(OSEN)

South Korean singer-songwriter IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, was crowned the most popular musician among Koreans this year, according to a survey released Thursday.

Gallup Korea surveyed 2,774 Koreans aged 13 and older to determine Koreans’ favorite musicians. They were asked to name their three favorite K-pop artists.

IU topped the poll with 12.9 percent of the total votes.

The singer enjoyed immense popularity this year with her seven-track remake album “Flower Bookmark,” released in May. She also held several concerts and made guest appearances on albums by established musicians.

(OSEN)

Most recently, the 21-year-old sang on the track “Sokyeokdong” with veteran singer Seo Taiji, winning high acclaim from music critics and fans.

(SM Entertainment)

K-pop girl group Girls’ Generation was the second-most popular K-pop act, garnering 12.4 percent of the total votes. The group released its fourth EP, “Mr. Mr.,” in February.

The eight-member group was Koreans’ favorite pop group for three consecutive years, from 2009 to 2011, but fell to No. 5 last year.
Another girl group, Sistar, nabbed the No. 3 slot with 10.5 percent, followed by boy band EXO with 9.4 percent.

Also included on the list were veteran female vocalist Lee Sun-hee, girl groups Girl’s Day and Apink, legendary musicians Lee Seung-cheol, Cho Yong-pil and Seo Taiji, boy groups Beast and Big Bang, first-generation idol group g.o.d and balladeer Sung Si-kyung.

Gallup unveils its list of distinguished people in various sectors at the end of every year.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)