Unshakable Popularity: Kim Jihoon Holds No.1 for Half a Year
K-pop artist Kim Jihoon of the group Liberante has once again claimed the top position in the June 2025 Netizen Awards, winning the ‘Neo Star’ category with 18,343 votes (24.3%). This marks his sixth consecutive month at number one, a testament to the enduring trust and support from his fanbase. Far beyond mere statistics, the result solidifies his consistent popularity in the competitive K-pop scene.
Rising Star Son Bina Climbs to Second
Joining the spotlight this month is Son Bina, who surged to second place with 16,682 votes (22.1%). After entering the coveted ’10K Club’ last month, his continued ascent is no longer considered a surprise but a growing trend. His fans cite the idol’s sincerity and musical talent as reasons behind their loyalty—proof that strong fan connections can translate directly into votes.
Third to Fifth Place: Power of the Fandom
Min Soohyun followed closely behind in third place with 10,038 votes (13.3%), while Austin Kim took fourth with 9,812 votes (13.0%). Though he dropped by one spot from last month, Austin Kim remains a central figure among fans as a key member of Forteana. Jinwook rounded out the top five with 5,614 votes (7.4%).
Top 10 Rundown
- 6th: Kim Joongyeon – 3,406 votes (4.5%)
- 7th: Yoo Chaehun – 2,336 votes (3.1%)
- 8th: Kim Yongbin – 1,916 votes (2.5%)
- 9th: Lee Solomon – 1,661 votes (2.2%)
- 10th: Lee Seungyoon – 1,155 votes (1.5%)
Each artist continues to leave a strong impression, backed by passionate fan communities.
Emerging Names Expand the Playing Field
Spots 11 to 20 featured a wide array of upcoming artists, including Jo Minkyu, Nam Seungmin, Park Minsoo, and PLAYV’s Eunho. New entrants Cheon Rokdam, Choi Jaemyung, Yang Jiwon, Kiki, MiAi, and Izna demonstrated that the K-pop spotlight has room for more rising stars.
Beyond Rankings: A Glimpse into the Future
The Neo Star category does more than display current rankings — it also forecasts future trends in K-pop. Through the stories of consistent frontrunners like Kim Jihoon and fast-rising talents like Son Bina, fans are witnessing the next generation of stars taking shape. As we look ahead to July’s competition, one thing is certain: the evolution of fan-driven music is far from over.
