Forbes Korea ranks SNSD first in 8th annual Korea’s Power Celebrity 40

Kim Yuna has been dethroned as number one for the past two years; now the coveted #1 goes to SNSD. Forbes Korea based this decision such as the number of articles about SNSD, product endorsements, and popularity on internet searches. In 2010, SNSD sold a staggering +270,000 albums (compared to Super Junior’s +250,000), 11.73 million internet downloads, and had 25 advertisements in total.

So how much did SNSD make exactly? Upwards of 200 billion won (200 million USD) from both the Korean and Japanese market. In addition, SM Entertainment’s stock has risen over 300% this year alone (not calculating inflation). SM Entertainment had a very, very good 2010, and with a new male group set to debut soon and SHINee preparing to do promotions in Japan, 2011 should be stellar as well.

Here is the complete list: (According to ranking)

1. Girls' Generation [SNSD] (Singer)
   
2. Park Jisung (Soccer player)
3. Kim Yuna (Figure skater)
4. Lee Seung-gi (Singer)
5. 2PM (Singer)
6. Yu Jae Suk (MC)
7. Lee Chungyong (Soccer player)
8. 2AM (Singer)
9. Chu Shinsoo (Baseball player)
10. Kang Hodong (MC)
11. Lee Hyori (Singer)
12. Yoon Shi Yoon (Actor)
13. Rain (Singer)
14. Park Chuyoung (Soccer player)
15. Shin Mina (Actress)
16. Super Junior (Singer)
17. Wonbin (Actor)
18. Hwang Jung Eum (Actress)
19. Kim Hyesu (Actress)
20. Go Hyun Jung (Acress)
21. Kang Dong Won (Actor)
22. Lee Daeho (Baseball player)
23. Park Tae Hwan (Swimmer)
24. Lee Nayoung (Actress)
25. Jang Dong Gun (Actor)
26. Shin Se Kyung (Actress)
27. Lee Kyungkyu (MC)
28. Big Bang (Singer)
29. Lee Minjung (Actress)
30. Choi Kyungjoo (Golfer)
31. 2NE1 (Singer)
32. Hyun Bin (Actor)
33. Bae Yong Joon (Actor)
34. Moon Geun Young (Actress)
35. Lee Minho (Actor)
36. Han Hyo Joo (Actress)
37. Kim Tae Hee (Actress)
38. Park Chanho (Baseball player)
39. Park Myungsoo (MC)
40. BEAST (Singer)

Were you surprised at any of the results? Any SMTown artist that you were surprised didn’t make it on the list?