Who Will Win the Netizen Crown?
As of 6:39 PM on August 14, the competition for the August Netizen Awards Grand Prize—better known as the ‘Daesang’—is turning into a nail-biter. Topping the chart is K-pop legend Cho Yong-pil with 1,849 votes, securing 29.8% of the total. Hot on his heels is retro queen Kim Wan-sun with 1,498 votes (24.1%), followed by rock icon Kim Kyung-ho holding on strong with 864 votes (13.9%).
Cho Yong-pil: The King Holds His Throne
Cho Yong-pil may be in his 70s, but the self-made ‘King of K-pop’ still wears the crown comfortably. With nearly 30% of the vote, his fanbase remains impressively broad, pulling support from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. Especially among older generations, his loyal audience shows no signs of wavering. He isn’t just leading—he’s gliding.
Kim Wan-sun: The Queen of Retro Strikes Back
Trailing Cho by a mere 5.7 percentage points, Kim Wan-sun isn’t giving up the fight. Dubbed the ‘Korean Madonna’ in the ’80s and ’90s, her career recently saw a boost thanks to the “newtro” trend—a nostalgic revival of retro pop culture loved by younger fans. The question is: Can her expanding fanbase carry her past Cho in the final stretch?
Kim Kyung-ho: Rock Never Bows
In third place with a 13.9% vote share, Kim Kyung-ho may seem like a long shot. But don’t count out the power of rock. Known for his piercing high notes and arena-worthy stage presence, he’s backed by a fiercely loyal fanbase. With tactical voting expected in the final hours, a last-minute upset can’t be ruled out.
The Countdown Heats Up
The clock is ticking. While Cho Yong-pil’s lead seems secure, Kim Wan-sun’s momentum and Kim Kyung-ho’s wildcard status are bringing serious suspense to the final showdown. Weekend voting patterns and post-dinner fan surges could flip the rankings entirely. Fans, buckle in—this ride isn’t over yet.
