Samsung Group founder Lee Byung-chul defended his throne for the fourth consecutive month in the 'Immortal Chairmen' category of the May Netizen Awards Hall of Fame.

[1st to 3rd Place: Solidification of the Lee Byung-chul and Chung Ju-yung Two-Top System] Chairman Lee Byung-chul continued his winning streak that began in February, securing a total of 648 votes in this poll and maintaining his 1st place position with an overwhelming share of 41.1%. He raised his support rate by 1.2 percentage points compared to the 39.9% recorded last month, further solidifying his lead within the category.

At the top of the rankings, a firm two-way rivalry among the figures symbolizing the economic history of South Korea was maintained. Hyundai Group honorary chairman Chung Ju-yung took 2nd place with 504 votes (31.9%). Honorary Chairman Chung Ju-yung also saw a slight increase in his support rate compared to last month, forming a powerful two-top system with Chairman Lee Byung-chul that combined for 73% of the total votes. Yuhan Corp. founder Yoo Il-han ranked 3rd with 236 votes (15.0%), completing the top-tier lineup.

[Middle Rankings: Shin Kyuk-ho Leaps, Kim Jong-hee Stagnates] Fierce ranking reversals occurred in the middle group. While POSCO honorary chairman Park Tae-joon kept his 4th place spot with 70 votes (4.4%), Lotte Group founder Shin Kyuk-ho, who was 6th last month, recorded 66 votes (4.2%) to jump one spot to 5th place.

On the other hand, Hanwha Group founder Kim Jong-hee, who ranked 5th in the previous race, saw a slight stagnation in fan votes, securing 36 votes (2.3%) and adjusting his ranking down to 6th place. This was followed by former LG Group chairman Koo Bon-moo, who received 6 votes (0.4%) to settle in 7th place.

[Lower Rankings: Three-way Tie for 8th Place] The bottom of the rankings also concluded with a tie, keeping the memory of the chairmen who drove Korea's industrial growth alive. Doosan Group's first chairman Park Too-pyo, Hanjin Group founder Cho Jung-hun, and former SK Group chairman Choi Jong-hyun each secured 4 votes (0.3%) to tie for 8th place, concluding this month's honorable voting race.

These results, which confirmed the participation of fans honoring the entrepreneurial spirit, foreshadow another fierce battle for votes among the chairmen in the upcoming voting races.