Hwang Young-woong Holds Strong Lead, but All Eyes Are on Second Place
While the spotlight may be on Hwang Young-woong for his commanding lead in the Netizen Awards Male Artist poll this May, the real drama is unfolding just below him. As of 6:10 p.m. on May 7, Hwang sits comfortably in first place with over 21,760 votes—or 36.7% of the total. But it’s the tight horse race between Park Ji-hyun and Son Tae-jin for second that’s heating up the competition.
Park Ji-hyun vs. Son Tae-jin: The 1,600-Vote Showdown
Currently holding the second spot, Park Ji-hyun has secured 6,899 votes (11.6%), but Son Tae-jin is hot on his heels with 5,240 votes (8.8%). The slim margin of about 1,600 votes means this battle could flip at any moment—even within a single day.
Climbing the Chart: Slow and Steady vs. Sudden Surge
Park Ji-hyun’s steady rise began last month, steadily pushing into the upper rankings and now maintaining his second-place position. Son Tae-jin, on the other hand, has been building momentum more subtly, gradually expanding his fan base. His growing popularity, fueled by active appearances on TV shows and media, is now morphing into a full-scale push as his fans rally for a surprise upset.
Other Contenders: Not Just a Two-Person Race
Although only three artists currently have double-digit vote percentages, the competition isn’t limited to the top three. Enoch (5,040 votes, 8.5%) and Seo Young-taek (4,534 votes, 7.6%) are proving to be strong mid-tier contenders. With such narrow margins, either could surge into higher rankings if trends shift.
Fan Power Will Decide May’s Male Artist
With over half the month still to go, rankings could dramatically change. The race for second place continues to intensify, and everything depends on how fan votes unfold in the coming weeks. One thing is certain—this contest is far from over. As they say, still waters run deep, and beneath the calm surface, fanbases are furiously at work.
