Netizen Awards Intensify with Strategic Voting and Surprise Contenders
As the April 2025 Netizen Awards enter their final stretch, behind-the-scenes competition is fiercer than ever—even if things seem calm on the surface. Analysts say that the rapidly shifting vote dynamics reflect not just popularity, but intricate strategies as fanbases recalibrate their support.
According to recent data, voter behavior shows a marked shift towards tactical voting. Rather than pushing one favorite, some fans are trying to suppress rival scores or strategically avoid boosting leading contenders. This approach has opened the door for unexpected names to rise in the ranks, completely upending the early predictions.
Surprising Surges Shake Up the Actor Race
In the Best Actor category, Lee Joon Gi is currently sitting in 3rd place, with Na In Woo and Jang Keun Suk following closely at 4th and 5th respectively. Lee Joon Gi also finished 3rd last month, making the final days of this race especially crucial for him.
What’s making this month interesting is what analysts are calling “selective bursts”—rather than constant support, voters are waiting for the right moment to make a powerful push. In other words, when fans cast their votes may be more important than who ultimately receives them. Tactical timing is everything.
Current Leaders Across Major Categories
As of 12:05 AM on April 20, the leaderboard across several categories looks like this:
- Best Male Artist: Hwang Young Woong
- Best Female Artist: Jung Seo Joo
- Album of the Year: Hwang Young Woong – ‘On Your Side’
- Best Group: Fortena
- Neo Star Award: Austin Kim (Fortena)
- Best Actor: Byeon Woo Seok
- Best Actress: Jung Soo Bin
- Best Film: The Girl on a Bulldozer
- Best Drama: tvN’s Carry Sunja on My Back
- Classic Drama Award: tvN’s Secret Royal Inspector & Joy
- Big Star Award: Cho Yong Pil
- Great Actor Award: Jung Young Joo
- Sports Grand Prize: Heo Woong
- Pro Baseball Award: KIA Tigers
- Celebrity Award: Giant Peng TV (Pengsoo)
- TV Award: Son Tae Jin
- Educational Program Award: TV Chosun’s Miss Trot 3
- Corporate Award: Samsung Electronics
- Entrepreneur Award: Lee Jae Yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics
- Fanbook Award: Hwang Young Woong
- CF Model Award: Hwang Young Woong
- Net Grand Prix: Hwang Young Woong
A Race Too Close to Call
With only days left, the final winner in several categories remains unpredictable. Strategic voting, fan alliances, and surprise contenders have made this month’s Netizen Awards a dramatic display of digital democracy. As fans jump into these heated battles, particularly in the male acting category, many are watching to see who will emerge victorious once the dust settles.
Will Lee Joon Gi maintain his position? Can Na In Woo or Jang Keun Suk use the final hours to climb higher? Only time—and fan votes—will tell.
Voting continues online until the end of April, and competition is expected to heat up even further in the final hours.
