K-pop Groups and Idols Who Were Given National Titles by Koreans to Represent Korea
To be able to be chosen for a specific "National Title," a K-pop idol or group should be recognized by a wide scale of fans, from toddlers to elders, whether they are from the city or countryside.
Therefore, due to the immense popularity of these following big names, South Koreans selected them as the "Nation's representatives," currently widely used even in foreign countries.
1. IU
IU is known as the most successful K-pop artist and actress in the whole entertainment realm, but some new generation fans probably don't know that she held the title for being South Korean's "Little Sister" for a long time, not until she decided to let go of the title, and go for a more mature image. In addition to this, IU is also known as the "Nation's Sweetheart" for, obviously, her sweet image and lovely voice.
2. Eric Nam
Eric Nam is the "Nation's Boyfriend" of the K-pop industry! Well, how can you not like to have a boyfriend like him? From his intelligence, humor, vocals, visuals, and personality, Eric is the perfect beau you could ever ask for, not to mention he's too hot, too!
3. Bae Suzy
Several actresses got the title of "Nation's First Love," but Suzy is the only K-pop star who held and is still holding this title for a long time! Koreans just love everything about her!
4. Girls' Generation's Yoona
Yoona was hailed as the "Nation's Ideal Type" upon her debut, and undoubtedly, there's no need to explain why several males want to have a girlfriend like her or females that want to become like her. Just look at her perfect ratio physical appearance, singing, and acting prowess, and praiseworthy personality --- who wouldn't fall for her?
5. AOA Seolhyun
Hallyu basically brings new trends to the fashion world, and K-pop idols are indeed playing a massive part in it. Seolhyun was selected by Korean citizens as the "Nation's It/Trend girl," wherein from her being a cover girl of magazines to doing commercials, everything that she was doing and endorsing will eventually become popular!
6. Park Woojin
Do you remember your embarrassing yet fun childhood or youth? These are the moments that you enjoyed the most, yet you don't want to remember anymore.
When Woojin became an idol through WANNA ONE, fans were able to gather his pre-debut photos, and his photos will make you think he enjoyed his youth without thinking that it would become his embarrassment when he grows up. Thus, Park Woojin was dubbed as "Nation's Dark Past."
7. Rain
Not only he's one of the most iconic K-pop idols, but he is also successful in terms of marriage. When Rain married Kim Tae Hee, also known as the "Nation's uhm-chin-ddal" (your mother's perfect daughter that you are compared to," the male idol got the title "Nation's Thief," for stealing the heart of Tae Hee which supposed to be for everyone.
8. Kang Daniel
When Kang Daniel joined MNET's survival show, Produce 101, he indeed captured the crowd's attention. Due to this, he became the "Nation's Center" for being talented, adorable, and born to shine the most. Currently, he is one of the hottest K-idol in South Korea, beating Hyunbin and Bogum for Korean Male Artist Brand Index.
9. AKMU (Akdong Musicians)
The chemistry and relationship of these siblings are incredible! Due to this, AKMU was nominated by netizens as the "Nation's siblings," due to their great teamwork. Yoo Jae Sook and Lee Hyori (Nation's Fairy) holds this title before, though they aren't really siblings.
10. BIGBANG
Several K-pop enthusiasts are claiming their favorites to become the "Nation's Boy Group," but the title was long held by BIGBANG, who became the top K-pop group worldwide. Their achievements and success throughout the globe are incomparable, basically the reason why they have the title.
11. EXO
In 2018, the Korean Government officially announced EXO as the "Nation's Pick"! Due to this, EXO became the face of Korea for tourists who want to visit the country, and they were chosen to represent K-pop in the closing ceremony of the prestigious Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018.
12. Girls' Generation
Make way for the "Nation's Girl Group"! The contributions of Girls' Generation are really significant as to what kind of K-pop industry the new generations have now. From paving the way for K-pop to be known in various countries, having several wins and awards in music shows and ceremonies, not to mention their massive influence, Girls' Generation is indeed deserving of this title.
These are the K-pop idols and K-pop groups that first held the "National Titles" given by Korean netizens and the Korean Government.
