Byeon Woo-seok Wins Netizen Best Actor for 15th Month
It’s not just a streak—it’s a reign. Byeon Woo-seok has clinched the top spot in the male acting category at the Netizen Awards for an eyebrow-raising 15 consecutive months as of August 2025. With over 13,700 votes and 35.8% of the tally, he stands as the undisputed fan-choice king among Korean screen actors.
Why Byeon Woo-seok Keeps Winning—Even After His Drama Ended
Even after the hit drama Lovely Runner (Korean title: 선재 업고 튀어) wrapped up, Woo-seok’s popularity hasn’t cooled a bit. In fact, his fanbase seems more mobilized than ever. Global fans still ride the wave of his swoon-worthy performance, flooding polls and social media hashtags with love.
This isn’t just post-drama buzz—it’s an emotional investment. Over the past year and change, the 31-year-old actor has become more than a breakout heartthrob; he’s a cultural fabric patch in the K-drama community.
Rowoon Holds Firm in Second Place
Trailing Woo-seok but holding steady is Rowoon, who landed in second place with 4,431 votes (11.6%). Idol-turned-actor and instantly recognizable from roles in The King’s Affection and Destined With You, Rowoon continues to bridge music and acting realms with ease. His stable position reveals the long shelf life of cross-industry appeal.
It’s no surprise—his dual identity lets him command both K-pop and K-drama fandoms, two of the internet’s loudest and most loyal forces.
The Battle Royale for Ranks 3 to 10
The middle tier of fan favorites? Utterly stacked. Lee Joon-gi secured third place with 2,548 votes (6.7%), showing off his enduring star power. Right behind him:
- 4th – Lee Min-ho (2,021 votes, 5.3%)
- 5th – Na In-woo (1,929 votes, 5.0%)
- 6th – Jang Keun-suk (1,833 votes, 4.8%)
- 7th – Kim Nam-gil (1,740 votes, 4.6%)
- 8th – Park Ji-hoon (1,678 votes, 4.4%)
- 9th – Lee Jun-ho (1,642 votes, 4.3%)
- 10th – Um Tae-goo (1,600 votes, 4.2%)
The difference between 8th and 10th place? Mere dozens of votes. If this ranking were a thriller, that ending would come with a plot twist and a heartbeat monitor sound effect.
The Rising and the Rest: Positions 11–20
Though away from the podium, the ranks from 11 to 20 featured some beloved and dynamic figures:
- 11th – Park Hyung-sik (977 votes, 2.6%)
- 12th – Bae In-hyuk (960 votes, 2.5%)
- 13th – Park Bo-gum (913 votes, 2.4%)
- 14th – Song Kang (843 votes, 2.2%)
- 15th – Choo Young-woo (389 votes, 1.0%)
- 16th – Namgoong Min (382 votes, 1.0%)
- 17th – Jung Hae-in (302 votes, 0.8%)
- 18th – Lee Je-hoon (283 votes, 0.7%)
- 19th – Lee Jong-suk (37 votes, 0.1%)
- 20th – Jung Joon-won (25 votes, 0.1%)
Notably, even low-ranked actors garnered hundreds of deeply dedicated votes—a reminder that in fan polls, passion often beats popularity.
The Power of Fan Trust and the Meaning Behind a 15-Month Reign
Byeon Woo-seok’s 15-month streak isn’t just a bragging right—it’s a reflection of sustained trust between a celebrity and their fans. Votes aren’t just clicks; they signify belief in a star’s ongoing appeal and emotional imprint.
In an era where virality fades as quick as a TikTok dance, Woo-seok’s consistency is basically the equivalent of a K-drama hitting double-digit reruns and still making you cry in episode 12.
As Rowoon, Lee Joon-gi, and others stay hot on his trail, the months ahead may bring surprises. But for now, Woo-seok remains the kind of actor people want to see win over and over again—both on and off screen.
FAQ
Who won the male acting category at the Netizen Awards for August 2025?
Byeon Woo-seok won the top spot with 13,708 votes, marking his 15th consecutive month as first place in the category.
How does the Netizen Awards voting system work?
The Netizen Awards are fan-voted, with participants casting their votes online for their favorite actors and entertainers. The awards reflect popular sentiment and fan engagement more than traditional critical acclaim.
Is Byeon Woo-seok’s popularity still strong after Lovely Runner ended?
Absolutely. Despite Lovely Runner ending months ago, Woo-seok’s fanbase continues to grow globally. His long-standing first-place streak suggests a deep and loyal fan investment.
