Singer Lim Young-woong during his concert in Seoul, Nov. 30 / Courtesy of Mulgogi Music
While global K-pop groups like BTS, BLACKPINK and NewJeans dominated international charts and attracted legions of young fans abroad, singer Lim Young-woong commanded an equally powerful presence at home — particularly among middle-aged and older Korean women.
The 34-year-old ballad and trot singer has built a fandom comparable in size to that of IU, a singer-songwriter and actor. Known for his strong ticket sales and gentle public image, Lim is praised for both his versatile vocals and his considerate attitude toward fans.
On Sunday, Lim held one of his sold-out concerts in Seoul and made the full show available for free on the local streaming platform Tving, allowing fans who failed to secure tickets to enjoy the performance in real time. The profit-free move surprised many in the Korean music industry.
“To younger fans of K-pop idols who are used to feeling ripped off by expensive merchandise or mistreated at venues, what Lim’s team is doing can be quite eye-opening,” critic Kim Deo-heon said, noting the range of fan-centered services provided by Lim and his staff. “It’s clear that Lim’s team cares for the fans and has made that a core part of their strategy. This will serve as a reference point for other concert organizers as their audiences age.”
Globally and domestically, K-pop fans often complain about the increasing commercialization of idol culture, from soaring ticket prices to high-priced fan meetings and merchandise.
But Lim’s fandom is largely free of such grievances. Beyond the free streamed concerts, fans frequently share accounts of feeling genuinely cared for at his shows. His concerts are known for avoiding overcrowding, and many fans praise the on-site staff for their respectful attitudes. Lim’s team is also known to provide additional support for fans with mobility issues, reportedly supplying extra wheelchairs and ambulances at every concert.
Lim debuted in August 2016 with the digital single “Hate You.” His breakthrough came in 2020 through cable channel TV Chosun’s audition program “Mr. Trot,” where his dramatic victory turned him into a national sensation. The win broadened his appeal across generations and cemented his status as one of Korea’s most influential performers.
Singer Lim Young-woong during his concert in Seoul, Nov. 30 / Courtesy of Mulgogi Music
His first full-length album, “IM HERO,” released in 2022, sold more than 1.1 million copies in its first week. Today, he consistently sells out arenas with more than 10,000 seats.
On YouTube, he has garnered hundreds of millions of views, with his 2021 track “Love Always Runs Away” alone surpassing 100 million. Dozens of his music videos have topped 10 million views.
Lim’s fandom is known for its loyalty and enthusiasm. Fans follow him nationwide and organize independent events on special occasions such as his birthday, further strengthening their sense of community.
“He has a great voice, physical appeal and a dramatic success story from ‘Mr. Trot,’” critic Ha Jae-keun said to explain why Lim is so popular in Korea. “He also seems like a genuinely good person, and you can see that in how he interacts with fans during live concerts. All these factors contribute to his popularity.”
“Lim Young-woong’s approach certainly stands out,” Ha added.