10 Best Singers of the Year (2023) — According to 32 Music Industry Officials

By Eunice Dawson Dec 17, 2023

Among numerous K-pop idols who actively promoted this 2023, THIS soloist and girl group tied as the No. 1 "Best Singer of the Year"!

On December 16, the Korean media outlet News1 surveyed 32 music industry officials, from entertainment agencies and companies like JYP, Jellyfish, FNC, SM, Yuehua, KQ, Woollim, Starship, Cube Entertainment, HYBE, DSP Media, and many more.

The survey aimed to determine the artists who shone the brightest and as "Best Singer of the Year" in 2023 with their impressive performances, releases, and activities.

(Photo : People | Forbes | Pop Base)
10 Best Singers of the Year (2023) — According to 32 Music Industry Officials

BTS Jungkook, NewJeans Tie for #1 'Best Singer of the Year'

As a result of the survey, held on December 13, BTS Jungkook and NewJeans tied for first place with nine votes each out of 32 pop music officials.

(Photo : Instagram|@bts.bighitofficial@)

Explaining the reason why the male idol was selected by K-pop agencies, experts said:

"He stands out and proved his global impact by topping Billboard's 'Hot 100' as a solo singer, not as a BTS member."

"Jungkook has established himself as a 'global pop star' thanks to the popularity of 'SEVEN'."

"Jungkook's skills shone through his solo activities. Even if you're not a fan, you can't help but admit it."

(Photo : twitter|@bts_bighit@)

Jungkook embarked on his solo career in July 2023 with his hit solo track, "SEVEN," and debuted with his first album, "GOLDEN," in November.

When he unveiled his album and songs, he dominated both domestic and international charts like the US Billboard, the UK's official singles chart, Spotify, and more.

Along with Jungkook, his junior girl group NewJeans, launched by HYBE's subsidiary ADOR, also clinched the first place.

(Photo : Instagram: @newjeans_official)

Since its debut in 2022, the quintet led the 4th-gen K-pop by releasing high-quality music one after another, starting with "Ditto," "OMG," "Super Shy," "ETA," and "Cool With You."

Music industry officials then commented on their worth of becoming "Best Singer of the Year," explaining:

"Since last year, they have been evaluated as the best idol that captivated the world beyond Korea.

“Among the groups active this year, the team has become a standout icon."

(Photo : NewJeans (Kpopping))

"They have achieved remarkable results regardless of entertainment, industry, and economy."

'Despite their young age, they have a unique concept, a well-received song, outstanding skills, and an overwhelming level of growth and potential for further growth causing the 'NewJeans' Syndrome."

"With the advent of NewJeans, they have grown into an influential group that the girl idol's landscape is said to have been divided into two categories."

'Best Singer of the Year' (2023): IVE, SEVENTEEN, BLACKPINK, More Make It To Rankings

(Photo : twitter|@bts_bighit@)

Unmatched IVE, 'After LIKE' surpassed 1 million copies... 'Career high'

(Photo : IVE (News1)

In addition to the aforementioned, BTS, who consistently performed solo this year, ranked third with four votes, and IVE, who released several hits and won the daesang at an awards ceremony, ranked fourth with three votes.

SEVENTEEN, who wrote a new history of "K-pop group album exceeded 5 million initial albums" this year, offered its business card to the fifth place with two votes.