Among numerous K-pop groups that showcased outstanding performance this year, BTS, BLACKPINK, and more were hailed as "Best Korean Artists" 2020.
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On Dec.19, Korean media platform News 1 released their year-end special survey, in which pop music experts participated to determine the "2020 Best Korean Artists." Global group BTS reigned on the list, along with prominent trot singers Lim Young Woong, BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, and more.
In particular, a total of 22 personalities including officials, Directors, and CEOs from K-pop agencies and broadcasting officials, participated in the survey, including the Big 3 agencies SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, YG Entertainment, as well as Big Hit Entertainment, Cube Entertainment, RBW Entertainment, Jellyfish Entertainment, Pledis Entertainment, FNC Entertainment, KQ Entertainment, WM Entertainment, Brand New Music, Play M Entertainment, Woollim Entertainment, KBS, TOP Media, Starship Entertainment and more.
BTS is the No.1 "Best Korean Musician" this 2020
According to the survey results, BTS was voted the "Best Singer of the Year," garnering a total of 19 votes out of 22. The boy band has been topping the list for three consecutive years since 2018, and they have proved their unrivaled popularity again.
According to other media platforms, 2020 is "BTS Year" due to their multiple achievements that they have achieved despite the non-contact era for K-pop.
They rewrite the music history with their English track, "Dynamite" released on August 21, which became the first K-pop act to ranked first on Billboard's main singles chart, "Hot 100."
On top of that, they didn't only entered first place once, but three times, and ranked second place four times, evidence of how the song was massively loved by music enthusiasts. Due to this, BTS captured the interest of various international music awards and was nominated for the first time in the history of Korean pop music at the Grammy Awards, the most prestigious awards ceremony in the United States.
BTS became a candidate for the title "Best Pop Duo/GROUP PERFORMANCE" category at the 63rd Grammy Awards for their track, "Dynamite."
Only Four K-pop Groups Were Chosen as "Best K-pop Artists" 2020: Who's on the list?
As BTS was chosen by 19 out of 22 Korean agencies, the competition is tight if who will be selected by the remaining four votes.
Aside from BTS, BLACKPINK undoubtedly entered the list. According to an official, "BLACKPINK has raised its status by breaking the top rankings on the U.S. Billboard and British official charts."
Next is SEVENTEEN, who was voted by an official for showcasing outstanding performance and steady growth.
Lastly, OH MY GIRL received praise for taking over the music chart and earning a good response from the public.
The three groups gained one (1) vote each while the remaining one point was given to trot singers Lim Young Woong and Na Hoon Ah. They then all shared the spot for second place.
According to officials, Na Hoon Ah and Lim Young Woong each received one vote in this year's trot craze and tied for second place. Na Hoon-ah's "Mr. Tes" gained huge public supports, while Lim Young Woong indeed occupied the charts with the love of fans of all ages.
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4 K-Pop Idols Who Got Criticized By Netizens For Strange Reasons This Year
Netizens are constantly criticizing K-Pop idols, and this year was no different. Here’s a list of 4 K-Pop idols who got criticized by netizens for strange reasons this year.
1. Chen (EXO)
When Chen announced that he was going to get married and become a father, he received a lot of heartwarming replies from fans.
However, Chen also received a lot of criticism from “fans” and netizens, who believed that he was “betraying” EXO. Some “fans” and netizens even wanted Chen to leave the group.
Some EXO “fans” even went as far as starting a physical protest to kick Chen out of EXO.
SM Entertainment (EXO’s agency) eventually released a statement, which stated that Chen would be staying in EXO.
2. Sunmi
Sunmi is one of the judges for the show Sing Again, which is a program where singers get a second chance at their dreams.
However, Sunmi received some criticism from netizens, as they believed that she “wasn’t talented enough” to be judging singers. Sunmi eventually spoke about the criticism on her Instagram.
I’m aware that it’s a very heavy and difficult position to be in. I feel it every time we’re filming. I wonder what right I have to judge every single contestant. I’m very cautious about it. Everyone walked different paths, and they all have different things they want to say and think. I simply do my best to watch and listen to the performances that the contestants prepared with sincerity and share the countless feelings I feel. I promise to work harder.
— Sunmi
3. Jungkook (BTS)
Earlier this year, Jungkook visited Itaewon with some of his celebrity friends. At the time, Korean citizens were advised to socially distance themselves. Despite it being revealed that Jungkook got tested for COVID-19 right after meeting his friends and testing negative, netizens were still upset. Some netizens even went as far as making a petition for Jungkook to have his Hwagwan Orders of Cultural Merit revoked, which BTS received in 2018 for raising awareness of Korean culture.
However, the petition ended up failing, as it only received 1,400 signatures.
4. Tzuyu (TWICE)
When Tzuyu donated 50 million KRW (~42,000 USD) to help Korea with COVID-19, she received a lot of praise from Korean netizens. However, Tzuyu also received criticism from Chinese netizens, as they started questioning why she “only” donated to Korea.
However, it was later revealed that Tzuyu had donated the same amount of money to China, but the money transfer was just taking some time
