Son Bina Shocks K-pop with Netizen Awards Win
She came, she saw, she slayed. In a dramatic upset worthy of a K-drama finale, Son Bina unseated the reigning favorite Kim Ji-hoon to snatch the top spot in the August 2025 Netizen Awards – Neo Star (Singer) Division. With 24,924 votes (32.1% share), the breakout artist ended Kim’s staggering seven-month winning streak and claimed her crown.
From Underdog to Queen: Son Bina’s Meteoric Rise
Just a month ago, Son Bina trailed behind Kim Ji-hoon, one of the most formidable fan-favorites in the game. But a groundswell of support, fueled by grassroots fandom mobilization and relentless online campaigns, turned the tide. Her name wasn’t just trending—she became the trend.
For many fans, Son Bina’s win feels like a victory for up-and-coming artists hoping to break the mold. Her journey is a reminder that in K-pop, fan power can flip the script—fast.
Kim Ji-hoon’s Reign Ends, But The Power Remains
While dethroned, Kim Ji-hoon didn’t fall far. With 12,854 votes (16.6%), the Liberante singer gracefully took second place. After dominating the awards for most of the year, his loyal fanbase proved they’re not going anywhere.
“We still love you, Ji-hoon!” one fan commented on social media. “August was just a plot twist. The sequel’s coming in September.”
Dark Horses Emerge: ChunGil, Min Soo-hyun & More
This month’s standings unveiled a new wave of strong contenders.
- 3rd Place: ChunGil, a popular trot singer, surged to 10,701 votes (13.8%) through heightened fan mobilization
- 4th Place: Min Soo-hyun with 8,796 votes (11.3%), steady and reliable in fanbase loyalty
- 5th Place: Jin-uk grabbed 6,467 votes (8.3%) to round out the top tier
These performers are no longer just side characters in the storyline—they’re legitimate leads in the making.
The Middle Ranks Hold Steady
The mid-tier celebrities showed remarkable consistency, securing a stronghold in the rankings:
- 6th–8th Places: Kim Joong-yeon (4.1%), Yoo Chae-hoon (3.2%), Kim Yong-bin (3.1%)
- 9th & 10th Spots: Lee Solomon (1.5%) and Cho Min-gyu (1.2%) wrap up the top 10
All signs point to dedicated, if quieter, fandoms fueling these artists’ longevity in the polls.
Lower Rankings Show Passion That Persists
Just outside the top 10, fan support remains steady for underdogs and niche favorites:
- Nam Seung-min & Austin Kim (joint 11th with 1.0%)
- Park Min-soo (12th), Choi Jae-myung (13th), and PLAY.V’s Eunho (14th) also hold their ground
- The bottom of the list features rising talents such as Cheon Rok-dam (16th), Yang Ji-won (17th), and even Japanese-born K-pop hopeful Miyao Anna (18th)
Being lower in rank doesn’t mean being out of the spotlight—just ask fans coordinating mass voting parties via group chats.
The Real Drama? September’s Rematch
In true idol fashion, a dethroning only amps up anticipation for the comeback. With Son Bina’s unexpected victory, K-pop fans are already wondering: Will Kim Ji-hoon reclaim his spot in September or has a new era begun?
The Neo Star Award isn’t just a trophy—it’s a monthly litmus test for who’s hot, who’s rising, and whose fandoms refuse to rest. One thing’s certain: August delivered the kind of spicy fan-induced drama we live for.
FAQs
Q: What is the Netizen Awards’ Neo Star category?
A: The Neo Star Award is a monthly fan-driven accolade honoring rising singers in K-pop. It’s based entirely on votes from netizens, making it a barometer of digital popularity and fandom power.
Q: How did Son Bina win against a seven-month champion?
A: Son Bina’s win is credited to a sudden burst of fan activity, rallying online communities, and a growing buzz around her performances—all combining to tip the vote in her favor.
Q: Can Kim Ji-hoon return to the top in September?
A: It’s possible! With a devoted fanbase and established presence, Kim Ji-hoon is expected to make a strong bid for a comeback next month. The fandom battle is just heating up.
