The King Returns… Again
In a world where trends change by the minute, some legends never budge. This July, Cho Yongpil earned the coveted top spot in the 2025 Netizen Awards’ “Grand Star” category—once again. With 4,356 votes (32.3%), the veteran artist led the pack by a significant margin, reminding fans and critics alike why he’s still called the “Gawang”—literally, the King of Singers.
A Voice That Transcends Generations
Cho Yongpil’s decades-spanning career is more than a nostalgia trip. His music continues to resonate across age groups, creating a shared emotional experience that defies generational gaps. This isn’t just a win. It’s a tribute—an affirmation of his lasting emotional impact and cultural significance.
The Rest of the Star-Studded Pack
Close behind in 2nd place was Kim Wansun with 2,946 votes (21.8%). Known for her fierce stage presence and flashy dance tracks in the ’80s and ’90s, she’s still slaying the diva game today.
Kim Kyungho (1,726 votes) rocked into 3rd place with his signature high-pitched power vocals and genre-defining rock ballads. In 4th and 5th were vocal powerhouse Lee Sunhee and trot king Na Hoon-a, continuing their long-running roles as national music icons.
A Musical Time Capsule in Votes
The rest of the Top 10 reads like a walk through Korea’s musical hall of fame: Nam Jin, Kim Jongseo, Seo Taiji, Shin Seunghun, and Lee Seunghwan added their voices—literally and figuratively—to the conversation. Each artist earned their place through unique contributions that helped shape the Korean music landscape.
Even the artists landing just outside the Top 10, from Imija to Kim Yeonwoo, show just how deep and emotional the connection between these musicians and their fans continues to be.
Bigger Than an Award
This wasn’t just a popularity contest. The 2025 Netizen Awards felt more like a love letter to the artists who’ve soundtracked the lives of a nation. In a year brimming with K-pop rookies and viral hits, these legends proved that timeless artistry still wins hearts.
As Cho Yongpil gears up for activities in August, fans are already wondering: what record will he break next? If the July win says anything, it’s that the King is not done reigning.
