Lotte Tops Netizen Awards Again, Samsung Closes In
In the battle of Korea’s corporate heavyweights, Lotte has once again emerged victorious. For the month of August 2025, netizens cast their digital ballots and crowned Lotte as the most beloved brand, edging out Samsung Electronics in a vote that continues to reflect strong fan loyalty and branding power.
Lotte Stays at #1 With Nearly 41% of the Vote
From August 1 to 31, the Netizen Awards—a monthly digital popularity contest voted by users—saw Lotte secure a dominant 2,587 votes, taking up a commanding 40.8% share of all ballots. It’s the second month in a row the conglomerate has clinched the top spot, reaffirming its unique bond with the public.
More than just sweet snacks and duty-free shops, Lotte’s brand seems to have forged an emotional connection with netizens, driven in part by fandom-like dedication typically reserved for K-pop idols rather than corporations.
Samsung: The Undisputed Challenger
Trailing in second but closing the gap, Samsung Electronics clocked in a robust 2,197 votes, making up 34.7% of the poll. Although it lost the #1 position earlier this summer, the tech titan remains a dominant force, showing signs of a serious comeback bid in the months ahead.
Samsung’s fan base is wide and loyal—spanning innovation enthusiasts, Galaxy stans, and global customers who’ve come to see the brand as synonymous with Korean excellence.
A Tight Middle Pack: Hyundai and LG Hold Steady
The third and fourth spots saw little drama this round. Hyundai Motor Company remained consistent at #3 with 718 votes (11.3%), while LG quietly followed in fourth place with 509 votes (8.0%). These rankings suggest a stable mid-tier hierarchy, with both companies maintaining strong, if less passionate, public support.
Veteran Titans in Midfield: Shinsegae, SK, and Hanwha Ocean
These brands may hover out of the social media spotlight, but their presence is no fluke. Shinsegae grabbed fifth place with 138 votes (2.2%), followed by SK Group at sixth (104 votes, 1.6%). Notably, Hanwha Ocean—a key player in Korea’s defense and shipbuilding sectors—secured seventh place with 45 votes (0.7%), signaling renewed interest in industry-heavy brands post-pandemic.
New Entrants and Close Calls: Rounding Out the Top 10
Hyundai Rotem made its top 10 debut this month, taking the eighth spot with 13 votes (0.2%). EcoPro followed closely at ninth with 12 votes (0.2%), and Doosan Enerbility came in at number ten with 10 votes (0.2%), barely hanging onto the leaderboard.
This bottom field may have smaller numbers, but it’s a reminder that any brand—even lesser-known industrial giants—can surface in the rankings with the mobilization of niche fanbases or social sentiment.
The Bigger Picture: Lotte vs. Samsung, the Saga Continues
This month’s results further cement the Lotte-Samsung rivalry as the defining narrative of the Netizen Awards’ corporate rankings. Will Lotte keep the throne in September? Or will Samsung reclaim its crown with a rally of its own? With Hyundai, LG, and others just behind, the scene is set for more drama in what’s shaping up like a real-world K-drama of corporate popularity.
- 1st: Lotte (2,587 votes, 40.8%)
- 2nd: Samsung Electronics (2,197 votes, 34.7%)
- 3rd: Hyundai Motor (718 votes, 11.3%)
- 4th: LG (509 votes, 8.0%)
- 5th–10th: Shinsegae, SK, Hanwha Ocean, Hyundai Rotem, EcoPro, Doosan Enerbility
FAQs
What are the Netizen Awards?
The Netizen Awards are monthly online popularity rankings in South Korea where netizens vote for their favorite brands, artists, or public figures. These rankings often reflect the mood and opinions of Korea’s highly engaged digital community.
Why is Lotte so popular among netizens?
Lotte enjoys strong brand loyalty, partly because of its wide public presence—from consumer goods to entertainment and retail. It also benefits from a familiar, accessible image that appeals across different age groups in Korea.
How often are the Netizen Awards held?
The awards are held monthly, and each round reflects changing public sentiment based on current events, marketing campaigns, corporate goodwill, and overall brand image. They are often seen as a cultural barometer in Korea’s fast-moving media landscape.
