This year has proven to be successful for many artists. Not only have they sold millions of records, but their singles have become chart toppers and award winners. As such, I have compiled a list of the most prominent artists of the 2008 year. Some have just debuted, some have made impressive comebacks but all have achieved something great.

Big Bang

This hip hop group has been dominated all year at various Korean Award shows including Seoul Music Awards and MKMF where they received Top Artist Award, Artist of the Year and Best Male Group of the Year. Also they briefly crossed over to Japan where they were also successful.

Wonder Girls

The beloved girl group has also been dominate at various Korean Award shows especially amongst the female artists. They won Best Female Singer, Best Singer Award, Best Female Group, Best MV Award, Song of the Year in addition to various Cyworld Song of the Month awards. They have also confirmed a US tour and hinted at a possible US debut.

DBSK

Despite being in Japan for the half of the year (where they were also dominate), DBSK has still managed to up hold their popularity in Korea. Their comeback album “Mirotic” won several awards including Daesun Album of the Year, Overseas Viewer Award, Gold Artist Award, Artist of the year and New Generation Artist of the Year.

Ayumi Hamasaki

This year marks the 10th year for the Japanese artist; however, she is still able to maintain her popularity. This year alone, she was the only female and solo artist with 30 No. 1 singles, 40 Top 10 singles and the artist with the most #1 singles within consecutive years. She was also awarded Best Artist, Album, Single, Concert Video, Foreign Artist and Highest Earning Female Celebrity of 2008.

Utada Hikaru

Her “Heart Station” album has become her 5th consecutive no. 1 Japanese studio album and the best selling digital format album on iTunes 2008 yearly album charts in Japan. It has also won several awards: Single of the Year, Best 10 Singles, Top Japanese Gold Song and Top Japanese Artist. She is currently working on writing two books and a possible English album.

Charice Pempengco

The young diva has been making waves all year in Asia, Europe and America. She’s become a favorite on various talk shows including Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres Show and Good Morning America in addition to the 2008 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. She has also performed with big name stars like Celine Dion and met her various idols like Mariah Carey.