The microbial populations focused on predominant yeast species and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in 15 commercial makgeolli brands, where a fungal starter nuruk was used were examined. Viable yeast counts were obtained on yeast potato dextrose (YPD) and MRS agar containing sodium azide. MRS-C (0.1% cycloheximide supplemented) was used for selective counts of LAB. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was found to be predominant in the 15 samples tested, with an average count of $4.6{ imes}10^7$ CFU/mL. Contrary to the earlier studies, Lactobacillus plantarum and Weissella cibaria were shown as predominant LAB species with an average count of $1.7{ imes}10^7$ CFU/mL. Surprisingly, as many as 7 log viable cells/mL were present at the ethyl alcohol concentration of 6-7%. The data from real-time PCR also indicated that the yeast populations remains almost constant during the refrigerated storage of 12 days, while that of LAB decrease slightly first 9 days and increase after then, despite the overall increase in acidity. Data from the differential microbial counts suggest that yeast S. cerevisiae might be associated with 2 LAB species, L. plantarum and W. cibaria, under ethyl alcohol stress during the turbid rice wine fermentation.