Battle Heats Up in July’s Netizen Awards
As of July 9, the July Netizen Awards have reached their midpoint, and the competition is getting fierce. Leading contenders are beginning to take shape, with the dynamic shifting from growth to stability. Now, the focus is on who can maintain their momentum and who can break free from mid-tier stagnation.
Two Types of Front-Runners
The current leaderboard shows two types of frontrunners. Some have surged ahead with a clear lead, while others are locked in a tight race—shifting day by day depending on how effectively fans respond in real time. In these neck-and-neck battles, fan mobilization is the key factor.
Mid-Tier: Quiet but Critical
The mid rankings are quieter but far more complex. The difference in votes between the 5th-ranked artists and those just outside the top tier is narrowing. Some categories even show signs of major upsets. Here, consistency and strategic voting—especially over weekends—could turn the game around.
Cho Yong-pil Dominates Grand Star Award
Legendary singer Cho Yong-pil is staying true to his title as Korea’s “King of Pop,” maintaining a dominant lead for the Grand Star Award. With just weeks to go, fans are eagerly watching to see if he’ll sustain this pace through the end of the month.
Current Category Leaders as of July 9
- Best Male Singer: Hwang Young-woong
- Best Female Singer: Jung Seo-joo
- Album of the Year: Hwang Young-woong – “Tteugaeot”
- Top Group: Forte di Quattro
- Neo-Star: Kim Ji-hoon (Liberante)
- Best Actor: Byeon Woo-seok
- Best Actress: Kim Hye-yoon
- Film of the Year: The Girl on a Bulldozer
- Drama of the Year: tvN’s Carry Sun-jae on My Back
- Masterpiece Award: tvN’s Secret Royal Inspector & Joy
- Grand Star Award: Cho Yong-pil
- Best Actor in Film/TV: Jeong Young-joo
- Sports Excellence: Heo Woong
- Pro Baseball Fan Favorite: Lotte Giants
- Celebrity of the Month: Jung Seo-joo
- Broadcast Excellence: Son Tae-jin
- Cultural Program Award: TV Chosun’s Trot All-Star Wednesday Night
- Corporate Excellence: Samsung Electronics
- CEO of the Year: Chairman Lee Jae-yong
- Fanbook Winner: Hwang Young-woong
- Commercial Model Star: Hwang Young-woong
- Nets Grand Prix: Hwang Young-woong
Final Stretch: Strategy Over Speed
As the competition enters its final weeks, consistent fan engagement, well-timed voting efforts, and endurance will determine the final outcome. It’s not just about who’s fast out of the gate—but who crosses the finish line strong. Can Cho Yong-pil maintain his royal reign? Fans are about to decide.
