BTS Leads July 2025 Ad Model Brand Rankings, Lim Young-woong and Byun Woo-seok Follow Close Behind

As the advertising world in South Korea continues to thrive on star power, the Korea Brand Reputation Research Institute has released its much-anticipated brand reputation rankings for ad models in July 2025. And once again, global superstars BTS have claimed the No. 1 spot, proving that their influence in both music and media remains unmatched—even during their military enlistments.

📊 BTS at the Top — Again

Despite being in the midst of military service, the seven members of BTS collectively dominated this month’s rankings. Their consistent brand power stems from not only their global music legacy but also their continuing presence in major ad campaigns—from high fashion to telecommunications and even eco-friendly brands.

According to the Korea Brand Reputation Research Institute, BTS’s keyword analysis included phrases such as “trustworthy,” “world-class,” and “iconic.” Their positive feedback rate remained over 92%, showcasing the group's unshakable reputation.

BTS has long been associated with major international and domestic brands including Samsung, Louis Vuitton, Coway, and Hyundai—and their campaigns continue to garner millions of impressions online, further boosting their influence.

🎤 Lim Young-woong Secures Second Place

Trot singer and national darling Lim Young-woong secured the No. 2 position, with impressive brand mentions and consumer engagement levels. Known for his deep emotional connection with the middle-aged and older demographics, Lim’s endorsements have included everything from automotive brands to lifestyle products.

His recent variety show appearances and musical releases have kept him relevant across age groups, helping maintain his stronghold in the advertising world. His keywords this month were “warm-hearted,” “reliable,” and “beloved,” signaling his continued appeal.

🎬 Byun Woo-seok Climbs to Third

One of the biggest surprises this month was actor Byun Woo-seok, who surged to third place following his breakout success in the drama “Lovely Runner.” The actor has not only won hearts on screen but also caught the eyes of advertisers.

From skincare to sportswear, brands are rushing to sign him amid his skyrocketing popularity with Gen Z and millennial audiences. His upward momentum in the brand reputation index reflects the impact of a hit drama on a celebrity’s ad value in Korea’s dynamic market.

🧮 Brand Reputation Index Methodology

The Korea Brand Reputation Research Institute uses a comprehensive system to calculate rankings based on consumer participation, media coverage, communication, and community awareness. For July 2025, data was collected from June 17 to July 17, analyzing over 25 million pieces of brand data across online platforms.

Each model's social buzz, consumer interactions, and overall sentiment were factored into their scores, making it one of the most respected indicators of public appeal and influence in the industry.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Other Celebrities in the Top 10

In addition to BTS, Lim Young-woong, and Byun Woo-seok, other notable names rounded out the top 10 rankings:

• IU: With her continued endorsement of fashion, food, and digital platforms, IU remains a favorite across all age groups.
  
  

• Kim Ji-won: Thanks to the enormous success of “Queen of Tears,” her endorsement deals and brand power have soared.
  
  

• Park Seo-joon: Steadily popular, Park’s reputation remains strong in both domestic and international markets.
  
  

• BLACKPINK’s Jennie: Her role as a global brand ambassador for Chanel and other luxury houses cements her place as an advertising icon.
  
  

• Kim Soo-hyun: Riding high on the success of “Queen of Tears,” Kim’s charm and reliability continue to make him a brand favorite.
  
  

• NewJeans: The rookie girl group’s trendy image and youthful vibe are drawing brands eager to target younger demographics.
  
  

📈 What This Means for Brands

The rankings are more than just bragging rights—they heavily influence brand marketing strategies, ad campaign casting, and budget decisions. Celebrities at the top of the list often see their ad fees increase, with long-term contracts and global collaborations on the table.

In BTS’s case, their name alone can elevate a brand’s value, while rising stars like Byun Woo-seok show how a single hit role can skyrocket one’s appeal in the commercial world.

📝 Final Thoughts

As the Korean entertainment industry continues to evolve, brand reputation rankings remain a powerful indicator of a celebrity’s public perception and marketability. BTS’s continued dominance, even during military service, proves their status as cultural icons, while Lim Young-woong and Byun Woo-seok’s strong showings reveal the diversity of influence across music and acting.

Whether you're a fan, a marketer, or a casual observer, these rankings provide a glimpse into who’s ruling the hearts—and wallets—of the Korean public.