IVE tops the February 2026 K-pop girl group rankings, overtaking BLACKPINK. aespa joins the Top 5 for the first time, marking a shift in the K-pop landscape. (Image Credit / Kpopbreaking.com)
K-pop girl group ranking 2026 has seen dramatic changes between January and February.
BLACKPINK began the year at No.1, continuing their global dominance, but February saw IVE surge to the top spot thanks to their REVIVE+ comeback and “BANG BANG” promotions.
TWICE held steady in third place, Red Velvet proved their longevity, and aespa entered the Top 5 for the first time.
These shifts highlight how new-generation groups are challenging established legends, while veteran acts continue to maintain strong influence.
📊 January 2026 Girl Group Ranking
The January brand reputation index (data collected Dec 11, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026) placed BLACKPINK firmly at No.1, with IVE close behind. TWICE maintained their global tour momentum, while rookie group ILLIT surprised many by entering the Top 5. Red Velvet rounded out the list, showing the staying power of veteran groups.
- BLACKPINK – No.1, global streaming dominance and brand power.
- IVE – No.2, strong album sales and Japanese market success.
- TWICE – No.3, consistent touring and fan engagement.
- ILLIT – No.4, fastest-growing rookie group.
- Red Velvet – No.5, stable fandom and musical influence.
📊 February 2026 Girl Group Ranking
The February brand reputation index (data collected Jan 8 – Feb 8, 2026) revealed a major shift: IVE overtook BLACKPINK to claim the top spot. Their comeback boosted their brand reputation score to 5,190,460 (+9.16%). BLACKPINK slipped to No.2 but remained globally dominant. TWICE held steady at No.3, Red Velvet climbed to No.4, and aespa entered the Top 5 for the first time.
- IVE – No.1, fueled by REVIVE+ and “BANG BANG” promotions.
- BLACKPINK – No.2, still the global benchmark.
- TWICE – No.3, steady presence with ongoing tour.
- Red Velvet – No.4, proving veteran resilience.
- aespa – No.5, metaverse concept and international fandom expansion.
🔄 Key Changes Between January and February
- IVE overtakes BLACKPINK: Their comeback momentum pushed them to No.1.
- ILLIT drops out of Top 5: Despite January hype, they slipped in February.
- aespa enters Top 5: Their unique concept and global reach secured a spot.
- Red Velvet climbs: Showing that veteran groups can still compete with newer acts.
🌍 Global Fan Reactions
Fans worldwide reacted passionately to the February shifts:
- On Twitter/X, IVE fans celebrated: “IVE finally at No.1! REVIVE+ era is unstoppable.”
- BLACKPINK fans defended their queens: “Even at No.2, they’re still the global standard of K-pop.”
- TWICE fans praised consistency: “TWICE never leaves the Top 3. That’s true staying power.”
- aespa fans rejoiced: “Top 5 at last! The metaverse girls are here to stay.”
- International fans noted the generational shift: “IVE and aespa rising shows the future of K-pop, but legends like BLACKPINK and TWICE remain unshakable.”
❓ FAQ Section
Q: Who ranked No.1 in K-pop girl group ranking February 2026? A: IVE took the top spot, surpassing BLACKPINK.
Q: What changed from January to February 2026? A: BLACKPINK dropped to No.2, ILLIT fell out of the Top 5, and aespa entered at No.5.
Q: Why is IVE leading the February 2026 ranking? A: Their comeback REVIVE+ and “BANG BANG” promotions boosted brand reputation significantly.
🧾 Author Information
Author: Allen Shin Position: Editor, Kpopbreaking.com Email: worldpopkorea@gmail.com Last Updated: February 16, 2026
🏁 Final Summary
K-pop girl group ranking 2026 highlights IVE’s rise to No.1 in February, overtaking BLACKPINK. TWICE, Red Velvet, and aespa complete the Top 5, showing both generational shifts and veteran resilience. Global fans reacted emotionally, turning the rankings into a worldwide conversation about the future of K-pop.
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