Cho Yong-pil Tops the Rankings in Netizen Awards
As of 5:20 PM on May 6, 2025, legendary Korean singer Cho Yong-pil is leading the Grand Star category of the Netizen Awards with 1,126 votes—an impressive 34.6% of the total. His continued dominance underscores the timeless appeal of his music, which has resonated across generations for over 50 years.
Iconic Singers from the 80s and 90s Take the Lead
Coming in second is Kim Wan-sun, often dubbed the ‘Dance Diva’ of the 1980s and 90s. With 795 votes (24.4%), she demonstrates that her charisma continues to capture fans’ hearts decades later.
In third place is rock vocalist Kim Kyung-ho, who secured 340 votes (10.4%), supported by a devoted fanbase that has remained loyal throughout his long career.
Veterans Return to the Spotlight
The top five are rounded out by ballad powerhouse Lee Sun-hee in fourth with 288 votes (8.8%), followed closely by Na Hoon-a with 180 votes (5.5%), a legendary figure known for shaping the history of Korean trot music.
Namjin (135 votes, 4.1%) and Kim Jong-seo (99 votes, 3.0%) follow in sixth and seventh, respectively. While musical styles differ—from rock to traditional pop—the figures represent the evolving legacy of K-pop’s roots.
Younger audiences may know names like Seo Taiji (65 votes), Park Nam-jung (52 votes), and Yoon Do-hyun (45 votes), who continue to bridge genres from alternative rock to mainstream pop, completing the top ten.
Honoring Korean Music Legends
Beyond the top 10, artists like Shin Seung-hun (30 votes), Lee Mi-ja (25 votes), Jeon Young-rok (19 votes), Ha Chun-hwa (18 votes), and Lee Seung-hwan (17 votes) serve as a reminder of Korea’s deep musical heritage.
Even those in the lower rankings—Kim Yeon-ja, Kim Bum-ryong, Yoon Sang, Lee Moon-sae, and Kwon In-ha—carry significant weight in Korean pop culture history. Their modest vote counts don’t diminish their impact on shaping Korean music over decades.
More Than a Popularity Contest
This year’s Netizen Awards Grand Star category goes beyond a simple popularity vote; it’s a tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundation for Korea’s vibrant music industry. Cho Yong-pil’s commanding lead is a poignant reminder of how one artist can echo in the hearts of fans for generations.
