The top 15 Power Players in Korean Entertainment

AKP STAFF

16. Honorable Mention - IOI, G-Friend, TWICE

An honorable mention for the groups that also placed on this list. IOI placed 16th, G-Friend 21st, and TWICE 28th.

15. #15 Kim Goo Ra

Harsh criticism, hard questions, this MC isn't afraid to pull punches when interviewing celebrities. Some are put-off by his bluntness but he is a straight-shooter and you know exactly what you're getting when interacting with him.

14. #14 Big Bang

You become the highest ranked K-pop group on the list when you earn $44 million in a year, an amount that is even higher than Maroon 5.

13. #13 Yang Hyun Suk

He was a part of legendary group Seo Taiji and went on to create powerhouse label YG Entertainment. He is a power player in music but he's expanding YG into the drama and movie sphere as he recruits more actors to join YG.

12. #12 Shin Won Ho

Are you a fan of the 'Reply' series? Well, this is the man responsible for it.

11. #11 Gong Yoo

A top actor in both movies and dramas, his popularity soared even higher in 2016 after starring in 'A Train To Busan.'

10. #10 Kim Woo Taek

The man who produced "Descendants of the Sun," and top films including "Taeguki," he is a power-player in both movies and dramas.

9. #9 G-Dragon

The only solo K-pop artist on the list, Big Bang's leader is the top power player out of all K-pop artists.

8. #8 Kim Eun Hee

She is a screenwriter for Dramas (Signal, 3 Days, Phantom, etc), Movies, and more. She formed a power-couple after marrying famous movie director Jang Hang Jun.

7. #7 Lee Soo Man

Although no longer the CEO, the founder of SM Entertainment still has a lot of influence in SM and the music industry. He is the largest shareholder in SM with nearly $200 million worth of SM stock.

6. #6 Kim Tae Ho

The man who created 'Infinity Challenge,' he is well-respected in the entertainment industry.

5. #5 Sohn Suk Hee

This JTBC reporter is known as a straight-shooter. When celebrities refuse to take interviews, they will gladly take one with Sohn Suk Hee because they know he is an ethical man who is honest.

4. #4 Na Young Suk

Do you enjoy variety shows 2 Days & 1 Night, Grandpas Over Flowers, and Three Meals a Day? Well, Na Young Suk is responsible for producing these hit variety shows.

3. #3 Yoo Jae Suk

Yoo Jae Suk is nicknamed "The MC of the Nation" for good reason. He's been grass-hopping his way to the top of the popularity charts, winning everyone over with his infectious charm.

2. #2 Kim Eun Sook

Do you love Korean dramas? Well, this lady is responsible for the story of numerous Korean dramas. She's the screenwriter for hit dramas, Lovers in Paris, On Air, Secret Garden, A Gentleman's Dignity, The Heirs, Descendants of the Sun, and more.

1. #1 Song Joong Ki