It is so quick to realise that I suddenly wished to post another of my ideas, after fulfilling my vow to write another article before then. Now that I have come to another chance to write my post, my fingers would never stop typing what lies in my mind, not more or less I presume.
I have decided to compose another compilation of my rank; about the 90's line artist who suddenly pops up in my mind, thinking that there were many of them never made into my list, last year. Thanks to the viewers who paid a visit to my blog, although I certainly sure some of you were just visiting my blog as it appears in the search engine site. Nonetheless, for this topic, it received immense amount of viewers that I am willing to write another, so that it just not ended up as a "one-hit-wonder" for my site.
Without further delay, introducing my next in line, the next star in the making. Check it out!
30. Hwayoung
Real Name : Ryu Hwayoung
Date of Birth : April 22, 1993
Profession : Singer (ex-T-ara member), actress
Debut Year : 2010
She was the new addition of T-ara, after their management company Core Contents Media have decided to implement addition and expulsion system, posed into the group. She was virtually unknown, until suddenly rise into headlines after an alleged controversy and "bullying theory" sparked surrounding T-ara, in which the members of the group were accused of bullying Hwayoung during her stint in the group. Until now, there is no recent news about her which rise during late July and stays for months. It is been told that she is now preparing to be an actress, after her expulsion from T-ara, amid massive protest among T-ara fan, Queens and public citizen who cannot condone to such a big issue, particularly about the bullying case. Let's hope that she will have better life and career in the future.
29. Park Gun Tae
Real Name : Park Gun Tae
Date of Birth : February 5, 1996
Profession : Actor
Debut Year : 2002
I firstly come across this actor when he was acting as one of the lead roles in KBS kids drama "Hwarang Fighter Maru". Since then, he was offered numerous child roles in dramas, particularly in MBC "East of Eden" before his breakthrough in SBS "Warrior Baek Dong Soo", and tow MBC dramas "The King 2 Hearts" and "May Queen". This year, he is prospected to shine, after his excellent acting in May Queen.
28. Lee Hi
Real Name : Lee Ha Yi
Date of Birth : September 23, 1996
Profession : Singer
Debut Year : 2012
Her name started to chant among fans when she was still competing in inaugural competition held by SBS, K-Pop Star, which joined by the top 3 figures in Korean music industries; BoA (SM Entertainment), Yang Hyun Suk (CEO of YG Entertainment), and Park Jin Young (founder of JYP Entertainment). Her talent started to discover during the audition, and never look back till the final round, when she was defeated in final by the eventual winner, then 14 year old Park Ji Min. Recently released her first digital signal, "1,2,3,4", which quickly achieved all-kill in music chart, and become the first female rookie to win weekly music chart show, the November 8 show of Mnet M!Countdown. Looking forward to another success to this base-toned, soulful singer.
27. N
Real Name : Cha Hak Yeon
Date of Birth : June 30, 1990
Profession : Singer - VIXX
Debut Year : 2012
Leader of the rookie boy band VIXX was found to be the winner of "2009 Korea Youth Dance Festival". He won grand prize with his own created choreography, proving his talent encompasses both creation and execution of dance. After he joined the second season of tvN "The Romantic and Idol", his name was searched numerous times, signalling the interest from his fans beginning to rise.
26. Jonghyun
Real Name : Kim Jonghyun
Date of Birth : April 8, 1990
Profession : Singer - SHINee
Debut Year : 2008
The main vocalist of SHINee was indeed one of the best vocalist in the entire Korean idol, with his loud and husky voice, even stronger when performing live. It is truth that he is rarely on the variety scene, but his talent itself in singng were not going to waste. It is revealed that he prefer live performance rather than lip-syncing, a notable reason given his past experience as part of a rock band, prior to his debut. Still a lot to come from him, may he soon rise to his peek later.
25. Hyejeong
Real Name : Shin Hyejeong
Date of Birth : August 3, 1993
Profession : Singer - AOA
Debut Year - 2012
She is notably discovered when she was part of the cast in tvN "The Romantic and Idol", as well as playing as Moon Geun Young's younger sister in SBS drama "Alice in Cheongdamdong". She was believed to be shadowed by one of her bandmate, Seolhyun, but sooner or later, she will be expected to shine throughout the year, after her appearance in labelmate FT Island music video "I Wish".
24. Sohyun
Real Name : Kwon Sohyun
Date of Birth : August 30, 1994
Profession : Singer - 4minute
Debut Year : 2009
The youngest member of 4minute was virtually unknown, due to the huge popularity of member Hyuna, who cemented her position after her appearance in superstar hit music video of Psy's "Gangnam Style", but she was known as one of the popular '94-line idol with Kara's Kang Jiyoung, f(x)'s Krystal & Sulli, and miss A's Suzy. I believe she will shine later, particularly when all of 4minute members embark to individual promotion later.
