Emotions and votes align: Hwang Youngwoong reigns again
In July 2025, Hwang Youngwoong struck an emotional chord—and a voting one. His heartfelt album ‘Knitted Sweater’ claimed the top spot in the Netizen Awards’ Album of the Month category. The album picked up 87,785 votes, amounting to a solid 31.5% share, outshining a competitive roster of artists.
‘Knitted Sweater’: An emotional sequel to ‘On Your Side’
Following his fan-favorite album ‘On Your Side’, Hwang’s latest release has quickly become a new favorite among trot ballad enthusiasts. With his rich vocals and deeply personal lyricism, ‘Knitted Sweater’ feels like an emotional warm hug to fans. It was less of a surprise and more of a confirmation that his genuine storytelling would reach No.1 again.
Tight race among sentimental heavyweights
Coming in second was Jung Seoju‘s album ‘A Handwritten Letter’, earning 44,080 votes (15.8%). Known for clinching the Female Singer award 13 months running, Jung’s tender emotional style clearly continues to captivate.
In a nail-biter battle for third place, Park Jihyun’s ‘Melt Away’ edged out Son Taejin’s ‘SHINE’ by just 35 votes—23,596 vs. 23,561. That’s what you call a fan war of decimals!
Middle ranks show diversity in genre and fan power
- 5th: Bin Yeseo’s ‘First Story: Memories’ – 18,025 votes (6.5%)
- 6th: Enoch’s ‘More Beautiful than a Rose’ – 15,387 votes (5.5%)
- 7th–10th places: Jang Minho’s ‘Essay ep.3,’ Liberante’s ‘PASSIONE,’ Eclipse’s ‘Rain Shower,’ and Hong Isaac’s OST ‘Mysterious Seoul Part.4’
The voting patterns revealed a rich palette of preferences and reinforced the emotional weight that music still carries for fans.
Fan votes show love across ranks and genres
Outside the top 10, trot stars and pop idols alike received strong support:
- Park Changgeun – ‘Poetry Volume 25’
- Jeong Dongwon – ‘Gift from a Tall Man’
- Yang Ji-eun – ‘Picnic’
- Song Ga-in – ‘Ga-in; Moon’
- Fortena – ‘Core ‘Ngrato’’
- Even big names like Cho Yong-pil and Jannabi appeared with respectable placements on the list.
And while K-pop idols like aespa (‘Dirty Work’), Jin (‘Echo’), and SEVENTEEN (‘HAPPY BURSTDAY’) landed near the bottom, their loyal fanbases made sure their voices were heard—literally and figuratively.
Why it matters: The power of emotional resonance
This month’s Netizen Awards prove one thing: raw emotion never goes out of style. Hwang Youngwoong and Jung Seoju’s devotion to authenticity set them apart, offering listeners not just music, but a feeling. In an era of digital algorithms, it’s a refreshing reminder that real fan connection can still move the needle—and dominate the votes.
With every vote carrying a beat of emotion, the Netizen Awards once again highlight the evolving soundtrack of Korea’s fandom culture. Trot vs. Ballad? Heartstrings are the real winners.
