Kim Jihoon Overtakes Choon Gil in Neck-and-Neck Netizen Awards Race
The September edition of the Netizen Awards just turned into an all-out showdown, as rising K-pop artist Kim Jihoon snatched the lead from trot sensation Choon Gil—and with only 78 votes separating the two, it’s anyone’s game as fans lock in a fierce digital ballot war.
The Battle for the Neo Star Crown
As of 11:34 p.m. KST on September 6, Kim Jihoon, a member of the up-and-coming group Liberante, surged to first place in the Neo Star segment of the monthly Netizen Awards with 3,543 votes (27.9%). Hot on his heels is the always-popular Choon Gil, who dipped slightly to 3,465 votes (27.3%). A mere 78-vote difference separates the two, making this the kind of over-time buzzer-beater fans live for.
Kim Jihoon: Slow Climb to Viral Victory
Kim Jihoon’s rise wasn’t an overnight fluke. His steadily growing fan base has been building momentum thanks to his polished stage performances and magnetic on-camera presence. This recent leap ahead of Choon Gil feels like a culmination of that grind. Insiders believe Jihoon’s recent spike could reflect his positioning as a fresh K-pop icon with major breakout potential.
And let’s be honest—the underdog-to-frontrunner arc? That’s K-pop gold. Fans are loving the narrative, and they’re showing up at the polls.
Choon Gil: The Trot Titan Isn’t Tapping Out
Still, don’t count Choon Gil out. With decades of trot swagger and a loyal fan base that mobilizes faster than a lightstick flash mob, Choon Gil has been leading the race until recently. His camp is known for rallying hard—especially when the stakes are high. And in K-award show history, momentum shifts at the last minute are practically a genre trope.
Can the elder statesman of the stage reclaim his throne? Fans say, “Absolutely.” But they know it’ll take more than nostalgia—it’ll take votes. Lots of them.
Two-Top Showdown: A New Rivalry is Born
Other nominees like Min Soohyun (1,825 votes, 14.4%) and Jinwook (1,105 votes, 8.7%) are still raking in decent support, but the numbers don’t lie—this fight has narrowed into a two-top faceoff. The “Kim vs. Choon” energy is real, and it’s setting the stage for yet another classic fan war complete with hashtags, fancams, and emojis in every flavor.
With days left until the final count, the voting field remains a pressure cooker. One tweet. One reel. One viral fan chant—and the rankings could flip again.
Why This Faceoff Matters in K-Pop
This isn’t just about trophies on a shelf. The Neo Star Award is designed to spotlight rookies and rising names carving out their identity in Korea’s hyper-competitive music ecosystem. Jihoon’s rise represents the arrival of a new generation, while Choon Gil stands as a gatekeeping legend in the trot scene—a genre that blends old-school storytelling with big emotional vocals, kind of like South Korea’s version of country-meets-cabaret.
Their showdown is the perfect snapshot of where K-music is heading—bridging old and new, tradition and transition.
The Grand Finale Beckons
- Kim Jihoon: 3,543 votes, barely in the lead
- Choon Gil: 3,465 votes, built-in fandom advantage
- Voting Deadline: TBD, but it’s coming fast
Whether you stan rookie fire or get emotional at trot ballads, one thing’s clear—you’re going to want popcorn for this final stretch. The Netizen Awards just became appointment viewing.
Stay tuned to see who gets the last laugh—and the last vote.
FAQs
Who is leading the Netizen Awards Neo Star category?
As of September 6, K-pop rookie Kim Jihoon leads the Neo Star voting with 3,543 votes, narrowly ahead of trot veteran Choon Gil.
What is the Netizen Awards Neo Star category?
The Neo Star category recognizes rising artists or new breakout performers across genres, giving fans a say in who deserves the spotlight next in K-culture.
Can Choon Gil still win?
Absolutely. With only a 78-vote difference and days remaining, many believe Choon Gil’s strong trot fandom could help him retake the top spot before voting closes.
