Hwang Young-woong Dominates 2025 Netizen CF Awards
When it comes to star power that sells, Hwang Young-woong is simply untouchable. In the August 2025 edition of the Netizen Awards, he clinched the Best CF Model title once again—with a whopping 87,683 votes (40.5%). The message is clear: fans adore him, and brands trust him.
A Rising Trot Star Rules the Ad Scene
While K-pop idols dominate global headlines, it’s trot singer Hwang Young-woong who’s solidifying his reign back home—especially in the high-stakes world of CFs (that’s ‘commercial films’ or advertisements, for the uninitiated).
Hwang isn’t just a singer; he’s a walking endorsement magnet. With his genuine charm onstage and wholesome image offstage, he bridges the gap between fans and brands. That consistent favorability has kept him in first place repeatedly in the Netizen Awards’ CF model category.
Top 4: Heartfelt Singers and Scene-Stealing Actors
In a close second came ballad and trot heartthrob Jung Seo-joo, scoring 47,049 votes (21.7%). Known for his emotionally rich voice and approachable vibe, Jung’s dual appeal to audiences and ad execs keeps him flying high.
Son Tae-jin landed in third with 23,533 votes (10.9%). His polished, gentlemanly image and classical music background resonate with luxury and refinement—qualities that advertisers love. Meanwhile, actor Park Ji-hyun placed fourth (15,717 votes, 7.3%), channelling high energy and charisma that leaps off both the screen and the billboard.
Mid-Rankers: Consistency Meets Versatility
In fifth place, Kim Hye-yoon (15,100 votes) continues to enchant the public with her grounded, trustworthy screen presence. Her CF potential lies in her relatability, which feels tailor-made for lifestyle and everyday product ads.
Kicking up sixth place is Jang Min-ho with 14,346 votes (6.6%). A prominent trot figure, his ongoing popularity proves that traditional genres still pack a punch in the modern advertising world. Actor Byun Woo-seok (7th place, 6,038 votes) also surged thanks to his recent breakout roles and ever-growing Gen Z fanbase.
Lower Rankings, But Big Impact
It’s not just about the top ranks. Stars like Yang Ji-eun (8th, 4,047 votes) and Song Ga-in (9th, 2,927 votes) leaned into their emotional appeal and deep-rooted fan connections to stay visible in the fierce CF world.
Meanwhile, up-and-coming actor Chu Young-woo rounded out the Top 10 with 74 votes—modest, but every great career begins somewhere. This might just foreshadow a breakout yet to come.
What This Means for Korean Advertising Culture
The results of August’s Netizen CF awards reveal an evolving landscape. It’s not just idols who hold sway; actors and trot artists are very much in the game. In fact, their more mature, trustworthy images often give them an edge in sectors like health, finance, and family-oriented campaigns.
In Hwang Young-woong’s case, it’s the seamless alignment of brand compatibility + fan loyalty that’s made him a commercial powerhouse. He symbolizes how entertainment personas can drive consumer trust.
Fan Voting: The New Metric of Popularity
Forget Nielsen and ad market focus groups—the new-age metric of popularity is fan ballots. The Netizen Awards reflects real-time sentiment, driven by digital-native fans who click, vote, and promote their faves with fervor.
The August edition shows the growing impact of fan-led endorsement culture. In a highly connected world, a loyal fanbase might just be the best marketing money can’t buy—because they bring heart.
FAQs
Who is Hwang Young-woong, and why is he popular in ads?
Hwang Young-woong is a beloved trot singer in South Korea. His clean-cut image, emotional performances, and strong fanbase make him a trusted face for brands looking to connect authentically with consumers.
What are CF model awards in South Korea?
CF model awards recognize celebrities who have strong commercial appeal. In South Korea, being popular in advertisements is a big deal—it signals public trust and widespread recognition, which in turn, fuels career longevity and visibility.
How do fans vote in the Netizen Awards?
Fans cast their votes online via the Netizen Awards website. Categories like ‘Best CF Model’ rely on fan participation, reflecting digital engagement and real-time sentiment rather than industry-only panels.
