South Korean singer Rain currently ranks first on the 2011 TIME 100 poll of the “Most Influential People in the World,” raising expectations that he might steal the top slot when the final results come out on April 14.

The online voting started on Monday when Rain attracted some 47,600 votes, outpacing runner up Chris Colfer, the American actor of “Glee” fame, by 20,000 votes, illustrating Rain’s higher stature on the global stage.

Since 2006, Rain has made it onto the prestigious TIME 100 list for six straight years.

Rain is highly popular in Korea and elsewhere as a top-rated Korean wave actor who appeals to audiences even outside of Asia.

Rain also dabbled in the movie industry by grabbing roles in two Hollywood flicks, “Speed Racer” and “Ninja Assassin.”

This year, the TIME 100 list includes Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Steve Jobs, and U.S. President Barak Obama.

By Chang Ha-hyun (chh0124@gmail.com)
Intern reporter
Edited by John Power