H1-KEY
21. ATEEZ
22. RIIZE
23. BABYMONSTER
24. BTOB
25. THE BOYZ
26. INFINITE
27. NMIXX
28. Super Junior
29. izna
30. BOYNEXTDOOR
