Minji Enters Best Female Artist Category, Sparks Rising Interest
As the 2025 Netizen Awards reach their halfway point, the competition in the Best Female Artist category is heating up. On June 8 at 12:52 p.m. KST, NewJeans’s Minji officially joined the race with 14 votes, currently placing 18th on the chart. While this number may seem modest, her entry carries significant weight as she represents a leading K-pop idol backed by a strong global fanbase.
NewJeans Also Makes an Impact in Best Group Rankings
At the same time, NewJeans recorded a notable performance in the Best Group category, securing 56 votes and landing in 11th place. With Minji active in the solo artist category and her group also recognized, eyes are on whether their fans will rally to dominate both categories.
From Trot to Idol Power: A Changing Landscape
Currently, the female artist rankings are led by Jeong Seojoo, who has amassed around 24,000 votes. Other top spots are held by trot singers Eungaeun, Binnyeoseo, and Myjin, indicating a stronghold of the traditional Korean genre. However, lower ranks are showing signs of diversification, with K-pop idols like Minji gradually gaining momentum.
Minji’s Influence: Icon of the MZ Generation
Minji is considered a symbolic member of NewJeans and an icon of the MZ generation—a term referring to Korea’s Millennials and Gen Z. Her distinct style and emotive appeal resonate deeply with younger audiences. Her presence in the awards isn’t just about ranking—it’s a potential turning point for K-pop fandoms to mobilize and shift dynamics in what has traditionally been a trot-focused roster.
Could Global Fans Tip the Scale?
While Minji’s current vote count is in its early stages, there’s growing anticipation that international fans may soon jump in. If global supporters participate in greater numbers, there’s a strong possibility that Minji could rise significantly in the rankings before the awards conclude.
With time still remaining in the voting period, the spotlight remains on NewJeans and Minji as fans rally to support their favorites across multiple categories.
