The Time Most Influential People list, now in its 8th year, sets out to recognize the innovation, activism and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals.
It is not a list of the most powerful people in the world; it’s not a list of the smartest people in the world, it is a list of the most influential people in the world.
They’re scientists, thinkers, philosophers, leaders, icons, artists and visionaries; people who are using their ideas, their visions and their actions to transform the world and have an effect on a multitude of people.
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| Rain |
The South Korean pop star turned actor Rain, 28, took the top spot in the TIME 100 reader poll for the third year, trouncing competitors from Barack Obama to Lady Gaga. That's pretty impressive online power for a guy whose main claim to Western fame is a role in the 2009 film Ninja Assassin.
This South Korean sensation has been making waves in his native country for years, but his catchy beats and hot dance moves have made his popularity soar internationally. Who can forget that dance-off with Stephen Colbert, or his parts in the movies Speed Racer and Ninja Assassin? His army of fans also helped him stay on top of this poll last year.
Most Influential in the Entertainement Industry
Matthew Weiner (Mad Men creator), Blake Lively (actress), Oprah Winfrey (talk show host), Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland star), John Lasseter (Pixar chief), Mark Wahlberg (actor), Chris Colfer (Glee star), Amy Poehler (actress), Colin Firth, Tom Ford, Justin Bieber, Patti Smith, Bruno Mars, Matt Damon, Sting, Joe Scarborough (cable show host), George R.R. (writer: Martin's A Game of Thrones), Hamada Ben Amor, known as El Général (Tunisian rap star); Jonathan Franzen (writer); Scott Ruding (Producer of the Social Network), Patti Smith (writer artist), Prince William and Kate Middleton, are the movers and shakers cited on the list.
