Shin Dong-bin Surges Back to No.1 in 2025 Netizen Awards
In a classic K-drama-worthy twist, Lotte Chairman Shin Dong-bin dethroned Samsung’s Lee Jae-yong to recapture the top spot in August’s 2025 Netizen Awards for Business Leaders. Scoring 2,657 votes—securing a 39.7% vote share—Shin’s dramatic comeback stunned many, reigniting the fierce corporate popularity rivalry playing out like a boardroom version of ‘Produce 101.’
A Stunning Upset in the Popularity Battle
Outpacing Samsung Electronics chief Lee Jae-yong, who had held steady at No.1 in June and July, Shin’s ascent broke a brief but strong winning streak. Lee tallied 2,371 votes (35.5%), just 286 shy of Shin—a razor-thin margin hinting at an intensifying power struggle, at least in the hearts of online voters.
August’s tight results suggest this fan-driven battle of business titans is far from over. The monthly online vote doesn’t carry corporate weight per se, but it’s a telling pulse of how the public connects with each figure—brand image, leadership style, and yes, even charisma, all play in.
Middle Ranks Hold Steady: Hyundai, Shinsegae, and Shilla
While the top two duked it out, the mid-tier rankings also revealed some interesting patterns. Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun held 3rd place with 756 votes (11.3%), maintaining his position as a solid middle-runner. Meanwhile, Shinsegae Group’s Jung Yong-jin and Hotel Shilla CEO Lee Boo-jin were neck-and-neck with 286 and 284 votes, respectively, claiming 4th and 5th.
- 3rd: Chung Eui-sun (Hyundai) – 756 votes
- 4th: Jung Yong-jin (Shinsegae) – 286 votes
- 5th: Lee Boo-jin (Hotel Shilla) – 284 votes
The close counts reveal that while public engagement is focused on the top two giants, other leaders continue to cultivate noteworthy followings—especially among fans drawn to family dynasties, brand appeal, or even social media presence.
Lower Placements Include Major Names
Spots 6 through 10 featured established industry heavyweights, though with slimmer vote counts. CJ Chairman Lee Jay-hyun landed 6th place with 157 votes (2.3%), trailed closely by LG’s Koo Kwang-mo at 150 votes (2.2%). Surprisingly, SK chief Chey Tae-won, Hanwha head Kim Seung-yeon, and Hyundai Group’s Hyun Jeong-eun all tied for 8th through 10th—each earning a very modest 9 votes (0.1%).
- 6th: Lee Jay-hyun (CJ) – 157 votes
- 7th: Koo Kwang-mo (LG) – 150 votes
- 8th-10th: Kim Seung-yeon (Hanwha), Chey Tae-won (SK), Hyun Jeong-eun (Hyundai Group) – 9 votes each
While these figures might dominate headlines in the business section, their Netizen Awards showing raises questions: Is it a matter of low public visibility, or less active online fan communities? In a landscape where digital presence can rival boardroom power, votes speak volumes about an exec’s populist pull.
What This Says About South Korea’s Business Fandom Culture
This monthly fan-voted ranking isn’t your typical corporate performance report—it leans more into South Korea’s deep-rooted celebrity culture, where even business figures attract loyal fandoms. Think CEOs with stan accounts, meme edits, and hashtags. Basically, capitalism meets K-pop fan culture.
For younger generations, especially digital natives, these leaders aren’t just heads of sprawling chaebol (Korea’s family-run conglomerates)—they’re influencers with a corporate twist. Netizen Awards tap into that unique synergy, where public perception can amplify reputations beyond annual reports or profitability matrices.
September Surprises Ahead?
With Shin Dong-bin reclaiming the crown, all eyes turn to September. Will Lee Jae-yong rally his online loyalists and flip the script again? Or will Lotte’s camp retain their lead with another last-minute surge?
One thing’s for sure: Fresh drama is brewing in Korea Inc.’s unexpected crossover with fandom culture. Get your popcorn—or in this case, your ballots—ready.
FAQs
Who won the August 2025 Netizen Awards for Business Leaders?
Shin Dong-bin, Chairman of Lotte Group, won the August 2025 Netizen Awards in the Business category with 2,657 votes and 39.7% share.
How does the Netizen Awards voting work?
It’s a monthly, fan-driven online poll where netizens vote for their favorite figures across industries—much like K-pop polls, but for corporate leaders.
Was the competition close in August?
Very. Shin narrowly beat previous frontrunner Lee Jae-yong of Samsung by just 286 votes, emphasizing how competitive and fandom-driven these results can be.
