1. Girls’ Generation (Singer)
2. Park Jisung (Soccer player)
3. Kim Yuna (Figure skater)
4. Lee Seung-gi (Singer)
5. 2PM (Singer)
6. Yu Jae Suk (MC)
7. Lee Chungyong (Soccer player)
8. 2AM (Singer)
9. Chu Shinsoo (Baseball player)
10. Kang Hodong (MC)
11. Lee Hyori (Singer)
12. Yoon Shi Yoon (Actor)
13. Rain (Singer)
14. Park Chuyoung (Soccer player)
15. Shin Mina (Actress)
16. Super Junior (Singer)
17. Wonbin (Actor)
18. Hwang Jung Eum (Actress)
19. Kim Hyesu (Actress)
20. Go Hyun Jung (Acress)
21. Kang Dong Won (Actor)
22. Lee Daeho (Baseball player)
23. Park Tae Hwan (Swimmer)
24. Lee Nayoung (Actress)
25. Jang Dong Gun (Actor)
26. Shin Se Kyung (Actress)
27. Lee Kyungkyu (MC)
28. Big Bang (Singer)
29. Lee Minjung (Actress)
30. Choi Kyungjoo (Golfer)
31. 2NE1 (Singer)
32. Hyun Bin (Actor)
33. Bae Yong Joon (Actor)
34. Moon Geun Young (Actress)
35. Lee Minho (Actor)
36. Han Hyo Joo (Actress)
37. Kim Tae Hee (Actress)
38. Park Chanho (Baseball player)
39. Park Myungsoo (MC)
40. BEAST (Singer)
I’m really not surprised by the top 3 “earners” because in terms of money and just general exposure, it makes sense. But, the rest of the 40 are a bit shocking- especially the fact that 2PM and their One Day bros, 2AM, were so high up on the list! Also, Shin Se Kyung seems to have had an incredible year, no? It’s interesting to me that idols are mixed in with some of the nation’s most beloved actors and MCs– it demonstrates the permeating power of KPOP in quotidian Korean society, no?
(Forbes Korea)