Jung Young-joo Clinches 11th Straight ‘Great Actor’ Win
What do you call an actor whose performances consistently tug at your heartstrings across film, drama, and stage? In Korea, the answer might just be Jung Young-joo. The veteran actress has once again secured the ‘Great Actor Award’ in the 2025 Netizen Awards—her 11th consecutive monthly win as of August. Dominating with 42.3% of the votes, Jung isn’t just winning trophies—she’s earning timeless trust.
Jung Young-joo: From Theater Royalty to Netizen Favorite
With 4,469 votes, Jung Young-joo proves she’s not just a fan favorite—she’s become a symbol of consistency. Having built her career across stage, film, and TV, she’s beloved for bringing emotional nuance to every role. At a time when flash-in-the-pan popularity grabs headlines, her enduring appeal is a masterclass in long-term fandom.
Her recent onscreen appearances have only powered that loyalty. Whether it’s a fierce matriarch or a vulnerable heroine, Jung crafts roles that feel painfully human—and uniquely her own.
The Rest of Korea’s Acting Elite: Who Made the Top 10?
- 2nd Place: Jo Han-chul (2,711 votes, 25.6%) – Known for depth and reliability, he’s often dubbed “the emotional anchor” of Korean drama.
- 3rd Place: Kim Won-hae (878 votes, 8.3%) – A chameleon across genres, Kim proves again that range wins hearts.
- 4th & 5th: Veterans like Choi Soo-jong (790 votes) and Lee Byung-hun (421 votes) round out the top with decades-worth of gravitas.
- 6th–10th: Chae Shi-ra, Yoo Hae-jin, Kim Gap-soo, Kim Jung-nan, and Lee Il-hwa show up strong, reminding fans that Korean drama’s core strength lies in its character actors.
These aren’t just names on a list—they’re why you stayed glued to your screen long after the leads left the shot.
Actors Who Missed the Top 10—But Not Our Respect
The 11th to 15th slots may look modest on paper, but hold a lineup richer than most drama casts:
- Han Suk-kyu (11th): A pillar of sageuk (historical drama) excellence since the ’90s
- Park Ji-young & Sung Dong-il: The parents and mentors we never knew we needed (until now)
- Kang Ae-shim & Uhm Jung-hwa: Each has redefined age and genre limitations in K-cinema
Even outside the top 10, these artists hold long-term sway—and fandoms who show up for every project.
Rising and Resilient: Honorable Mentions from Ranks 16–20
Though their vote percentages were small, the impact remains. Kim Hye-soo, Ahn Nae-sang, Sohn Chang-min, Choi Min-soo, and Oh Dal-soo each command curious anticipation whenever they take the screen. Whether playing villains, law enforcers, or lovable oddballs, these pros add spark to any script.
Each vote feels more like a lifetime achievement nod than a competition score.
Beyond Popularity: The Power of Trust in Korean Fandom
While idol contests often reward fleeting hype, the ‘Great Actor Award’ is built on something sturdier—loyalty, depth, and earned fan trust. Jung Young-joo’s 11-month reign proves that audiences crave actors who age like fine wine—layered, textured, unforgettable.
As September approaches, a million-Hallyu question lingers: Will Jung make it a full year on top, or is a surprise twist lurking just off-screen?
FAQs
Who is Jung Young-joo?
Jung Young-joo is a veteran South Korean actress known for her powerful work in theater, TV dramas, and films. She’s widely respected for her emotional depth, and recently won her 11th consecutive ‘Great Actor Award’ in the 2025 Netizen Awards.
What are the Netizen Awards?
The Netizen Awards are fan-voted monthly rankings celebrating South Korean actors, singers, and entertainers. Voters are primarily K-drama and K-pop fans who choose their favorites based on performance and personal affinity.
How can I vote for the Netizen Awards?
Fans can participate in the Netizen Awards through the official website NetizenAwards.com, where monthly polls allow them to vote for top artists in various performance categories.
