Lim Young-woong Trails in Polls—Will Fans Spark a Comeback?
On September 7 at 10:43 p.m. KST, the results for the September Netizen Awards took an unexpected turn: Lim Young-woong, one of Korea’s most beloved singers, is trailing shockingly low in the male artist category. With just 49 votes (0.1%), he’s currently sitting at 19th place—a position almost unimaginable for the star who’s long reigned supreme in public polls.
Lim Young-woong, the Chart King—Now Dead Last?
Lim Young-woong isn’t just a household name; he’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Known for re-energizing the trot genre—a traditional Korean pop style with emotional ballads and nostalgic flair—Lim’s fandom has propelled him to win countless awards and dominate music charts over the past few years.
So what happened this time? In contrast to his usual showings, Lim appears to be lagging far behind. As of the latest updates, the current top spot is held by Hwang Young-woong with 19,558 votes (38.0%), followed by Son Bin-ah (11.3%) and Son Tae-jin (10.5%).
The Silence Before the Storm?
While Lim’s current standing may seem dire, seasoned fans know better than to count him out. In previous contests and keyword-driven competitions, the artist’s fandom—affectionately called Hero Generation—has orchestrated last-minute rallies and pulled off miraculous turnarounds. The saying “Heroes shine brightest at the end” isn’t just a motto, it’s practically prophecy among fans.
According to longtime supporters, it’s not uncommon for Lim’s votes to skyrocket in the final stretch of competitions, thanks to coordinated mass voting efforts. His listeners are known for their unity and digital savvy, often turning the tide in Lim’s favor when it matters most.
Why Is Lim Young-woong Starting So Low This Time?
The most plausible theory? A slow start stemming from a lack of early mobilization. With fan votes driving the Netizen Awards, especially in online-only environments, early momentum often sets the pace. In Lim’s case, his usually robust base may not have realized the stakes until the press picked up on his low ranking.
Some also speculate that the September poll overlapped with periods of promotional silence, during which fans were either less active or unsure whether to participate without cues from official channels.
The Power of the Fandom: Hero Generation’s Track Record
Despite the current numbers, Lim’s fanbase is anything but passive. They’ve earned a reputation as one of the most loyal and organized fan collectives in the Korean music scene. From trending hashtags to bulk voting tutorials, Hero Generation has previously:
- Pushed Lim to No.1 in major award shows including the Trot Awards and Melon Music Awards.
- Mass-voted to secure him brand endorsement deals.
- Funded birthday subway ads, LED billboards, and charity drives.
If history is any indicator, we could be on the cusp of yet another dramatic vote surge.
Will the Underdog Story Unfold?
There’s a strange appeal to seeing a top-tier star start from the bottom—it injects drama, urgency, and fan engagement. For Lim Young-woong and his loyal supporters, this unlikely dip might just be the spark for a massive comeback story.
The Netizen Awards system is known for allowing reversals until the very last minute. With days or even hours remaining, just a few thousand fans taking action could catapult Lim back to the top tier. The question remains: Will Hero Generation rise to the challenge?
FAQs
Why is Lim Young-woong ranking so low in the Netizen Awards?
Lim Young-woong is currently in 19th place likely due to a slow start in voting, possibly caused by limited social media promotion or late entry of fan mobilization.
When do Netizen Awards results finalize?
The awards typically accept votes until the end of the month, allowing for major shifts in rankings, especially in the final week.
Has Lim Young-woong come back from behind in the past?
Yes. His fans have a proven track record of pulling off dramatic poll comebacks through organized mass voting efforts.
