Cho Yong-pil Reigns Supreme Once More
In June 2025, the legendary singer Cho Yong-pil once again secured the top spot in the Netizen Awards’ ‘Top Star’ category with 5,575 votes, accounting for 37.2% of the total. Following his win in May, the consistent results echo fans’ deep fondness and ongoing respect for the enduring “King of Korean Pop.”
More Than Nostalgia – A Living Legacy
Cho Yong-pil’s repeated victories reflect not just nostalgic admiration, but the timeless influence of his music, which continues to resonate across age groups. For many, voting for him is a heartfelt tribute to the sincerity and artistry he has demonstrated throughout his decades-long career.
Top Contenders Prove Their Star Power
Trailing closely behind, powerhouse vocalist Kim Wan-sun claimed second place with 2,706 votes (18.1%). The ’80s and ’90s diva has proven her staying power with performances that blend charisma and musical prowess. In third was Lee Sun-hee, receiving 1,766 votes (11.8%), reflecting her wide generational appeal.
Veteran rockers and trot singers rounded out the top five: Kim Kyung-ho came in fourth with 1,344 votes (9.0%) and Na Hoon-a followed in fifth with 790 votes (5.3%). Their continued popularity shows the staying power of Korea’s veteran music icons.
Across Generations, Fans Show Their Love
Rankings six to ten included Nam Jin (713 votes), Park Nam-jung (657 votes), Kim Jong-seo (360 votes), Lee Seung-hwan (347 votes), and Seo Taiji (180 votes). These results reveal the depth and diversity of Korea’s music legacy, spanning genres and generations.
Singers ranked 11th to 20th included Yoon Do-hyun, Shin Seung-hun, Lee Mi-ja, Kim Yeon-ja, Park Wan-kyu, and more. Even decades into their careers, these artists continue to enjoy steady fan support.
Timeless Title of ‘King of Pop’ Holds Strong
The Netizen Awards aren’t just a popularity contest—they’re a reflection of fans’ enduring loyalty and recognition of impactful artistry. At the heart of it all remains Cho Yong-pil. With his cross-generational influence, unshakable musical legacy, and symbolic status in Korean pop culture, he remains the figure most fitting of the ‘Top Star’ honor. All eyes are now on how he’ll perform in July’s round of voting.
