Neo Star Showdown at the Netizen Awards
August 2025 is shaping up to be a fierce month for rising K-pop stars, as the Netizen Awards spotlight the up-and-coming artists fans are rooting for. The Neo Star Award, one of the show’s most buzzworthy categories, is turning into a neck-and-neck race—with super rookies Son Bina and Kim Jihoon trading places at the top.
Son Bina Takes the Lead—But For How Long?
As of August 3, 6:51 PM KST, Son Bina has taken pole position with 3,442 votes (35.8%). After playing runner-up last month, the soloist seems to have leveled up her fandom power—and it’s paying off big time this voting cycle. Her fans have clearly activated Beast Mode early this month.
Kim Jihoon Isn’t Backing Down
Not far behind is Kim Jihoon from the vocal group Liberante, sitting at 2,398 votes (24.9%). He topped the charts last month, and his supporters are not giving up the crown without a fight. With roughly a 1,000-vote gap, it’s anyone’s game. Don’t blink—this two-top rivalry is too close to call.
Strong Mid-Tier Contenders Could Change the Game
While the spotlight’s on the top two, other notable names are steadily building momentum. Min Soohyun is holding tight to third place with 9.9%, followed by Jinwook (8.0%) and Chun Gil (6.8%). These contenders are not just keeping pace—they’re quietly gaining ground and could shake up the leaderboard at any moment.
Dark Horses and a Fan-Driven Finale
Beyond the top five, artists like Kim Jungyeon, Yoo Chaehun, and Kim Yongbin round out the top 10, each backed by passionate fanbases keeping them in the running. And in a fan-driven award like this, every single vote counts. It’s not just a popularity contest—it’s a spotlight for the next wave of K-pop royalty.
Why the Neo Star Award Matters
More than a digital trophy, the Neo Star Award is a symbolic crown for artists on the brink of a major breakthrough. It’s a stamp of approval from fans who see their faves not just as performers—but as future legends. Voting remains open through the end of the month, and with momentum shifting daily, the final results could pack some serious surprises.
