Korean university students most admire Han Bi-ya, a travel writer and relief worker, among Koreans and U.S. President Barack Obama among foreigners.
The University News Network and online portal site Campuslife conducted a survey of 1,700 four-year university students nationwide and 9.4 percent answered that they respect Han more than any other Korean.
Ahn Chul-soo, the founder and former CEO of AhnLab, and the late former President Roh Moo-hyun followed.
The first African-American U.S. President topped the list of most respected foreigners. Bill Gates, the chairman of Microsoft, and Oprah Winfrey also made the list.
By occupation, former President Roh was the most respected among politicians and former Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-hee ranked highest among businessmen. Sohn Suk-hee was the most respected broadcaster.