KiiiKiii Dominates Rookie Idol Rankings Three Months Straight with ‘Uncut Gem’ Impact

Emerging K-pop group KiiiKiii—comprised of Jiwoo, Isol, Sui, Haeum, and Kiya—has stormed through the industry, capturing the top spot in the May 2025 rookie idol brand rankings released by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute. This marks the trio of consecutive monthly victories beginning in March, affirming their growing dominance in the Korean entertainment space.

Since their pre-debut in February, KiiiKiii has drawn mass attention with their first mini album Uncut Gem. The title track I DO ME immediately surged to the #1 trending video spot on YouTube and secured top positions on domestic streaming charts like the Melon Top 100.

KiiiKiii further proved their mainstream appeal on May 5th by clinching their first terrestrial music show win on Show! Music Core with I DO ME, backed by stellar live performances and signature originality. Their energetic presence earned them the title of ‘Most Anticipated Rookie Act of 2025.’

The quintet continued to impress with promotional track BTG, showcasing remarkable conceptual versatility and youth culture resonance. Wrapping up the album cycle, they dropped a surprise music video for fan-favorite GROUNDWORK on April 24, commemorating one month since Uncut Gem‘s release.

KiiiKiii’s success isn’t confined to music charts. The group’s rise includes fashion-forward appeal and global recognition. Even pre-debut, they made history as the first K-pop act to front the U.S. edition of TEN Magazine.

Notably, The Hollywood Reporter spotlighted KiiiKiii in an exclusive interview, followed by Rolling Stone naming them the only K-pop entry in their ‘Future 25 Musicians to Watch in 2025’. U.K.-based NME also highlighted Uncut Gem in a glowing feature, signaling the group’s momentum across continents.

In addition to music, KiiiKiii dazzled digitally with Marie Claire‘s collaboration with Chanel Beauty, and were selected as the first brand ambassadors for KakaoBank. Further cementing mass appeal, they became faces of Burger King‘s new launch, King Fusion.

Even as their active promotion concludes, their consistent domination of the rookie brand reputation index underscores both staying power and widespread public embrace.

With a lineup offering looks, talent, and charisma, KiiiKiii excels not just in music but in shaping Gen Z’s cultural vernacular. As they continue breaking new ground, the world watches with anticipation.