Park Ji-hoon Tops Rising Star Rankings with 'The Man Living with the King'

Actor Park Ji-hoon (26) has claimed the top spot as a rising star with his role in the film 'The Man Living with the King', continuing his impressive career trajectory. Park, who previously caused a sensation in the music industry as a member of Wanna One, solidified his acting career with the drama 'Weak Hero'. This year, he ventured into commercial cinema for the first time with 'The Man Living with the King', earning praise for its box office success, buzz, and his acting skills.

According to the February 2026 Rising Star Brand Reputation Big Data Analysis released by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, Park Ji-hoon proudly secured the number one position. This ranking is based on big data collected from January 28 to February 28, 2026, analyzing consumer behavior to measure participation, media, communication, and community indices for star brands.

Park Ji-hoon recorded a participation index of 1,143,470, a media index of 1,314,155, a communication index of 1,625,036, and a community index of 1,066,739, resulting in a brand reputation index of 5,149,400. His high scores in communication and media indices demonstrate the explosive interest he has garnered online and across media platforms.

This success is largely attributed to his role as Lee Hong-wi in 'The Man Living with the King', which recently surpassed 9 million viewers. Park's captivating performance has drawn praise from both audiences and critics, and his brand value is expected to continue rising alongside the film's success.

With news of his top ranking as a rising star, the advertising industry is buzzing with activity. Reports indicate that Park Ji-hoon is receiving numerous inquiries for advertisements and campaigns from various sectors, including fashion, beauty, and food and beverage, solidifying his status as a 'trending actor'. As he proves his box office appeal and broad public appeal, the industry is eyeing him as the 'next-generation advertising blue chip'.

As Park Ji-hoon successfully captures both box office success and brand influence, all eyes are on his next moves to maintain his upward trajectory.

Park Ji-hoon is set to meet audiences with a broader range of activities, including the upcoming release of the TVING original series 'Becoming a Legend in the Kitchen' and the reunion of Wanna One in a new variety show, marking his return to the entertainment scene after approximately seven years.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr