Kim Jihoon’s Double Celebration Faces an Unexpected Twist
July 21, 2025, is a day of double meaning for Kim Jihoon. Not only is it his birthday, but it’s also the day he wraps up his mandatory military service—a major milestone for any male K-pop idol. But instead of just cake and confetti, Jihoon is facing a high-stakes popularity showdown in the Netizen Awards’ Neo Star category.
Battle for the Top: Just 831 Votes Apart
As of 5:01 PM KST on the same day, Kim Jihoon leads the voting with 17,600 votes—roughly 31.0% of the total. Sneaking up quickly behind? Trot singer Son Bina, with 16,769 votes (29.5%). That’s a nail-biting difference of just 831 votes, making the category too close to call.
Military Service Didn’t Stop the Love
Jihoon, the heart of K-pop group Liberante, has maintained strong fan support even while in uniform. Now that he’s back—and coincidentally celebrating his birthday—his fandom is laser-focused on making his comeback unforgettable. Their mission? Secure a birthday No.1 on the Netizen Awards chart.
Son Bina’s Meteoric Rise
Meanwhile, Son Bina, the rising star of the trot world, isn’t going down without a fight. Known for her consistent top-tier rankings each month, July marks her most aggressive push yet for first place. Her fans see this as the moment—a rare window to dethrone a K-pop ace. Their weapon of choice? A coordinated, aggressive voting campaign.
More Than Votes—It’s a Fan-Fueled Drama
This isn’t just a chart battle—it’s a story of loyalty, emotion, and timing. On one side, you have Jihoon supporters treating his birthday and military return like a festival; on the other, Bina’s fans are riding the momentum of her growing fame in Korea’s trot scene. Consider it a music genre rivalry mixed with fan-powered drama.
Other Contenders, But Two Clear Front-Runners
While Minsu-hyun (5,884 votes, 10.4%), Jinwook, and Choon-gil also generate buzz, it’s clear the real tug-of-war is between Jihoon and Bina. Their showdown has become the defining storyline of this month’s Neo Star vote.
Win or Chase: What Happens Next?
Will Kim Jihoon hold onto No.1 and celebrate the ultimate birthday gift? Or will Son Bina power through and flip the leaderboard? With the difference shrinking by the hour, the Neo Star category has turned into a thrilling clash of fan loyalty, timing, and musical genres. Stay tuned—because in this race, a single day could change everything.
