Cho Yong-pil Crowned Again at Netizen Awards
Some legends never fade—they just keep winning. Cho Yong-pil, Korea’s unofficial “King of Pop,” has clinched the top honor once more in the August 2025 Netizen Awards, landing the prestigious ‘Grand Star’ award with a commanding 33.1% of the vote. That’s 4,163 fans casting their digital ballots for the legend, proving that his decades-long reign over Korean music is anything but over.
Korean Music Legends Battle for the Top
The podium wasn’t just about one icon—it became a hall of fame showcase. Right on Yong-pil’s heels was Kim Wan-sun, the eternal diva of the ’80s and ’90s, earning 2,503 votes (19.9%) and showing that her silhouette still casts a long shadow on the industry. Lee Sun-hee, known for her virtuosic vocals that defined multiple generations, came in third with 1,846 votes (14.7%). Not far behind, rock powerhouse Kim Kyung-ho grabbed fourth place (1,628 votes, 13.0%). It was a fierce showdown of vocal legends, each with unforgettable performances etched into the nation’s memory.
Trotting into the Top 10: Trot Titans Still Going Strong
If anyone doubted the enduring popularity of trot—the Korean genre blending folk and blues with old-school balladry—think again. Na Hoon-a and Nam Jin, both musical juggernauts of the trot scene, landed in fifth (827 votes) and sixth (818 votes), respectively. Their loyalty-first fanbases and timeless anthems continue to carry weight—especially with older generations and summer karaoke warriors alike.
Icons Across Eras: Who Made the Top 10?
The top 10 was a colorful mix of genres and decades. Kim Jong-seo took seventh place (189 votes), proving rock still rolls in Korea. Balladeer Shin Seung-hun followed closely in eighth (152 votes), while Seo Taiji, the cultural reset button of the ’90s, earned ninth (87 votes). And in a nod to poetic pop, Lee Seung-hwan rounded out the list at tenth (82 votes).
- K-pop pioneer Seo Taiji remains a cultural cornerstone
- Psy, though ranking 20th, keeps giving the world Gangnam Style throwbacks
- Generational torchbearers shine no matter the ranking
Shining Memories: Ranks 11–20 Keep Making Waves
From trot queen Lee Mi-ja (11th) to genre-fluid trailblazer Yoon Mi-rae (17th), the names filling out the rest of the chart speak volumes about Korean music’s rich and evolving history. Even Kim Gun-mo and Psy made the cut, proving fan love has long legs—and memory is a fan’s most powerful playlist.
11–15 Spotlights:
- 11th: Lee Mi-ja (45 votes)
- 12th: Kim Yeon-ja (40 votes)
- 13th: Jung Hoon-hee (37 votes)
- 14th: Park Nam-jung (33 votes)
- 15th: Kim Chang-wan (29 votes)
16–20 Spotlights:
- 16th: Lee Moon-sae (23 votes)
- 17th: Yoon Mi-rae (20 votes)
- 18th: Yang Hee-eun (18 votes)
- 19th: Kim Gun-mo (14 votes)
- 20th: Psy (12 votes)
More Than a Popularity Contest: A Tribute Across Generations
While numbers tell one story, sentiment tells another. The Netizen Awards continue to spotlight timeless talent across eras—from the vinyl age to the YouTube era. And this month’s Grand Star lineup? It reads like the guest list for a musical time capsule. Fans aren’t just voting for songs—they’re voting for memories, for the artists who raised them, thrilled them, and stayed in their hearts through every Walkman, MP3 player, and streaming app evolution.
A September Shakeup Coming?
Will Cho Yong-pil do it again next month? Or will rising nostalgia—or a sudden revival—elevate someone new to the top seat? As voting opens for September, fans are sharpening their ballots and readying their fan chants. One thing’s for sure: every vote honors Korea’s ever-beating musical legacy.
FAQs
Who is Cho Yong-pil, and why is he significant?
Cho Yong-pil is widely regarded as the grandfather of Korean pop music. Debuting in the 1960s, his influence spans several decades. From rock anthems to love ballads, he’s shaped modern Korean sound. This award marks yet another recognition of his massive role in K-pop’s origins.
What are the Netizen Awards?
The Netizen Awards are monthly online polls where fans vote for their favorite Korean music artists across generations. The ‘Grand Star’ category celebrates Korea’s most beloved musical icons based on public votes.
Why do older artists rank so high in the votes?
Many of Korea’s legendary singers earned a lifetime of loyalty from fans who’ve followed them for decades. Even younger fans often discover these artists through parents or media revivals. Their legacy, timeless music, and emotional resonance keep them high in online rankings.
