Shin Hae-chul has taken the lead in the early race for the August 'Immortal Star' category of the 2026 Netizen Awards with an overwhelming vote share.

As of 4:07 PM on the 5th, Shin Hae-chul is running in first place with 533 votes (75.9%). He is followed by Bae Ho in second place with 45 votes (6.4%) and Jang Hyun in third with 43 votes (6.1%). Next, Kim Jung-ho ranks fourth with 39 votes (5.6%), and Hyun-chul places fifth with 23 votes (3.3%).

Shin Hae-chul has demonstrated his unrivaled presence by topping the 'Immortal Star' category for five consecutive months from March to July. In August as well, he is racing ahead with an overwhelming show of support from the early stages, once again seizing the upper hand in his pursuit of the monthly championship.

Behind this trend lies the unwavering and passionate longing of fans that has not cooled even with the passage of time. The music and messages Shin Hae-chul left behind remain vivid in the public's memory, and the memories and affection toward him are translating into votes in the Netizen Awards. In other words, beyond a simple popularity contest, fans' feelings toward an 'artist they can never meet again' are manifesting in the vote count.

However, the August race is still in its early stages. With the possibility of pursuit from other Immortal Star candidates remaining during the rest of the voting period, attention is focused on whether Shin Hae-chul can achieve the new record of six consecutive monthly wins.