From idols to singers to groups, there have been quite a few people who were trending in 2016.
As 2016 winds down to a close, it is important to note those who have made an impact on the industry this year. This year Gallup Korea, a specialized research company, contacted 10,765 males and females from ages 13-59 in order to get a thorough perspective on who were the trendiest of 2016. Amongst those 10,765 contacted 4,200 responded and these were the results.
2016 Top Singers & Groups This list consists of those who rocked the industry this year with their music and influence.
20. Lee Moon Se & Park Hyo Shin
Lee Moon Se finished a 56 show tour where every show sold out.
Park Hyo Shin’s “Breath” achieved an all-kill on music charts
18. Cho Yong Pil & Guckkasten
Cho Yong Pil just finished his concerts held on December 17th and 18th. / Credit: Reuters
Guckkasten recorded the 2016 LCK Summer Theme Song for League of Legends.
17. Kim Bum Soo
Kim Bum Soo has been touring internationally in 2016.
16. I.O.I
I.O.I’s “Very, Very, Very” hit #1 on Korean music charts
15.Hong Jin Young
Hong Jin Young released her mini-album, The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, this year.
14. Sung Si Kyung
Sung Si Kyung sang “Somewhere Someday” for the drama, The Legend of the Blue Sea.
13. IU
IU starred as the lead role in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.
12. SISTAR
SISTAR released their EP, Insane Love, on June 21st.
11. Lee Seung Chul
Lee Seung Chul celebrated 30 years as an entertainer with some concerts in Canada.
10. BTS
BTS has been selling out shows for their upcoming tour.
8. BIGBANG & GFRIEND
BIGBANG’s album, MADE, was just released on December 12th.
GFRIEND released their EP, Snowflake, in January, followed by their album, LOL, in July.
7. Gummy
Gummy released her OST, You are My Everything, for the drama Descendants of the Sun.
6. Lee Sunhee
Lee Sunhee performed concerts at the Sejong Center Grand Theater in September.
5. SNSD
4. EXO
EXO released their third album, Ex’Act, on June 9th.
3. Jang Yoon Jung
Jang Yoon Jung has released multiple albums and still holds her popularity.
2. TWICE
TWICE’s dance for “TT” was a huge hit among fans and idols alike.
1. Lim Chang Jung
In 2016, Lim Chang Jung released his 13th full album, I’M.
2016 Top Idols
Unlike the previous list, this one focuses on individuals within idol groups who have made a name for themselves in the industry.
20. BTS – Jungkook
Jungkook was #10 on Time Magazine’s list of “The 10 Most Talked About Music Artists” on Twitter for 2016.
18. MAMAMOO’s Solar & EXO’s Suho
Solar and Eric Nam were a popular couple for We Got Married.
Suho surprised fans with his amazing speech at the Melon Music Awards 2016.
15.Miss A’s Suzy, TWICE’s Jungyeon, & I.O.I’sSomi
Suzy’s single, “Dream,” featured EXO’s Baekhyun and was a huge hit.
Jungyeon is one of the MCs on SBS‘ Inkigayo.
Rumors have been circulating that Somi will become the 10th member of TWICE.
14. BTS – Jimin
Jimin was the second most talked about artist on Twitter.
13. Block B – Zico
Zico released his music video for Bermuda Triangle, which featured Crush and Dean.
12. Red Velvet – Irene
There was speculation that Irene was dating Park Bogum.
11. TWICE – Nayeon
Nayeon is known as the “spoiler queen” and she may have hinted at collaborations with other groups.
10. AOA – Seolhyun
Seolhyun and Block B’s Zico broke up this year.
8. EXO‘s Baekhyun & BIGBANG‘s Taeyang
Baekhyun was confirmed as part of EXO’s first unit group with Chen and Xiumin.
Taeyang is set to enlist in the military next year.
7. SISTAR – Hyorin
Hyorin was featured on Far East Movement‘s “Umbrella.”
6. Apink – Eunji
In a survey of many top music companies, Eunji’s vocals tied for second with IU.
5. EXO – Chanyeol
Chanyeol rapped on Far East Movement’s “Freal Luv.”
4. BIGBANG – G-Dragon
G-Dragon held an event with (RED) where the winner would get an all expense paid trip to Korea to have a private meal with GD.
3. TWICE – Tzuyu
Tzuyu has been working hard with TWICE as she graduated from middle school in Taiwan this year.
2. IU
IU held her 24 Steps: One, Two, Three, Four concert on December 3rd and 4th.
1. Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon
Taeyeon planned on collaborating with Wiz Khalifa for the 2016 Mnet Asian Music Awards, but it didn’t end up happening.
Check out the full lists below.
1. Lim Chang Jung
2. TWICE
3. Jang Yoon Jung
4. EXO
5. Girls’ Generation
6. Lee Sunhee
7. Gummy
8. BIGBANG
8. GFRIEND
10. BTS
11. Lee Seung Chul
12. Sistar
13. IU
14. Sung Si Kyung
15. Hong Jin Young
16. I.O.I
17. Kim Bum Soo
18. Cho Yong Pil
18. Guckkasten
20. Lee Mon Sae
20. Park Hyo Shin
