A number of K-pop singers have recently been under spotlight due to their outstanding vocal skills. This is attributed to the slew of TV singing programs and the release of many solo albums.

Especially, MBC’s variety show “King of Mask Singer,” has turned people’s perception of idol singers, in a more positive way. Being veiled under a mask, the contestants can be evaluated only by their singing skills, excluding other external factors.

Including BTOB’s Yook Sung-jae, B1A4’s Sandul, Ailee, Mamamoo’s Solar, EXO’s Chen and f(x)’s Luna, many talented singers have benefited from the program.

A local media outlet News-Ade conducted a survey of 40 anonymous officials in the music industry to find out talented idol vocalists.

Check out the top five K-pop idol vocalists who were selected.

1. SNSD’s Taeyeon

(SM Entertainment)

Taeyeon is the main vocalist of Girls’ Generation. She recently put out her first solo album with the lead track “I” which topped diverse online music charts after its release. The music video is also going viral by raking in more than 12 million YouTube views.

She also has proved her talent by taking part in many TV drama soundtracks including, “If” and “Can You Hear Me.”

2. Sistar’s Hyolyn

(OSEN)

Sistar’s main vocalist Hyolyn has been acknowledged for not only her sexy dance moves but also her powerful and appealing vocals. The 25-year-old appeared on the second season of MBC’s singing competition program “I am A Singer” featuring popular artists.

3. JYJ’s Junsu

(C-jeS Entertainment)

Junsu has actively pushed his musical career ahead, by releasing a series of solo albums since 2012. His talent has been best recognized in musicals including, “Death Note” and “Elizabeth.” The singer is gearing up to return to the music scene with a new EP on Monday.

4. SHINee’s Jonghyun

(SM Entertainment)

Being the main vocalist in five-member boy group SHINee, Jonghyun put out a great number of self-composed album, proving his abilities as a composer and a lyrist. He dropped his first EP titled “Base” this year, with all tracks reflecting his unique musicality.

5. Apink’s Jeong Eun-ji

(OSEN)

Jeong Eun-ji has shown her vocal abilities not only as the main vocalist of Apink but also in an array of TV programs including “King of Mask Singer,” masked as “Mom Hates UV Rays.” Although the 23-year-old only made it to the semifinals and failed to be the next king, panels and audiences were startled by her veteran singing skills, unable to guess her identity before she took off the mask.

In addition, she starred in KBS’ drama “Trot Lovers” and tvN’s “Reply 1997” and proved her acting potential too.

By Kim Yu-jin (kimyujin@heraldcorp.com)