tvN’s Period Comedy Still Reigns in 2025
In a stunning display of fandom power, tvN’s beloved fusion sageuk—Secret Royal Inspector & Joy—has clinched the “Classic Drama Grand Prize” at the 2025 Netizen Awards for the 12th consecutive month. With 15,382 votes, tallying a commanding 61.7% of total votes, the period comedy refuses to be a forgotten gem.
This runaway success is largely attributed to the show’s devoted fanbase—and especially to fans of actress Kim Hyeyoon, whose recent projects are sparking renewed love for her past performances. Clearly, the drama’s charm hasn’t faded, even long after the final episode aired.
Runners-Up Show Off Genre Diversity
Trailing the chart-topper, Coupang Play’s Things That Come After Love scored second place with 2,380 votes (9.6%), winning hearts with its quiet emotional punch.
JTBC’s romantic comedy King the Land landed third with 1,821 votes (7.3%), while ENA’s breakout hit Extraordinary Attorney Woo came in fourth (1,388 votes, 5.6%). Despite their different vibes, each showed they’ve carved out space in viewers’ hearts.
Mid-Tier Rankings: Romance Meets Fantasy
Rounding out the middle tier, three fantasy-flavored romances battled it out: My Dearest from MBC (1,203 votes, 4.8%) claimed fifth, followed by The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract (1,148 votes, 4.6%) and SBS’s My Demon (922 votes, 3.7%). Each mixed historical twists or supernatural flavor with relatable love stories.
Golden Oldies Still Shine
Past favorites continue to shine. MBC’s The Red Sleeve ranked eighth (378 votes, 1.5%), tvN’s global sensation Crash Landing on You took ninth (258 votes, 1.0%), and JTBC’s controversial yet loyal-followed Snowdrop rounded out the top 10 with 36 votes (0.1%).
Classics with Staying Power
This latest round of voting proves one thing: great K-dramas never truly fade. The enduring crown for Secret Royal Inspector & Joy shows how standout storytelling, strong performances, and engaged fan communities can keep a series culturally alive long after its finale.
Will any upcoming drama break its streak come October? Or will this fan-favorite period comedy hold onto its throne? One thing’s sure—Netizen Awards is now must-watch drama in its own right.
