Lim Young Woong is most well-known as a trot and ballad singer in South Korea. But to ARMYs, he and his fandom have been a formidable force to reckon with during award seasons for the past few years. This year too, he was up against BTS for the fan-voted popularity award at the Genie Music Awards. But while trying to win the category for BTS, ARMYs grew a soft spot for their “rival”.
Here are some of the main reasons why Lim Young Woong is dancing his way into ARMYs’ hearts:
His inspiring life story:
Lim lost his father when he was very young. During a radio show in 2015, he mentioned that he has no memory of his father, and his mother had a hard time raising him alone. While majoring in music, he worked several part-time jobs, nurturing his dream to be a singer. He started out as a YouTuber, posting song covers tirelessly since 2016. After he participated in many singing contests and discovered his talent for trot, Lim debuted with a digital single “Hate You” in the same year.
i found this on his youtube comment… 🥺 https://t.co/eTZLqLKf2V pic.twitter.com/lmkfQXOx4I
— 285 (@kookdzuken) November 4, 2022
But it wasn’t until 2018 that he started gaining popularity. On December 21, 2018, he released a collaborative medley album with fellow trot singer Park Seo Jin. The album became especially popular at Korean expressway rest stops, earning him the title of “Expressway Idol Star.”
In 2020, he was the most searched public figure on Korea’s top internet web portal, Naver. He was also the second most streamed artist domestically, only behind BTS. His popularity has only risen over the last two years, earning him multiple nominations and wins at year-end award shows such as The Fact Music Awards, MAMA Awards, and Genie Music Awards.
His frequent philanthropy:
Lim is well-known for giving back constantly to good causes. This year alone he has donated ₩100 million KRW (about $71,200 USD) to the Fruit of Love Social Welfare Community Chest to help the Uljin wildfire victims and over ₩9.00 million KRW (about $6,410 USD) to Good Han Star singing competition for patients of pediatric cancer, childhood leukemia, and incurable diseases.
Why would you say this! He’s an Angel 😭 and so are his fans 😭
— ಥ_ಥ ⁷ Take Me To The Stars Seokjin (@youngforevertwt) November 4, 2022
His heroic deeds:
In January, Lim made several headlines for saving a car crash victim by himself. Reports stated that on January 21, a van collided with multiple vehicles and a guard rail around 4 or 5 pm on Seoul’s Banpo Bridge. Eyewitnesses saw Lim head to one of the vehicles involved in the accident and help out the unconscious male driver with first aid and CPR. Later the Seocho Fire Department confirmed that this brave man was indeed Lim Young Woong.
I’m sobbing, he’s actually a literal hero and and he bora enemy number one 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/TjLjs6agXv
— ಥ_ಥ ⁷ Take Me To The Stars Seokjin (@youngforevertwt) November 4, 2022
His dedicated fandom:
It is a widely-known fact that Lim’s fanbase largely consists of middle-aged women, between their 40s and 60s. ARMYs have always acknowledged this fandom is one of the most dedicated ones out there, streaming Lim’s songs constantly, pushing him up the charts, voting for him during award seasons, and even doing charity work to honor his achievements.
Lim Young-woong fans seriously have my respect. If any of you see this, I think you’re very dedicated and cool. Good work to you.
— MEGrokosmos⁷ 💫👩🏻🚀👾the astronaut👾👩🏻🚀💫 (@ohmegoodness25) November 3, 2022
I’ve a big respect for Lim Young-woong’s fans. They truly are the only real competition ARMY has.
They’re very dedicated and play fair. pic.twitter.com/SWvl9wHRui
— heydi⁷ 🧑🏻🚀🚀 (@adeptjeon) November 3, 2022
His appreciation of BTS:
Recently, an old clip of Lim appreciating BTS resurfaced and went viral on social media. In the video, when he got recognized by a fan on the streets, he said his exposure is “Thanks to BTS.” ARMYs were touched to see his genuine acknowledgment of the boys as well as Lim’s humble personality.
All points considered, it is safe to say that ARMYs have reached a turning point in their relationship with Lim Young Woong, with some campaigning for him to be the fandom’s “bora mascot’ and others straight up crushing on the man.
BTS
Share This Post
