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:

In the past we had stars like Quinten Oh lighten up the Korean entertainment industry. But as great idols step down from the throne, it seems their kids are more than ready to take over. It turns out it’s not just the Oh-children that will keep the legacy alive, as former rapper and producer Shin Il Sung’s daughter, Shin Kyu Won is battling for a place on the top. The young actress surprised netizens all over the country by her stunning performance in her debut movie, “A Walk to Remember”, and that was just the beginning. We were lucky enough to have her come in for a photoshoot. Be sure to check out both the interview and her stunning photo-shoot below!

Growing up surrounded by so many stars, do you think it influenced your choice of becoming an actress?
“It would be a lie to say it didn’t. What girl would not start to dream when her mother dresses up in beautiful dresses to go to award-shows, or you see the wonders you only can see in movies? I don’t think my childhood was very different from normal children, but I do admit that I had easier access to influence. To tell you the truth, my parents never tried to tempt me with this career, and my father kept telling me to finish school. In a way, I do regret not going to university, but I also know that if I don’t start acting at this point, it will be hard to start later. I can always study and take an entrance exam, but chances to reach for the stars won’t come around every day.”

A lot of people say that since you signed with the company of your father’s best friend, you took the easy way out?
“Of course, I can see why they say that. To sign with Dian was a choice I made on my own after training under Endeavor for a good year. I’m not saying one company is better than another, but I admit I was drawn to LR because of the familiarity. I grew up with Dian and Tristan, so it just feels more comfortable working with them. But just because I know my boss doesn’t make things easier. In a way, I think it’s harder. I have a lot to live up to, you know!”

Speaking of Tristan and Dian, how close are you with them? A lot of fans have been questioning your posts to them on their me2day?
“Are you serious? Wow… I didn’t know that! But if you really need to know… they’re like my real brothers. I’ve known them all my life, and for half of that life we lived in the same house. If fans think we are more, I’m sorry for confusing them.”

You also had rumors going about Eo Jae Seung?
“Is this all we’re talking about? If it is, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but Jae Seung oppa and me are just co-workers. Don’t worry, if anything happens in my non-existent love-life, I’ll let you know!”

Moving on, what are your future plans at the moment?
“I can’t reveal too much, but I have been approached by several producers, and I’m currently in the middle of choosing my next work together with Dian. I don’t want to rush anything, as I’m still early in my career, but I can reveal as much as you’ll get to see me on the small-screen in the near future!”

Even though busy with filming his upcoming movie, CEO of Legacy Records Dian Oh still has time to go in search for talent. Almost at the speed of light, Oz Kim joined the ranks of Legacy Records, going through the shortest ammount of training any new idol has. By doing this, the new solo-artist proves he really is a true legacy, worthy of joining the ranks of Dian Oh and the other artists at LR. In a quick interview with Oh, he also stated that he was happy to have another boy join the family.

Oz will be debuting on KBS Music Bank next week with the song “Pretty but Hateful”. If you haven’t seen the music video yet, check it out here:

A representative of Legacy Records today announced that former rapper and b-boy Shin Il Sung’s daughter, Shin Kyu Won, a former trainee at Endeavor Creative, has signed a contract with LR. For a lot of people, this doesn’t come as a surprise, as CEO of LR, Dian Oh’s father, the infamous Quinten Oh and Il Sung were both partners back in the day and are still best friends. Some netizens have commented on how the girl landed the contract for free, but she went and proved them all wrong by landing the lead role in the upcoming movie “A Walk to Remember”, which will air around April next year. 

Kyu Won celebrated the contract on her me2day, where she wrote:

“you’re looking at debuting actress, newly signed with LR SHIN KYU WON! KYAAAA!”

We wish her all the best of luck, and look forward to seeing her on the big-screen next year.