Heo Ung Extends Reign with 16-Month Win Streak
In April 2025, basketball star Heo Ung once again proved his reign at the Netizen Awards’ Sports Category is far from over, earning the top spot for a staggering 16th consecutive month. Garnering 7,664 votes (45.2%), he left other contenders trailing behind, demonstrating not only popularity but unwavering fan support.
Although his achievement is awe-inspiring in numbers alone, its real meaning lies in the continuous show of love and loyalty from his dedicated fanbase. Each month, fans rally around Heo Ung like clockwork, making his streak a collective accomplishment.
Breakout Moment: An Se-young Climbs to Second
The biggest surprise of this month came from up-and-coming badminton star An Se-young. For the first time since joining the awards, she soared to 2nd place with 2,613 votes (15.4%), surpassing football icons Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in. Her rise is more than numerical—it’s a sign her efforts and skill on the court are finally being acknowledged by a wider audience.
With this achievement, An Se-young isn’t just playing her best game—she’s securing her spot as Korea’s next sports sensation.
The Competitive Middle Rankers
Football superstar Son Heung-min held third place with 1,695 votes (10.0%), followed closely by Lee Kang-in with 1,671 (9.9%). Both continue to enjoy strong fan support, owing to their global performances and consistent presence on the field.
Kim Do-young, a rising force in baseball, rounded out the top five with 1,017 votes (6.0%). These athletes continue to prove their relevance across both domestic and international stages.
Legends and Newcomers Complete the Top 10
Further down the list, iconic figure skater Kim Yuna ranked 6th with 955 votes (5.6%), showing her enduring legacy. Baseball player Lee Jung-hoo, now playing for the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball, claimed 7th with 703 votes (4.1%). Meanwhile, golf’s Yoon Ina walked away with 8th place after earning 300 votes (1.8%).
Veteran volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung came in at 9th with 204 votes (1.2%), while Choi Jeong took 10th place with 133 votes (0.8%), closing out a tightly contested chart.
A Thriving Month for Sports
April saw intense activity in Korean sports. Professional baseball threw its opening pitch, while pro basketball and volleyball reached their dramatic season finales. With athletes like Kim Do-young, Son Heung-min, and Lee Kang-in continuing to shine, fans can expect an even more heated battle for popularity in the coming months.
The Netizen Awards continue to spotlight not just the wins on the field but the pulse of public admiration. And this month, that spotlight was firmly on Heo Ung—and rising bright on An Se-young.
