Singers select IU as biggest star of the year

At a recent recording of the “Weekly Idol” show on the MBC network, a survey was conducted to see who K-pop singers would select as the person most likely to become the biggest star of the industry in 2012.

Members of Wonder Girls, T-ara, Secret and B1A4 participated in the survey and revealed teenage singer IU as their favorite pick. The singer has been in the news lately because she has dominated the music charts since the release of her second album “Last Fantasy” in November.

“I think IU’s reign as the nation’s younger sister will transcend into Japan this year,” said Song Ji-eun from the girl group Secret said. Narsha from Brown Eyed Girls said, “IU has a face that appeals to the Japanese public.”

And IU received hopeful encouragement from her best friend, Ji-yeon of T-ara, who said, “I picked her because I just want her to do well.”

The host of the show, Jung Hyung-don, then went on to call up the 18-year-old singer to congratulate her during the taping. The show will air on Jan. 7.

By Carla Sunwoo [carlasunwoo@joongang.co.kr]