JoyNews24 recently celebrated their 19th anniversary. Every year, the media outlet conducts a study to see who the biggest power players are in the Korean entertainment industry, and they did so again from September 18 to 25, 2023. The survey, involving 200 participants from the entertainment and broadcasting fields, content creators, and entertainment journalists, sought to uncover the standout dramas, variety shows, movies, actors, and singers of 2023.
As the Korean entertainment industry, often referred to as “Hallyu,” experiences a global boom—thanks to K-pop, K-drama, K-beauty, and K-movie—countless “Power People” have emerged in hosting, acting, singing, and producing roles, significantly contributing to this thrilling entertainment zenith.
At the top of the list, even amidst military service, remains the K-pop phenom, BTS. Despite members Jin, J-Hope, and SUGA embarking on military service, the remaining members—RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook—continued their individual pursuits, thus maintaining their global sway. In the ‘2023 Entertainment Power People’ survey, BTS secured the peak position with a total of 35 votes, having briefly ceded it to Lee Jung Jae of the megahit Netflix show ‘Squid Game’ in 2022. This victory underscores the enduring influence and popularity of BTS in the ever-evolving landscape of pop culture.
With their status often equated to the “Living History of K-pop,” BTS has unilaterally transformed the genre since their debut. Their achievements include numerous firsts for K-pop artists, including topping the Billboard 200, clinching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, winning numerous American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards, and securing Grammy nominations. Complementing their musical legacy, the group has gained diplomatic recognition as special envoys for the Korean President at the United Nations General Assembly and meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House.
Despite the group hiatus following Jin, J-Hope, and SUGA’s military service from December last year, BTS’s influence has remained steady. Jungkook, Jimin, V, and RM have all enjoyed impressive solo success, ascending to the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts with hits like Jungkook’s “Seventeen” and Jimin’s “Like Crazy.” The recent move by Big Hit Music to renew their contract with BTS, hints at a full group comeback by 2025, ensuring the continued resonance of the BTS brand for years to come.
Following on BTS’ heels, Lim Young Woong clinched second place with 30 votes. Enjoying great popularity among middle-aged and older fans in South Korea, Lim Young Woong leverages his recognition and his fandom’s formidable purchasing power. His 2022 album ‘I’m Hero’ remarkably surpassed 1.1 million sales, propelled solely by strong domestic support. Moreover, he maintained a consistent top-five ranking across all age categories in Gallup Korea’s “Singers Who Shone This Year” survey.
The third spot was claimed by NewJeans, with 19 votes. Since their debut, NewJeans has firmly established themselves on both domestic and international charts with hits such as “Hype Boy,” “Ditto,” “Super Shy,” and “ETA.” This speaks to their significant imprint on the popular music industry.
Min HeeJin, the creative force behind NewJeans, TV personality Dex, and Jennie of global sensation BLACKPINK, all tied in fourth place with 10 votes each. Interestingly, BLACKPINK as a group amassed 9 votes, earning them seventh place.
Coming in at a tie in the eighth spot with six votes each were Yoo Jae Suk, Bang Si Hyuk, Lee Hyori, Kim Eun Sook, and actress Lim Ji Yeon. Veteran entertainer Yoo Jae Suk is admired for his enduring popularity, owing to programs like ‘You Quiz on the Block’ and ‘Hangout with Yoo.’ Bang Si Hyuk, the visionary behind K-pop excellence like BTS, TXT, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, and NewJeans, was lauded as a leading Power Person. With her popularity resurging again, Lee Hyori made the list due to her hit single “Hoodie E Banbaji” and high-profile endorsements. Esteemed writer Kim Eun Sook and actor Lim Ji Yeon, both associated with the Netflix series ‘The Glory,’ were honored as rising Power People.
Song Hye Kyo, Son Suk Goo, Go Yoon Jung, Han So Hee, Kian84, and more secured four votes each. Similarly, BTS’ V, the group IVE, Monsta X, IU, Sung Si Kyung, Cha Eun Woo, IVE’s Jang Won Young, Park Eun Bin, Kim Tae Ri, Jo In Sung, Jeon Yeo Been, Lee Byung Hun, producer Na Young Seok, and producer Kim Tae Ho and more were recognized with votes.
