The Group That Outshined IU, aespa, and BTS as '2024 Singer of the Year'

Gallup Korea has unveiled its annual Singer and Song of the Year 2024 results, drawing significant attention from music fans. Continuing its tradition since 2007, Gallup selects figures representing the year across various fields. This year, the survey categorized responses by age groups—those under 40 and those 40 and older—providing insights into generational music preferences.

▣ Survey Overview and Methodology

The survey for the Singer and Song of the Year category was conducted in three phases: from July 11 to August 2, September 6 to October 14, and November 11 to 25, 2024. It targeted 5,281 respondents aged 13 and older nationwide (excluding Jeju), using a stratified cluster probability sampling method. The survey was conducted via Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI).

Survey Periods:

1st phase: July 11–August 2, 2024

2nd phase: September 6–October 14, 2024

3rd phase: November 11–25, 2024

Respondent Groups:

Ages 13–39: 2,171 respondents (±2.1% margin of error)

Ages 40 and older: 3,110 respondents (±1.8% margin of error)

Response Rate: 31.9% (5,281 responses from 16,561 contacts)

Methodology: Stratified cluster sampling and CAPI

Commissioned by: Gallup Korea

▣ Under 40: NewJeans Tops the List

Among respondents under 40, NewJeans secured the top spot as Singer of the Year for the second consecutive year, with 25.5% support. Since their 2022 debut, NewJeans has rapidly emerged as a powerhouse in K-pop.

1st: NewJeans (25.5%)

2nd: IU (20.6%)

3rd: aespa (13.3%)

4th: BTS (10.7%)

5th: IVE (10.2%)

▣ 40 and Older: Lim Young-woong Dominates Again

For the fifth year in a row, Lim Young-woong was voted the most beloved singer by respondents aged 40 and older, receiving 33.9% support. His steady popularity has persisted since his win on Mr. Trot in 2020.

1st: Lim Young-woong (33.9%)

2nd: Lee Chan-won (12.2%)

3rd: Jang Yoon-jeong (11.8%)

4th: Young Tak (10.0%)

5th: Na Hoon-a (8.1%)

▣ Key Trends: Generational Differences in Song Preferences

Gallup also announced the most popular songs of 2024, revealing clear generational differences:

Under 40:

1st: APT. by Rosé and Bruno Mars

2nd: Supernova by aespa

3rd: How Sweet by NewJeans

40 and Older:

1st: Love Always Runs Away by Lim Young-woong

2nd: Warmth

3rd: At Andong Station by Jin Sung

While younger respondents favored recently released hits, older respondents leaned toward classic tracks.

▣ Insights into Music Consumption Patterns

The survey highlighted stark contrasts in genre preferences: K-pop idols and solo artists dominated the under-40 group, while trot artists led among those 40 and older. These differences reflect Korea’s shifting demographics and the varying music consumption habits of each generation.

The results showcase the coexistence of K-pop's global appeal and trot’s enduring popularity. NewJeans’ meteoric rise and Lim Young-woong’s consistent success demonstrate the diversity within Korea’s music industry.

▣ Looking Ahead

Gallup Korea’s 2024 survey offers a detailed snapshot of the music industry’s current trends and audience preferences. With the growing popularity of streaming services and the diversification of music-based entertainment shows, the boundaries between established and emerging artists are likely to blur further.

This evolution is expected to foster new trends in Korean music, enhancing its global competitiveness and leading to a more dynamic industry.

Summary of Gallup Korea’s 2024 Singer and Song of the Year Results:

- Under 40: NewJeans (Singer of the Year), APT. by Rosé and Bruno Mars (Song of the Year)

- 40 and Older: Lim Young-woong (Singer of the Year), Love Always Runs Away by Lim Young-woong (Song of the Year)