Song Kang, Lee Minho, and Lee Jehoon in Nail-biting Finish at Netizen Awards

May Netizen Awards Enter High-Stakes Final Round

As of May 28, the 2025 Netizen Awards are heating up, with the voting race intensifying toward the end. What was once a steady accumulation of votes is now turning into a series of dramatic shifts, making every moment count for both fans and nominees.

The keyword right now? “Shake-up.” No spot is guaranteed—top ranks are being challenged and unexpected contenders are surging. Surprisingly, some mid-tier nominees are breaking into the top 3, while front-runners are facing sudden upsets.

Song Kang, Lee Minho, and Lee Jehoon Neck-and-Neck

Fans are especially focused on the Male Acting category, where Song Kang, Lee Minho, and Lee Jehoon are battling it out in a nail-biting mid-tier race. As of early May 28, Song Kang holds 12th place, followed by Lee Minho in 13th and Lee Jehoon in 14th.

This “golden time” is crucial. Though there may not be enough time for a complete rank overhaul, even a day’s bounce could secure long-term recognition for a fandom. For some stars, one small leap now could turn into a lasting memory—or another chance next season.

Category Leaders as of May 28

Here are the frontrunners across all categories as of 12:39 AM on May 28:

• Male Artist: Hwang Youngwoong
• Female Artist: Jung Seoju
• Album of the Year: Hwang Youngwoong – “On Your Side”
• Top Group: Fortena
• Neostar Award: Liberante’s Kim Jihoon
• Male Acting Award: Byun Wooseok
• Female Acting Award: Kim Hyeyoon
• Best Film: “The Girl on a Bulldozer”
• Best Drama: “Friendly Competition” by U+ Mobile TV
• Masterpiece Award: “Secret Royal Inspector & Joy” (tvN)
• Star Icon Award: Legendary singer Cho Yongpil
• Great Actor Award: Jung Youngjoo
• Sports Star: Heo Woong
• Pro Baseball Team: Lotte Giants
• Celebrity of the Year: Pengsoo (Giant Peng TV)
• Broadcast Personality: Son Taejin
• Cultural Program: TV Chosun’s “Trot All-Star Show”
• Enterprise of the Year: Lotte
• Business Leader: Shin Dongbin, Chairman of Lotte Group
• Fanbook Award: Hwang Youngwoong
• Best Commercial Model: Hwang Youngwoong
• Net Grand Prix: Hwang Youngwoong

Final Moments Could Make All the Difference

From rising idol actors to legendary performers, every vote now carries the potential to tip the scale. As fans rally behind their favorites, May’s Netizen Awards are proving once again that in K-entertainment, momentum matters just as much as merit.