Hwang Young-woong Dominates Netizen Awards Yet Again
What do you get when you cross superstar vocals, bulletproof fan loyalty, and a 15-month winning streak? You get Hwang Young-woong, the undisputed king of the Netizen Awards. In August 2025, he clinched the best male artist title once again—this time with an astounding 88,140 votes, capturing 44.1% of the total. That’s more than triple the second-place score. Need we say more?
The Fan Power Behind Hwang’s Winning Streak
This isn’t your usual monthly poll victory. Hwang’s 15-month reign is starting to look like the kind of dynasty usually reserved for ancient emperors—and fans are the ones building this empire. Beyond popularity, it’s a strategic triumph: from organized voting campaigns to social media mobilization, his supporters (dubbed his “loyal army” by many netizens) are showing no signs of letting up.
“It’s not just about voting, it’s about protecting our king,” one fan jokingly tweeted after the August results dropped. Enough said.
Son Tae-jin Surges to Second Place
In a twist that surprised even long-time watchers of the rankings, Son Tae-jin edged out Park Ji-hyun for second place this month. Son pulled in 24,324 votes (12.2%), fending off Park’s 16,762 votes (8.4%).
Last month, Park was seen as the only viable challenger to Hwang’s throne. But Son’s climb might just signal a new rivalry emerging in the scene. The top 3—Hwang Young-woong, Son Tae-jin, and Park Ji-hyun—remain the trio to beat, though the pecking order just got spicier.
Middle Tier Mix-Up: Close Races and Changing Ranks
Things are heating up in the mid-tier too. Jang Min-ho currently holds the #4 spot with 15,563 votes (7.8%), but Enoch is breathing down his neck with 14,677 votes (7.3%). Just 886 votes separate them—a gap that could easily close with one good voting push next month.
Places 6 through 10 include steady names like:
- Hong Isaac – 7,325 votes
- Park Chang-geun – 6,684 votes
- Jinwon – 6,236 votes
- Jeong Dong-won – 6,105 votes
- Park Seo-jin – 2,539 votes
Jeong Dong-won, in particular, continues to hold strong with consistent support, proving he’s got staying power beyond viral trends.
The Underdog Zone: Low Votes, High Hope
Don’t sleep on the underdogs. Seo Young-taek (2,309 votes), Ahn Sung-hoon (2,200 votes), and even beloved veteran Young Tak (1,851 votes) still show off their fan clubs’ passion despite being lower in the rankings.
Names like Kang Hyung-ho, Lee Chan-won, Park Hyo-shin, and Jannabi’s Choi Jung-hoon also made the board, though outside the Top 15. Their placement proves that while votes are lower, their fans aren’t going anywhere.
And yes, even G-Dragon grabbed 288 votes. BTS’s SUGA also appeared with 20 votes. With their global fandoms, their presence alone could cause a seismic shift—if ARMYs and VIPs ever chose to mobilize here.
What the Rankings Really Reveal About K-pop Now
The Netizen Awards are no longer just a popularity contest—they’re a showcase of fandom strategy. Every vote is an action plan. Every ranking is a reflection of commitment.
Hwang Young-woong’s 15-month crown isn’t just a fluke; it’s a monument built stone by stone by his unwavering fandom. And while rivals like Son Tae-jin and Park Ji-hyun are catching up, they’re going to need both talent and tactics to knock down Hwang’s ivory tower.
Can Hwang Be Dethroned?
All eyes are already on the September results. Will Hwang go for a sweet sixteen? Will Son continue climbing or will Park Ji-hyun rebound? Either way, next month’s results are bound to keep fans–and rival camps–on edge. Popcorn, anyone?
FAQs
Who is Hwang Young-woong?
Hwang Young-woong is a popular South Korean male singer known for his emotional vocal performances and massive fan support. He’s topped the Netizen Awards for 15 consecutive months, earning him the nickname “King of Fan Voting.”
What are the Netizen Awards?
The Netizen Awards are monthly online fan polls where the public votes for their favorite celebrities across different categories. It has become a barometer of fan power, especially in the K-pop and trot scenes.
Why is fan voting so important in K-pop?
Fan voting in K-pop not only showcases an artist’s popularity but also strengthens fan engagement, boosts visibility, and can lead to promotional opportunities, award wins, and even comeback bonuses. It’s where passion meets power.
