The Unpredictability of the 2025 Netizen Awards
The 2025 Netizen Awards, held on June 10, are redefining the word ‘unpredictable.’ Dominant figures are faltering, while underdogs are rising through the ranks. No outcome is set in stone, and the competition has never been more thrilling.
In just two days, previously unnoticed contenders have surged into the top positions across various categories. The event has become far more than a popularity contest; it’s now a live battlefield where viral moments and dedicated fans dictate the tides of voting.
June’s Crucial Final Showdowns
This June holds special significance as it wraps up the first half of the year. With thousands of votes pouring in daily, the leaderboard is constantly shifting, and yesterday’s front-runner could be outpaced today. In this wild state of flux, making predictions is almost pointless.
A Fierce Rivalry: Forte di Quattro vs. Fortena
Nowhere is the competition more intense than in the Top Group Award race. Two beloved crossover vocal groups—Forte di Quattro and Fortena—are neck and neck, exchanging top spot in an exhilarating head-to-head match-up. Every vote counts as their fanbases go all out to support their favorites.
Other Standout Categories
As of June 10 at 12:20 a.m., here are the leading candidates in major categories:
- Best Male Singer: 1st – Hwang Youngwoong, 2nd – Park Jihyun
- Best Female Singer: 1st – Jung Seojoo, 2nd – Bin Yeseo
- Album of the Year: Hwang Youngwoong’s “By Your Side” leads over Jung Seojoo’s “Waiting Means Nothing”
- Rising Star Award: 1st – Liberante’s Kim Jihoon, 2nd – Fortena’s Austin Kim
- Best Actor: 1st – Byun Woo Seok, 2nd – Rowoon
- Best Actress: 1st – Kim Hye-yoon, 2nd – Hyeri
- Best Movie: 1st – “Girl on a Bulldozer,” 2nd – “Victory”
- Best K-drama: 1st – tvN’s “Carry Sunjae on My Back,” 2nd – U+mobiletv’s “A Good Rivalry”
- Classic Drama of the Year: tvN’s “Secret Royal Inspector & Joy” vs. “Reply 1988”
- Grand Star Award: 1st – Cho Yongpil, 2nd – Kim Wan-sun
- Grand Actor Award: 1st – Jung Youngjoo, 2nd – Kim Wonhae
- Top Sports Star: 1st – Heo Woong, 2nd – An Se-young
- Best Pro Baseball Team: 1st – Lotte Giants, 2nd – KIA Tigers
From Celebs to Corporates — A Variety of Winners
- Star Celebrity: 1st – Giant PengTV (Pengsoo), 2nd – Pani Bottle
- Top Broadcaster: 1st – Son Taejin, 2nd – Kian84
- Top Culture Program: 1st – TV Chosun’s “Trot All-Star Wednesday Night,” 2nd – MBN’s “Burning Rose Brigade”
- Top Company: 1st – Samsung Electronics, 2nd – Lotte
- Top Business Figure: 1st – Lee Jae-yong, 2nd – Shin Dong-bin
- Fanbook MVP: 1st – Hwang Youngwoong, 2nd – Jung Seojoo
- Best Commercial Model: 1st – Hwang Youngwoong, 2nd – Jung Seojoo
- Netizen Grand Prix: 1st – Hwang Youngwoong, 2nd – Jung Seojoo
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Netizen Awards highlight the power of fandoms and real-time engagement, making it one of the most dynamic fan-driven events in Korean pop culture. With a few days left, anything can change. As fans rally behind their stars, the only thing predictable is the unpredictability.
Whether you’re Team Forte di Quattro or rooting for Fortena, one thing’s for sure—this year’s awards are keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