23. Subin
Real Name : Park Subin
Date of Birth : February 12, 1994
Profession : Singer - Dal Shabet
Debut Year : 2011
The youngest member of hit composer E-Tribe's girl group, which produces hits like SNSD's "Gee" and Lee Hyori's "U-Go Girl" is popular with her cute Jeolla dialect speaking, as well as her quirky and outgoing personality. Looking forward to her next project, after she was selected as MC in two upcoming shows, MBC Music "Music Toktok Marbling" and tvN "Find The Fake".
22. CL
Real Name : Lee Chaerin
Date of Birth : February 26, 1991
Profession : Singer - 2NE1
Debut Year : 2009
The leader of YG Entertainment's main girl group has charms lie inside her. Beneath her charismatic and funky style, lies her innocent, sweet girl hidden. Not much can be told about her, but she was reported to be living as a trainee at JYP Entertainment, before debuting under YG. Fluent in speaking French, this year might be the return of 2NE1, along with her cool but strong image.
21. Youngmin & Kwangmin
the twins, Youngmin and Kwangmin
Real Name : Jo Youngmin & Jo Kwangmin
Date of Birth : April 24, 1995
Profession : Singer - BOYFRIEND
Debut Year : 2011
It is hard for me to recognise which is which; until now, but both of them shine at their own, which is why I put them together. Part of boyband BOYFRIEND, they were stand out at their own during the beginning of the group formation. I prefer them in package rather than moving solo on different schedules, but anyway, they are in my list. Former JYP trainee, their group now are in form after their group single, "Janus" breaks into digital chart.
20. JB
Real Name : Im Jae Bum
Date of Birth : January 6, 1994
Profession : Singer - JJ Project
Debut Year : 2012
Having made successful debut in music industry with JJ Project Single "Bounce", he acted in the second installment of Dream HIgh, prior to the singing debut. Discovered by JYP after he tied-winnng the 5th Open JYP audition, along with groupmate Jr. After debut, JJ Project's name seems fade, until JB joined the cast of tvN "The Romantic and Idol", in which rises his name again. In 2013, he is again expected to breakthrough again, so fans outside, stay tune.
19. Jonghoon
Real Name : Choi Jonghoon
Date of Birth : March 7, 1990
Profession : Singer - FT Island (guitarist)
Debut Year : 2007
The main guitarist of FT Island is virtually unknown when his groupmate Lee Hongki usually steals group's limelight possibly because of his past work as a child actor. However, with all the members of FT Island who are now at legal age to venture into other field of entertainment other than singing, he will surely gain popularity, after his amicable present in tvN "The Romantic and Idol" season 2. Beforehand, he was also present in some of the cable channel program, including Mnet shows "Maknae Rebellion" and "Scandal". He is tipped to shine this year, along with his group's advancement in Japan.
18. Kim Yoon Hye
Real Name : Kim Yoon Hye (previously known as Woori)
Date of Birth : January 24, 1991
Profession : Actress, model
Debut Year : 2007
Her name started to rise after her acting in MBC "Heartstring", which starred Park Shin Hye and Jung Yonghwa. She was first appeared on a 2002 magazine cover of Vogue Girl Korea, and also modeled for MTV Asia in 2005 before starring in several music videos, notably present in Kim Tae Woo's "Echo". She was dubbed the rising actress this year, after starring in cable channel tvN "Flower Boy Next Door", and people will definitely wait on what's stored in her.
17. Hwang Min Woo
Real Name : Hwang Min Woo
Date of Birth : -unknown-
Profession : Dancer, Actor
Debut Year : -unknown-
At the moment this article was written, he is 8 years old. He is not formally debut, yet has gain international fame, after his imitation of Psy in "Gangnam Style" give him nickname "Little Psy". He was already famous after featuring in talent show SBS "Star King" and tvN 'Korea's Got Talent", before appearing in Psy's music video. His dance rendition of SISTAR "Alone" in Korea's Got Talent have piqued interest by Psy to ask him shooting for his music video. Since then, his name rise in search engine. He is still young, and is expected to debut in few years time. Before then, let's just enjoy his quirky, yet addictive performance by him.
16. Jonghyun
Real Name : Lee Jonghyun
Date of Birth : May 15, 1990
Profession : Singer - CNBLUE
Debut Year : 2010
The main guitarist and supporting vocalist of CNBLUE is usually quiet, but full of charisma when playing guitar. Embark on acting scene, playing as Jang Dong Gun's son in SBS "A Gentleman's Dignity", his stock rises with his cool charisma shown in the drama. Already featured in variety show through SBS "Running MAn" as guest, fan could anticipate another breakthrough from him after successful transition from singing to acting, and then entertainer.
