In a rare shift that favors rhythm over drama, four powerhouse K-pop acts Stray Kids, DAY6, ENHYPEN, and BABYMONSTER secured prominent spots in Korea's October 2025 Rising Star Brand Reputation rankings, signaling a recalibration of cultural influence away from the screen and back toward the stage.
The list, compiled by the Korean Business Research Institute, traditionally encompasses a wide swath of emerging public figures across film, television, variety, and music. But this month, the data tells a louder story. Music acts dominated key positions, with Stray Kids and DAY6 breaking into the top five, an increasingly rare feat in a chart often dominated by actors and media darlings.
Stray Kids, fresh off a sold-out Asia tour and a headline-grabbing fashion campaign in Paris, landed in 5th place, backed by a brand reputation index of 2,776,220, a staggering 22.72% increase from September. Their sharp climb reflects not only their sustained global popularity but also the Korean public's growing recognition of their influence at home. The group's presence on TikTok, their visually aggressive stagecraft, and a continuous output of content have translated into strong consumer participation and media buzz scores, key components of the index's algorithm.
Just ahead of them is DAY6, who claimed the 4th spot with a brand reputation index of 2,905,629. The veteran band's reemergence has been a slow burn, but their storytelling and musicianship, anchored by heartfelt live performances, have cemented them as one of the most emotionally resonant acts in the country. With their latest album The Book of Us: Final Chapter earning critical acclaim and charting internationally, their digital resonance is finally catching up to their artistic merit.
Beyond the top five, ENHYPEN ranked 12th, climbing steadily on the back of their most recent EP, a gothic-concept mini album that has performed well on both Korean and global charts. Their media exposure has intensified thanks to collaborations with international fashion houses and a flurry of behind-the-scenes content that deepens fan engagement. While their brand reputation score wasn't publicly released in detail, their presence in the upper tier reflects a strategic expansion beyond the fandom bubble.
BABYMONSTER, YG Entertainment's highly anticipated girl group, made their entry at 21st place, driven by high keyword association, intense digital chatter, and a viral dance challenge that captivated Gen Z audiences across Korea and Southeast Asia. Their appearance on the list despite being a relatively new act suggests a trajectory that could echo BLACKPINK's meteoric rise, if managed with the same cross-market savvy.
While music acts have long struggled to penetrate the general rising star rankings due to the overwhelming presence of television and film actors, the October 2025 data reflects a shift in visibility and consumer sentiment. These groups are not simply charting on Melon and Spotify, they're now occupying the same psychological real estate as Korea's A-list actors and multi-hyphenates.
In the months ahead, as winter comebacks approach and year-end awards season kicks off, all eyes will be on whether these acts can sustain or even surpass their current momentum. What's clear is that in October, the beat finally outpaced the script.
