New Faces Enter the Award Race
On May 3, 2025 at 11:10 PM KST, the latest tally for the May Netizen Awards in the Best Actor category showed Byun Woo-seok leading with 1,365 votes, accounting for 34.8% of the total. Following him were Rowoon with 607 votes (15.5%) and Lee Joon-gi with 330 votes (8.4%).
However, the game may not be over yet. Two fresh names—Yook Sungjae and Kim Jihoon—are turning heads. Both are currently appearing in the SBS K-drama The Return of the Palace (귀궁), which is rapidly gaining popularity.
Low Votes But High Potential
For now, their rankings remain low: Yook Sungjae has just two votes (0.1%), and Kim Jihoon one vote (0%). But experts suggest that their performances and growing fanbase could quickly turn the tables.
Yook Sungjae, a familiar face from multiple K-dramas and variety shows, is drawing attention for his compelling performance in his latest role. Meanwhile, Kim Jihoon has won praise for his strong screen presence and nuanced acting in the same show.
Could Their Fanbases Tip the Scales?
Currently, their fan communities have not actively mobilized in the voting, but the growing buzz around The Return of the Palace suggests that could change quickly. If fandoms rally, both actors could emerge as serious contenders in the coming weeks.
The Best Actor race at the May Netizen Awards remains wide open. With the drama’s continued popularity and the actors’ rising momentum, Yook Sungjae and Kim Jihoon may soon carve out their places in the top tier.
What Comes Next?
As fan enthusiasm grows alongside the drama’s ratings, the spotlight is now firmly on whether these rising stars can translate popularity into votes. Will they stay as underdogs, or become the dark horses of this competition?
