Plot Twists Shake Up the May Netizen Awards
The Netizen Awards are experiencing a dramatic turn in early May 2025, with sudden changes in the rankings and unexpected contenders rising to prominence. What started as a popularity competition is now a battlefield of bold strategies and passionate fanbases.
Fandoms Rally With Strategic Voting
Previously under-the-radar candidates are now making waves. As the competition intensifies, fans are organizing relay votes and mobilizing entire communities to push their favorites forward. With rankings shifting daily, one fan’s click can make or break a contestant’s standing.
Spotlight on Kim Jihoon and Austin Kim
In the race for the coveted Neo Star Award, Liberante’s Kim Jihoon currently leads, with Fortena’s Austin Kim close behind. Once considered dark horses, the two are now at the center of the awards’ fiercest battle—prompting even casual voters to take sides.
(From left) Austin Kim and Kim Jihoon)
Current Leaders Across All Categories (Updated May 5, 00:14 KST)
- Best Male Artist: Hwang Youngwoong
- Best Female Artist: Jung Seoju
- Album of the Year: Hwang Youngwoong – “Your Side”
- Best Group: Fortena
- Neo Star: 1st – Kim Jihoon (Liberante), 2nd – Austin Kim (Fortena), 3rd – Son Bina
- Best Actor: Byun Wooseok
- Best Actress: Jung Soobin
- Movie of the Year: “The Girl on a Bulldozer”
- K-drama of the Year: U+ Mobile TV’s “Fair Competition”
- Classic Drama Award: tvN’s “Secret Royal Inspector & Joy”
- Grand Star: Cho Yongpil
- Best Veteran Actor: Jung Youngjoo
- Sports Icon of the Year: Heo Woong
- Pro Baseball Award: Lotte Giants
- Celebrity of the Year: Giant PengTV (Pengsoo)
- Broadcast Personality of the Year: Son Taijin
- Educational Program of the Year: MBN’s “Burning Trotmen”
- Top Corporation: Samsung Electronics
- Top Entrepreneur: Lee Jaeyong
- Fanbook Favorite: Hwang Youngwoong
- CF Model: Hwang Youngwoong
- Netizen Grand Prix: Hwang Youngwoong
More Than Votes—It’s a Fierce Showdown
As the awards evolve into a strategic showdown, this May isn’t just about who’s popular—it’s about who can mobilize. With every fan vote weighing heavily, industry watchers are keeping a close eye on how communities influence the trajectory of rising stars.
Looking ahead, the spotlight will stay fixed on breakout contenders like Kim Jihoon and Austin Kim, as they redefine what it means to be an idol in this cutthroat competition.
