In the July Netizens Awards business leader category, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong maintained his undisputed first place. Backed by strong support from netizens, Chairman Lee defended his lead and continued a stable trend in the business leader category.

According to the final tally for the Business Leader Award, Chairman Lee earned a total of 1,748 votes in last month's poll, claiming the top spot with a 45.9% share. Recording the same 45.9% vote share as the previous month, he demonstrated overwhelming support nearing half of all votes and continued his consecutive first-place streak.

In the race for second place, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun mounted a fierce pursuit. Chairman Chung recorded 1,124 votes, securing a 29.5% share. By slightly increasing his share from the previous month, he succeeded in narrowing the gap with the leader. The combined share of Chairman Lee and Chairman Chung stood at 75.4%, with the two executives forming a clear two-horse race in the business leader category.

Fierce ranking competition unfolded in the middle-to-upper tier. Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin defended third place with 186 votes (4.9%), while Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin closely followed in fourth with 176 votes (4.6%). Hotel Shilla CEO Lee Boo-jin and CJ Group Chairman Lee Jae-hyun tied for fifth place, each recording 174 votes for a 4.6% share.

Hanwa Group Senior Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan received 142 votes (3.7%) to place seventh, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo took eighth with 82 votes (2.2%). Although there was a gap in votes compared to the upper ranks, steady voter support for each executive was evident.

The lower-tier results also drew attention. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won placed ninth with 2 votes (0.1%), and Hyosung Group Chairman Cho Hyun-joon received 1 vote to finish tenth, concluding the July business leader voting.

This July's Business Leader Award solidified a two-horse structure highlighted by Chairman Lee's solo lead and Chairman Chung's pursuit, with fierce battles decided by razor-thin vote margins in the middle-to-upper tier standing out as a key feature.

[Vote shares of 0.1% or below are not displayed.]