(SM Entertainment)

K-pop sensation EXO was crowned Korea’s top celebrity this year by weekly magazine Forbes Korea on Tuesday.

The 10-member group, which debuted only three years ago, topped the list of Korea’s 40 most powerful celebrities in 2015 ranked by the business magazine, outshining other established actors, singers and sports stars.

The boys first entered the rankings last year, claiming the No. 5 title.

A-list actor Kim Soo-hyun and actress Jun Ji-hyun, who rose to prominence across Asia with the hit drama “My Love From the Star,” took No. 2 and No. 4 spots, respectively.

Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yuna came in third on the list.

Among the top 10 in the chart are rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae, singer-turned-actor Lee Seung-gi, baseball player Ryu Hyun-jin, soccer player Son Heung-min, K-pop girl band Girls’ Generation and SISTAR.

Since 2009, Forbes Korea has selected Korea’s top 40 celebrities based on their income, television appearance, expertise and media coverage.

EXO had a successful year in 2014 -- despite the abrupt exit of two Chinese members Kris and Luhan -- dominating year-end music awards by winning major prizes with their five-track EP “Overdose.”

The boys will return to the music scene sometime soon. Some of their new tracks will be unveiled at its upcoming concert to be held in Seoul on March 7-8 and 13-15.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)