15. Dasom
Real Name : Kim Dasom
Date of Birth : May 6, 1993
Profession : Singer - SISTAR
Debut Year : 2010
Youngest member of the group, she might be not as famous as leader Hyorin, but her group's recent success catapulted her to success in acting transition. Having acted in KBS daily drama "Shut Up Family", she might as well continue her group and individual success this year. As SISTAR has now reach their peak of popularity, her presence will surely give impact to the industry.
14. Mir
Real Name : Bang Chul Yong
Date of Birth : March 10, 1991
Profession : Singer - MBLAQ
Debut Year : 2009
The youngest member of MBLAQ, in charge in rapping was in the variety world for years, but he still not reached his peak. Appearing in numerous shows, including Mnet "Scandal", tvN "The Romantic and Idol", and recently SBS "Law of the Jungle", this year could be his year, given that several years under the radar of fellow member Lee Joon.
13. Im Soo Hyang
Real Name : Im Soo Hyang
Date of Birth : April 19, 1990
Profession : Actress
Debut Year : 2009
Debuting in 2009 in Yoo Seung Ho movies " 4th Period Murder Mystery", her name started chanted among fan when she stars in SBS weekend drama "New Tales of GIsaeng". Since then, her career never looked back, acting in some high-profiled drama SBS 'Paradise Ranch", MBC "I Do I Do" and highly anticipated KBS Drama "IRIS 2" which will air soon. Looking forward to her next work this year.
12. Jungshin
Real Name : Lee Jungshin
Date of Birth : September 21, 1991
Profession : Singer - CNBLUE (bassist)
Debut Year : 2010
This seemingly girlish CNBLUE bassist was, after all, has successful career in acting. Youngest but the tallest member in the group, he also ventures into modelling, when he modelled for Song Hye Myung Designer Show in 2010. His metrosexual appearance of him make others attracted, but watch out, he is a man, after all. He is also in charge of rapping in the band too, proving his versatility.
11. Juniel
Real Name : Choi Junhee
Date of Birth : September 3, 1993
Profession : Singer-Songwriter
Debut Year : 2011 (Japan), 2012 (Korea)
She might be new to Korean music industry, but when she was in Japan, she has won audition program Niji Iro Supernova, beating out many singers and songwriters throughout Japan, hence starting her Japanese career there, prior to her Korean debut. Her live performance with her sweet voice and melody, attracted Korean fans when performing her debut single "Illa Illa". Considering her debut was just reaching a year this June, and the music trends that prefers live performance rather than lip-syncing, she will mostly grab most of opportunity this year.
10. One Light Hyoyoung
twins Hwayoung and Hyoyoung
Real Name : Ryu Hyoyoung
Date of Birth : April 22, 1993
Profession : Singer (Co-Ed School, 5Dolls)
Debut Year : 2010
Unlike her twin who marred by controversy, another twin Hyoyoung have better career, perhaps one of the most successful rookie. Her twin's mishap does not affect her, instead her career rise with offers in acting, notably in KBS drama "School 2013", which recently wrapped its broadcast. She will shine, riding her luck throughout the year; fan can anticipate it.
9. Eunji
Real Name : Jung Eunji
Date of Birth : August 18, 1993
Profession : Singer - A Pink
Debut Year : 2011
Main vocalist of Cube Entertainment newest girl group A Pink, she suddenly rise to stardom when she starred in flashback tvN drama "Reply 1997", in which she showed her fluent "satoori" Gyeongsang dialect in the drama. Her acting suddenly catapulted her to success, along with her couple in the drama, Seo In Guk. Their OST single for the drama "All For You" cemented her position as one of the rising star in the industry. With her critically-acclaimed drama under her belt, there is no reason why she would not shine this year.
8. Jin Se Yeon
Real Name : Jin Se Yeon
Date of Birth : February 15, 1994
Profession : Actress
Debut Year : 2010
Virtually unknown during debut day, she shot to stardom after appearing as lead actress in highly successful KBS imperial drama, "Bridal Mask" alongside Joo Won. Controversy arose when she was accidentally, indirectly told her real age during interview, which sparked numerous interest from netizen, calling the agency to correct her website profile. Nevertheless, she shines throughout 2012, and fans cannot wait to see what is in stores this year.
7. Zico
Real Name : Woo Ji Ho
Date of Birth : September 14, 1992
Profession : Singer - Block B
Debut Year : 2011
Prior to his debut, he was involved in several underground hip-hop project, releasing some records. Controversy surrounding Thailand incident merely brought the group to its setback, but the talent of him producing and composing song never faded. I fact, some of Block B's ong were produced by them, with assistance and guidance from their mentor, Cho PD. If he choose to go on solo path, he might have a successful comeback.
