With 2011 coming to an end, GQ has released their annual “Of the Year” issue to honor this year’s most unforgettable man. However, apparently, there were so many outstanding men who came to the attention of the staff at GQ Korea’s magazine, that they decided to give out 12 separate awards - spread out over the same number of cover issues. Listed below are the individual titles, and an interview with the man who took this year’s top ranking, Dian Oh.

• BAEK JEON GUN - STUD OF THE YEAR
• DOMINIC KIM - LYRICIST OF THE YEAR
• HWANG JAE BEOM - ACE OF THE YEAR
• JANG JU BI -  WORKAHOLIC OF THE YEAR
• LEE YONG CHUL -  VOICE OF THE YEAR
• MAESYN SOO -  LEADING MAN OF THE YEAR
• PARK JI SUNG  - SECRET WEAPON  OF THE YEAR
• PHENTON OH - VISIONARY OF THE YEAR
• SABI YOON - MELODIST OF THE YEAR
• SAM YANG - VETERAN OF THE YEAR
• SEO MIN JUN - REINVENTION OF THE YEAR
• SONG TAE KYUNG - BREAK OUT OF THE YEAR

(Oh’s alternate cover can be seen: Here.)

GQ: Congratulations on your Man Of The Year award. How does it feel?

Surreal. When I asked “why me?” one of the editors said I was chosen because of how much I accomplsihed this year. [Shrugs] I guess I’ve been so busy, that I forgot even time moves slower than I do.

It’s true though, 2011 was a busy year of you and your Record label. Everything has been doing fine so far, but debuting 3 groups in such quick succession seemed a bit rushed. Was there ever a time when you were scared that your groups might fail?

Yes, of course and they could still fail, so that nervousness never truly fades. Luckily, the individual members of said groups think about options and strive to accomplish tasks just like I do. We may all never obtain the title of “Legends,” but we all want to make a dent in this business some how, some way and working together, we will. 

That’s all nice and poetic, but still, was debut 3 groups in one year nessacery?

Of the many useful things my father taught me, cowardice and rationality weren’t amoung them. His style has always been ‘balls to the wall’ - brash, glitzy, and innovative - and I can only hope that I’m emulating him in a way that doesn’t seem so… [laughs] fake. I’m not and won’t apologize for debuting them practically all at once. It was a calulated move that was executed with perfection.

Okay, okay, but speaking of your father. How did he feel about you taking over the reigns of his legacy?

[Sighs] Did he pay you to ask this question? He was happy. Honestly, he’s estatic, he loves that I’m following in his footsteps. Next.

Touchy subject, I see?

No, not really. My answer never changes, so I figure that it’s about time to retire that question to the vault. Don’t you?

What was important to you when growing up?

Family. My parents - especially my mother - stressed the importance of keeping strong and healthy ties to eachother. I spent almost every waking moment with Phenton until he graduated from Highschool and moved out, and I was always being chased or chasing Tristan, Kyu won and Eden.

You’ve been associated with a lot of female idols in your dating career…

Dating career? [laughs] I’ve only had two girl friends - Dex’s mother and recently, Ae sook.

How does the fact people are constantly keeping tabs on who you’re dating affect the choices that you make?

It’s made me a much more private person. When I was younger, I’d annouce things about me and my Ex, but now no one really knows more than what I confirm. 

However, that doesn’t stop them from speculating. Like the most recent rumor of you dating your legacy actress, Shin Kyu won.

There is, of course, no truth to that. Kyu won has seen me at the low and high points and if anything, we’re best friends. I’d die with out her in my life - literally, she shuts the stove off for me all the time when I forget to - but, honestly Kyu won plus four years is my ideal type. She makes me feel.. safe. [laughs]

Safe? Moving on, what would you say is your most implausible trait?

My desire to not be alone, I’ve been called clingy - but when I try to tone it down, I’m suddenly aloof. I’m trying to find a balance.

You still act, but you’ve sort of moved onto the role of producer. Is there any new talent that’s caught your eye?

You mean… talent that’s not signed under Legacy?

Yes, aha.

Well, uhmm. You know of the idol group No.Chul? I like Go Tae Jin, I think he’s funny. If it’s on and I’ve got nothing else to do, I sometimes watch his drama, “While You Were Sleeping.”

All-time favourite film?

It used to be “All the Usual Suspects”, but Kyu won played the lead in “A Walk to Remember,” for her debut and her acting made me cry. Soooo [smiles], that’s my new favorite.

Favourite actor?

My father. He acted on and off the screen, so I learned a lot from him.

Other - But not all - covers from this series: