BTS Just Dropped in Rankings Due to This K-pop Group

BTS has been a force to be reckoned with, earning international recognition and breaking records left and right. Besides their amazing music, their dedicated fanbase, known as the ARMY, has been one of the most important causes behind their success. But now, it seems that a new contender has emerged, causing a shake-up in the rankings. While BTS is notoriously known for sticking together, there is another group who “loves their team, loves their crew”! Who is the group that broke BTS’s K-pop reputation?

BTS’s K-pop Reputation Is Falling Slightly Down

For more than 67 months, BTS has consistently held the top spot in the monthly brand reputation ranking by the Korea Brand Reputation Research Institute. However, the January report marks a notable change. This comes as the K-pop group SEVENTEEN has risen to claim the top position, displacing BTS from their long-standing reign.

BTS, comprised of members Jin, Jimin, Suga, J-Hope, Jungkook, RM, and V, had maintained the top position in the K-Pop boy group brand reputation rankings for over 5.5 years. However, the January 2024 rankings indicate a shift in the K-Pop scene as SEVENTEEN now holds the leading position. This change is attributed to SEVENTEEN’s recent surge in popularity, especially in album sales.

Who Are Seventeen? The Group Who Are Breaking BTS’s K-pop Reputation

Seventeen is a South Korean boy group formed by Pledis Entertainment. The group debuted on May 26, 2015, and they are known for their large number of members and versatile talent. Although the name, Seventeen consists of 13 members. This includes S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino.

SEVENTEEN has been making waves in the industry with its unique blend of music and mesmerizing choreography. Their recent rise to fame has not only captured the hearts of fans worldwide but has also led to a drop in BTS’s rankings. This unexpected turn of events has left many fans wondering what it means for the future of K-pop and how it will impact the success of both groups.

SEVENTEEN: From Love & Letter to Seventeenth Heaven

While it is easy to see the achievements nowadays, SEVENTEEN has experienced its own fair share of struggles. SEVENTEEN’s journey began in 2012. This was when Pledis Entertainment hinted at the debut of a new boy group through a video titled Seventeen TV on their YouTube channel. The pre-debut period involved live streaming on UStream for five seasons over two years. It showcased trainees in Pledis Entertainment’s iconic “Melona” green practice room. Facing financial difficulties, the group’s initial 2013 debut got delayed several times, leading some trainees to leave. S. Coups, the leader, expressed frustration in an interview, mentioning the group’s dedication to daily practice. During the delay, the members took the initiative, learning to create their own music, with Woozi emerging as SEVENTEEN’s main producer.

A teaser on April 19, 2015, announced the remaining trainees’ appearance in Seventeen Project: Debut Big Plan, broadcasted on MBC Music. In contrast to elimination-style shows, the 13 members collaborated through missions to showcase their skills. At the end of the seven-episode series, all 13 members were confirmed to debut, and SEVENTEEN made history as the first male K-pop group to debut with a one-hour live broadcast showcase.

SEVENTEEN Also Broke Another BTS Record

SEVENTEEN, under Pledis Entertainment, has previously outperformed BTS, notably achieving a remarkable feat by selling over 10 million album copies from January to November 2023. Their track “FML” became a significant all-time hit, surpassing BTS’s previous record during the “Map of the Soul: 7” era. Additionally, the first-week sales of “FML” exceeded the pre-orders for BTS’s 2019 album “Map of the Soul: PERSONA” by approximately 1 million copies.

SEVENTEEN Are Not the Only Group to Break BTS’s K-pop Reputation Record

If Seventeen is the first place, does that mean BTS dropped to the second one? Not quite. In the latest rankings, BTS has fallen to the third position, not the second as one might expect. The second spot is now claimed by NCT, another rapidly rising K-pop group.

BTS has experienced a decline of around 47% in brand points since December. This comes as no surprise as all members are currently serving in the military. The eldest member, Jin, who enlisted first, is anticipated to return in June 2024, with J-Hope and Suga following in order.

What do you think of SEVENTEEN breaking BTS’s K-pop reputation?

You might also want to read: “We’ll Be Back for Sure” – RM Promises BTS Comeback in 2025