Heo Woong Claims the Crown with Nearly Half the Votes
Basketball isn’t just a sport in Korea—it’s a stage for stars. And right now, Heo Woong is center court. In the July 2025 installment of the Netizen Awards, Korea’s basketball sweetheart secured 46.7% of the total votes (a whopping 8,234 in all), winning the Sports Star of the Month title yet again. That’s not just a win—it’s a slam dunk of fan loyalty.
A Star Beyond the Court
Heo Woong is more than his three-point shots. Through genuine fan engagement and a polished public image, he’s evolved into a cultural icon. His repeated first-place finishes aren’t just numbers—they show the public’s growing appreciation for athletes’ social impact, not just athletic feats.
Fierce Competition Among Sports Elites
Second place went to An Se-young, Korea’s badminton champ, who received 2,009 votes (11.4%). She’s leading the way not only on the court, but also as a strong role model for female athletes. Hot on her heels was Lee Kang-in (1,972 votes, 11.2%), whose European performances and national team presence have made him a Gen Z favorite.
Son Heung-min, Korea’s most globally recognized soccer star, ranked fourth with 1,666 votes (9.5%), while Kim Do-young of KBO league fame came in fifth with 964 votes (5.5%).
Icons With Lasting Power
Even after retirement, Kim Yuna, Korea’s figure skating queen, continues to dominate public affection at #6. Other top-10 finishers include Lee Jung-hoo (798 votes), Kim Yeon-koung (685), Yoon Ina (344), and Jeon Min-jae (32), showing a wide spectrum of athletic inspiration across disciplines.
What This Means for Korean Sports
From basketball to skating, the July results make one thing clear: Korea’s sports loves are diverse. Fans are proving that true impact isn’t just found on scoreboards, but in athletes who connect deeply with their audience. And Heo Woong? He’s writing a new playbook for what it means to be a sports star in the Hallyu era.
With August right around the corner, one big question remains—can anyone dethrone the reigning MVP of fan hearts, or will Heo’s winning streak hold strong?
