Fans Drive a Voting Frenzy in May’s Netizen Awards
May 4, 2025 – The excitement over the Netizen Awards has reached a boiling point as fan intensity escalates during the first weekend of the month. Kicking off on May 1, enthusiastic fans have rapidly transformed the rankings, turning what started as a straightforward race into a full-fledged strategic battleground.
Previously dominant contenders are feeling the heat as previously quiet candidates surge up the charts. This shift has introduced major plot twists in the rankings, as entire fandoms appear to be changing allegiance.
A War of Strategy, Not Just Popularity
The weekend voting spike isn’t just driven by clicks. Fans are employing targeted campaigns and social media coordination to support their favorite stars, making this not just a popularity contest but a psychological showdown. Every vote now carries weight in this fan-driven chess game.
“It’s more than voting—it feels like a digital war zone,” one fan remarked on Twitter. “We’re strategizing like it’s a sports playbook!”
Key Front-Runners in the Spotlight
Leading the Best Male Artist category is Hwang Young-woong, who continues his reign from April. Hot on his heels is singer Park Ji-hyun. Their rivalry has sparked intense discussions across online communities, with both fandoms working tirelessly to stay ahead.
Hwang Young-woong and Park Ji-hyun are the top contenders – SNS Capture
May 4 Daily Rankings Snapshot
As of 12:11 a.m. on May 4, here are the current leaders by category:
- Best Male Artist: Hwang Young-woong
- Best Female Artist: Bin Yesuh
- Album of the Year: Hwang Young-woong – Your Side
- Best Group: Fortena
- Neo Star: Austin Kim (Fortena)
- Best Actor: Byeon Woo-seok
- Best Actress: Jung Soo-bin
- Film of the Year: The Girl on the Bulldozer
- Drama of the Year: tvN’s Carry Sunjae on My Back
- Classic Masterpiece Award: tvN’s Secret Royal Inspector & Joy
- Grand Star Award: Cho Yong-pil
- Master Actor Award: Jung Young-joo
- Sports Star: Heo Woong
- Baseball Team: Lotte Giants
- Celebrity of the Year: Pengsoo (Giant Peng TV)
- Best TV Personality: Son Tae-jin
- Best Educational Show: TV Chosun’s Miss Trot 3
- Best Corporation: Samsung Electronics
- Top Business Person: Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics
- Fanbook Star: Hwang Young-woong
- Top Commercial Model: Hwang Young-woong
- Netizen Grand Prix: Hwang Young-woong
Who Will Come Out on Top?
This year’s Netizen Awards go beyond simple popularity metrics. Daily shifts in rank keep fans on edge, and unexpected surges from underdogs prove it’s anyone’s game until the voting closes. The final result? It’s firmly in the hands of the fans—and with each refresh, the story changes.
With Hallyu’s influence stronger than ever, viewers around the globe are watching these battles closely, not just as entertainment, but as a showcase of the rising power of online fandoms in shaping Korea’s star landscape—even from behind their screens.
