BTS, BLACKPINK, and More: Gallup Korea Reveals The Artists Who Shined This 2020

On Monday, Dec. 21, Gallup Korea released their survey concerning idols who shined this 2020. Keep on reading for all the details.

On Monday, Dec. 21, Gallup Korea revealed the contents of their annual survey. They asked 5,100 people aged 13 or older (with a cap at age 30) across the nation, excluding Jeju, to name three of their favorite singers or idols. BTS ranked number one with 39.2% of the votes. BTS received 39.6% of the votes from people aged 40 and older.

BTS, which debuted in 2013, has grown into global superstars that represent South Korea on a global stage. Their first all-English single, "Dynamite", was released back in August. The song debuted at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 charts, making it not only BTS's first number one hit single in the country but also the first time a Korean musical act has ever topped the charts in the United States.

"Dynamite" earned BTS a Grammy nomination at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, which is scheduled to be held next year. BTS was nominated "Best Pop Duo/Group Performance". BTS was also recently named "Entertainer of the Year" by the U.S. publication, TIME Magazine.

The second most popular artist among people aged 30 years old or younger IU, with 21.1% of the votes. IU debuted in 2008 and has established herself as the most successful soloist in South Korea. She is an accomplished singer-songwriter who has also made a name for herself as an actress and as a TV personality. Since 2011, IU has ranked in the top 10 of Gallup Korea's "Singer of the Year" list, rising to number in 2014 and 2017. This year, IU released the song "eight", which was produced by BTS member Suga, who also featured on the song.

Third place went to BLACKPINK, who got 13.6% of the votes. BLACKPINK has been dubbed the biggest girl group in the world and it is not hard to see why. In April, they collaborated with Lady Gaga for the song "Sour Candy", which was included in the former's "Chromatica" album. In June, they made a comeback with "How You Like That", a pre-release to their first full-length album.

In July, BLACKPINK released their second pre-release single, "Ice Cream", which featured American singer Selena Gomez. It marked their second collaboration with a Western artist this year. In Oct., BLACKPINK dropped their much-anticipated album, "THE ALBUM", with the title track "Lovesick Girls". The group became the first-ever million-selling K-pop girl group. That same month, Netflix released their BLACKPINK documentary, "BLACKPINK: Light Up The Sky", which covers BLACKPINK's career from 2016 to now (2020).

Fourth place is Lim Young Woong with 10.08% of the votes, fifth place went to TWICE with 7.8%, the sixth place went to Young Tak with 7.7% of the votes. Seventh place went to rapper and Block B member Zico 5.7% of the votes, the eighth-place went to Red Velvet with 4.8% of the votes, 9th place went to MAMAMOO member Hwasa with 4.3% of the votes, and lastly, at 10th place, is Paul Kim with 4.1% of the votes.