Hwang Youngwoong Secures First Place in June’s Netizen Awards
In June 2025, trot sensation Hwang Youngwoong once again dominated the Netizen Awards Fanbook Brand category, taking the top spot with a commanding 93,951 votes—accounting for 28.8% of total votes cast. This marks yet another milestone for the artist, proving the unwavering power of his fandom.
Rising Votes, Rising Influence
Compared to May, Hwang’s vote tally saw a notable increase, signaling that his fanbase is not just maintaining momentum but continuing to expand. His influence now transcends the trot genre, positioning him as a formidable brand on his own in the entertainment world.
Tight Race for the Top Five
Trailing behind in second place was Jung Seojoo, garnering 64,009 votes (19.6%). As one of the few leading female trot artists, Jung remains Hwang’s primary rival, forming a dynamic two-way battle at the top of the awards rankings.
Actor Kim Hyeyoon held on to third place with 27,794 votes (8.5%), a remarkable feat considering the music-centric nature of the Fanbook Awards. Her strong fanbase and versatile activities contributed to her consistent popularity.
Park Ji-hyun (24,108 votes, 7.4%) and Son Tae-jin (21,654 votes, 6.6%) rounded out the top five, indicating stable support from their devoted fans.
Middle Rankings Packed with Competitors
Competition was fierce in the mid-tier ranks. Rounding out the top ten were:
- My Jin – 16,293 votes (5.0%)
- Enoch – 14,905 votes (4.6%)
- Bin Ye-seo – 14,339 votes (4.4%)
- Jang Minho – 10,774 votes (3.3%)
- Liberante – 7,853 votes (2.4%)
Each artist brought their own flair to the competition, making the mid-tier rankings highly unpredictable.
Surprising Drops and New Challengers
Jeong Subin landed in 11th place with 6,450 votes (2.0%), a drop from third place last month, but still widely regarded as a dark horse in the rankings. Close on his heels were Fortenah (5,599 votes), Byun Wooseok (5,512), and Jeong Dongwon (5,143), separated by tight margins.
In the lower rankings, veteran stars such as Song Gain (2,950 votes), Cho Yongpil (2,309), and indie band Jannabi (1,238) maintained solid fan support. Even Hyeri (784), BLACKPINK’s Jennie (143), and BTS’s Jin (16) made the list, showcasing the diverse range of fandoms contributing to the awards.
More Than Just Rankings
This month’s Netizen Awards reflects more than just popularity—it illustrates shifting fan dynamics and the breadth of influence across genres. While Hwang and Jung hold steady at the top, the rise of new contenders and the consistency of long-time favorites are keeping fans on edge for the next vote.
The Heart of Trot Music
Although trot songs often carry stories of hardship, there’s also a joy and resilience baked into their rhythms. They echo tales of parental sacrifice, unfulfilled love, and bittersweet memories—resonating with fans through lyrics that comfort and inspire. Like a warm bowl of kimchi jjigae on a rainy day, trot speaks to the soul.
With the July rankings on the horizon, all eyes are back on the leaderboard. One thing’s for sure—the fan wars are far from over.
