The King of Fan Votes Strikes Again
Hwang Youngwoong isn’t just winning hearts on the trot stage—he’s dominating polls. In the July 2025 Netizen Awards’ Fanbook Brand Category, he snagged first place with a staggering 87,750 votes, accounting for 29.9% of the total. The gap? Over 40,000 votes ahead of second place. That’s not a lead—it’s a landslide.
A Brand, Not Just a Singer
What makes this win different? It marks the start of a potential year-long reign. Hwang’s ability to combine emotional depth on stage with sincere fan communication has turned his name into more than an artist—he’s a brand. One fan commented on social media, “He sings with his heart, and that’s why we follow him with ours.”
Close Contenders and Fast Risers
Trailing behind in second is Jung Seojoo, the only female artist to consistently rival Hwang, with 45,416 votes (15.5%). Known for her warm tone and powerhouse vocals, she remains the queen in her lane.
In a tight race for third and fourth, Park Jihyun (23,430 votes, 8.0%) and Son Taejin (23,200 votes, 7.9%) continue to captivate fans with contrasting charms. Both maintain solid rankings among top trot stars.
Who Else Made the Top 10?
- 5th: MyJin – 19,799 votes (6.7%)
- 6th: Bin Yeseo – 18,384 votes (6.3%)
- 7th: Kim Hyeyoon – 17,658 votes (6.0%)
- 8th: Enoch – 15,501 votes (5.3%)
- 9th: Jang Minho – 12,853 votes (4.4%)
- 10th: Riberante – 8,223 votes (2.8%)
This section saw a mix of trot and cross-genre acts highlighting the growing diversity of Korea’s music scene.
Veterans Meet Rising Stars
The lower ranks featured a fascinating generational blend—from seasoned legends like Cho Yongpil (15th, 0.9%) to K-pop idols like BTS’s Jimin coming in at 20th. Others in this colorful lineup included Byun Wooseok, Jeong Dongwon, and BLACKPINK’s Jennie.
A Testimony to Lasting Fandom
This month wasn’t just another popularity contest—it was a sneak peek into fan loyalty that endures. While Hwang Youngwoong continues his solo flight, the competition is heating up. With every month, shifting tides prove that nothing in the awards is set in stone.
So, who will top the leaderboard in August? One thing’s certain: trot’s emotional pull—and its fandom firepower—isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
