31 Music Experts & Officials Select the 'Best Artists' in 2021 — See Top 10
K-pop industry's music experts and officials named this year's "Artist of the Year"! On Top 10, top-notch artists BTS, BLACKPINK, IU, aespa and more secured their status as most popular and influential singers this 2021.
On December 20, Korean media outlet News1 unveiled the Top 10 "Best Artists in 2021." The K-pop artists included were selected by a total of 31 people from music agencies with vast understanding and knowledge about the industry.
Some of the respondents were Director Kim Kyungmin (DSP Media), CEO Kim Dohun (RBW, Director Kim Sang Ho (JYP Entertainment, Director Kim Sook Kyung (Jellyfish Entertainment), Director Kim Jiwon (SM Entertainment), Director Nam Woo (Brand New Music), Director Park Gyuheon (MBK Entertainment) and more.
BTS Wins 'Best Artist of the Year' for 4th Consecutive Year + Here are Music Experts' Insights About the Group
According to the result, BTS was selected as the "Best Singer of 2021" after the world-renowned group received a majority of votes from 31 pop song experts who participated in the survey.
Out of 39 votes (wherein a music expert can select two or more artists), BTS gained 25 votes. In particular, it's the septet's fourth consecutive year to win the title in the News1 year-end survey.
ALSO READ: 31 Music Experts & Officials Select the 'Best Rookie Idols' in 2021 — See Who's No. 1
Along with the selection, the musical officials also explained why they chose the group, emphasizing the "BTS effect" not only in the music scene but as well as to K-pop idols.
"There is no need for words, their global performance tells us," an official praised the "Butter" singers.
"Everytime BTS releases a new song, the group set a new record and proved their overwhelming influence," other experts agree that BTS is "the best singer who does not need explanation."
In addition to this, a music official also implied the influence of the seven-member group on their juniors, saying, "Even in the pandemic situation, BTS has solidified their position as a global artist beyond K-pop artists, which has served as an example for junior singers."
IU, NCT 127, BLACKPINK & More: Top 10 'Best Artist of the Year' by 31 Music Experts and Officials
In second place, "Nation's Sweetheart" IU, who showed off her unrelenting presence with her fifth full-length album "LILAC" and digital single "Strawberry Moon" this year, secured the spot with three votes.
"She is a strong player in music sources who shows more than expected with a new concept every time," "IU is such an unrivaled female solo artist in Korea that there is no need for an explanation why, " and "I highly appreciate the strong recognition for IU and her continuous activities this year," music officials conveyed.
NCT 127 and Lim Young Woong then gained two votes each, which proved their continuously skyrocketing fame this year in third place. Along with them, BLACKPINK, despite no activity as a whole group this 2021 tied with them with two votes as well.
Lastly, SEVENTEEN, aespa, MONSTA X, Stray Kids and BE'O completed the Top 10 with one vote each.
READ MORE: BTS Wins in 3 Categories at the 2021 AMA Including 'Artist of the Year' + Performs 'My Universe' with Coldplay
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Written by Eunice Dawson