6. Kim So Hyun
Real Name : Kim So Hyun
Date of Birth : June 4, 1999
Profession : Actress
Debut Year : 2007
This child actress rise into popularity when she was acted alongside fellow child actress Kim Yoo Jung in MBC "The Moon That Embraces The Sun" and SBS "Rooftop Prince" as an antagonist, before her strong acting as young Yoon Eun Hye in MBC "I Miss You" as lead. She is really the trend nowadays; several offers come across her, and she carefully selects her next project. She was also acted as lead actress in BOYFRIEND music video "I Yah", released January of this year.
5. Bang Yong Gook
Real Name : Bang Yong Gook
Date of Birth : March 31, 1990
Profession : Singer - B.A.P
Debut Year : 2012
He may be new to Korean idol industry, but he has made names underground. He steals limelight when he featured as rapper in Secret Song Ji Eun's solo single "Going Crazy" before his debut. The single become a commercial success, and critics praise him for his "husky and fierce rapping". Even before then, in 2007, he was part of an underground hip-hop group called Soul Connection under the stage name Jepp Blackman Before his formal debut with B.A.P, he released single "I Remember", featuring B2ST Yang Yoseob, the release duet with fellow groupmate wannabe Zelo with single "Never Give Up", creating subunit Bang&Zelo. His talent certainly never go wasted, and he will create difference in music industry with B.A.P's unique music styles.
4. Park Bo Young
Real Name : Park Bo Young
Date of Birth : February 12, 1990
Profession : Actress
Debut Year : 2006
Debuted in 2006 with EBS drama "Secret Campus", she rose to fame with comedy movie "Speedy Scandal" along with Cha Tae Hyun. Since them, her life is not the same. Problems with management agency does not shatter her acting career. Again in 2012, she conquered Korean movie cinema with 2012 blockbuster "Wolf Boy" alongside actor of the moment, Song Joongki. Several appearance in SBS variety show "Running Man" cemented her position as a seek-out actress of her age. Cannot wait for her next project though.
3. Yeo Jin Goo
Real Name : Yeo Jin Goo
Date of Birth : August 13, 1997
Profession : Actor
Debut Year : 2006
Nobody would realise that the matured young man is just 15 at the moment this article was written. In 2008, at age 11, he already bagged award at SBS Drama Award, wining Best Young actor award with dramas "Iljimae", "Gourmet", and "Tazza". Four years passed, and he really stamped his mark in the acting industry with her perfect combination with fellow actress Kim Yoo Jung in MBC "The Moon That Embraces The Sun" and Kim So Hyun in MBC "I Miss You". Nothing could described his life now; he is really the trend nowadays. His acting is exceptional; critics praise his realistic acting. This year could be his; though.
2. Lee Hyun Woo
Real Name : Lee Hyun Woo
Date of Birth : March 23, 1993
Profession : Actor
Debut Year : 2005
Name all of hit dramas; Spring Days, The Legend, The Great King Sejong, Queen Seon Duk, God of Study, and the latest syndrome "To The Beautiful You", he was there. But then, "To The Beautiful You" really made him famous, internationally. The drama did not quite selling though locally, but the Korean adaptation of Japanese manga "Hanazakari no Kimitachi e" really gives him luck, even embarking his Asian Tour soon after. He is at the age where his talent is mostly capitalised, so stay tuned to his development.
1. Park Shin Hye
Real Name : Park Shin Hye
Date of Birth : February 18, 1990
Profession : Actress
Debut Year : 2003
If I put her top of the list, many will agree. She was wildly recognised after her superb performance as young Choi Ji Woo in mega-hit SBS drama "Stairway To Heaven", in which her acting put her in spotlight, along with brilliantly done chemistry with Lee Wan, younger brother of prominent actress Kim Tae Hee. She then joined numerous project such as KBS "Seoul 1945" and SBS "Tree of Heaven", which she reunited back with Lee Wan in Korea-Japan joint venture drama. She then secures her first lead roles in wildly-successful band drama SBS "You're Beautiful", in which she performs as a member in legendary popular fictional band A.N.Jell. The drama even have its own Japanese and Taiwanese take, proving the drama's success, more than 3 years after its release. She now becomes the jewel of acting industry, and considering her age, she's not done yet, not quite reaching her peak yet.
[p/s: It looks to me that actors and actress are taking over the chart, unlike previous rank, proving there exists dimension shift in the popularity of the artists and the interest of the fan specially. This rank is just personal opinions of the author; nothing to do with the real assessment of another. My appreciation to all sources that I've searched to complete this post; 7 hours, well much faster that the previous series. See you next time!]
