Park Jeong Min Tops Rising Actor Rankings Again: What Big Data Reveals About K-Drama's New Star System

Park Jeong Min has secured the top spot once again in the January rising actor brand reputation rankings released by the Korean Business Research Institute. The rankings, based on big data collected from December 28, 2025 to January 28, 2026, analyzed media coverage, consumer participation, interaction levels, and community awareness to paint a comprehensive picture of rising talent in Korean entertainment.

But these aren't just popularity contests. They're revealing something fundamental about how stardom works in the age of global streaming and social media.

Beyond Traditional Metrics: The New Star Algorithm

The brand reputation index represents a seismic shift from traditional measures of success in the entertainment industry. While TV ratings and box office numbers still matter, this ranking system captures something more nuanced: how audiences actually engage with performers across digital platforms.

The methodology combines social media mentions, online search volumes, fan community activity, and media coverage into a single score. It's essentially measuring what talent agencies and streaming platforms are desperately trying to understand: authentic audience connection in a fragmented media landscape.

Park Jeong Min's consecutive victories suggest he's mastered this new paradigm. His sustained performance indicates consistent fan engagement across multiple touchpoints - not just during promotional periods, but as an ongoing relationship with his audience.

The Global Fanbase Factor

What makes these rankings particularly significant is their timing. K-dramas have exploded globally, with Netflix reporting that non-English content now accounts for over 60% of viewing time on the platform. This means rising Korean actors aren't just competing for domestic attention - they're building international fanbases from day one.

This global dimension changes everything. Traditional gatekeepers like major broadcasters and talent agencies no longer have exclusive control over star-making. A breakout performance on a streaming platform can catapult an unknown actor to international recognition overnight.

The ranking system captures this reality by measuring community awareness and interaction - metrics that reflect how deeply audiences connect with performers across cultural boundaries. Gen Z viewers, in particular, evaluate actors holistically: their craft, their social media presence, their values, and their authenticity.

Industry Implications: Data-Driven Talent Management

For entertainment companies, these rankings represent both opportunity and challenge. The data provides unprecedented insight into audience preferences, but it also means traditional promotion strategies may be obsolete.

Smart agencies are already adapting. They're investing in social media management, fan community building, and cross-cultural communication training for their talent. The goal isn't just to create stars, but to create sustainable personal brands that can weather the volatility of viral fame.

The economic implications are substantial. Korea's content exports exceeded $15 trillion won in 2025, with a significant portion driven by drama and film. Rising actors who can maintain high brand reputation scores become valuable assets not just for individual projects, but as long-term ambassadors for K-content globally.

The Double-Edged Sword of Transparency

However, this data-driven approach to stardom comes with risks. The same social media platforms that can elevate an actor's brand reputation can destroy it just as quickly. Every public appearance, social media post, and fan interaction becomes part of their measurable brand value.

This creates immense pressure on young performers who must now manage not just their craft, but their digital presence, cross-cultural sensitivity, and personal brand consistency. The stakes are higher, but so are the rewards for those who can navigate this complex landscape successfully.

The rankings also raise questions about authenticity versus optimization. As actors and their teams become more sophisticated about gaming these metrics, will the measurements still capture genuine audience connection?