Strategic Silence and Surprising Moves
With only four days remaining until the April Netizen Awards close on April 30, the competition is fiercer than ever. Though the surface appears calm, intense behind-the-scenes strategizing paints another picture. This month’s awards have been marked by quiet but calculated voting efforts from dedicated fandoms.
Rather than flashy campaigns, fanbases are showing unwavering support with subtle yet effective strategies. Some previously inactive fans seem to be returning to the scene, rekindling the heat of the competition.
Which Group Will Break the Silence?
The silent majority remains a game-changer. Their final move could tilt the entire outcome. With the top contenders keeping a close race, even a single surge of support—brief but bold—could determine the leaderboard. In the Best Group category, crossover sensations like Jannabi (6th), BTS (7th), and PLAVE (8th) are generating buzz as they maintain loyal mid-to-upper tier backing.
Top Contenders as of April 26
As of 12:14 a.m. KST on April 26, here are the leading names in key categories:
- Best Male Artist: Hwang Youngwoong (1st), Park Jihyun (2nd)
- Best Female Artist: Jung Seoju (1st), Bin Yeseo (2nd)
- Album of the Year: Hwang Youngwoong – “By Your Side” (1st)
- Best Group: ForteNa (1st), Forte di Quattro (2nd)
- Neo-Star Award: ForteNa’s Austin Kim (1st), Riberante’s Kim Jihoon (2nd)
- Best Actor: Byeon Woo Seok (1st), Rowoon (2nd)
- Best Actress: Jung Subin (1st), Kim Hyeyoon (2nd)
- Film of the Year: “The Girl on a Bulldozer” (1st), “20th Century Girl” (2nd)
- K-Drama of the Year: tvN’s “Lovely Runner” (1st), MBC’s “Motel California” (2nd)
- Best Classic Drama: tvN’s “Secret Royal Inspector & Joy” (1st), JTBC’s “King the Land” (2nd)
- Legend Star Award: Cho Yongpil (1st), Kim Wansun (2nd)
- Acting Icon Award: Jung Youngjoo (1st), Jo Hancheol (2nd)
- Sports Star Award: Heo Woong (1st), An Seyoung (2nd)
- Pro Baseball Team of the Year: KIA Tigers (1st), Lotte Giants (2nd)
- Celebrity Icon Award: Giant Peng TV (1st), Pani Bottle (2nd)
- Broadcast Personality of the Year: Son Taejin (1st), Kian84 (2nd)
- Documentary & Culture Program: TV Chosun’s “Miss Trot 3” (1st), MBN’s “Burning Roses” (2nd)
- Corporate Excellence Award: Samsung Electronics (1st), LG (2nd)
- Top Entrepreneur of the Year: Lee Jae-yong (1st), Chung Eui-sun (2nd)
- Best Fan Club: Hwang Youngwoong (1st), Jung Seoju (2nd)
- CF Model of the Year: Hwang Youngwoong (1st), Jung Seoju (2nd)
- Net Grand Prix: Hwang Youngwoong (1st), Jung Seoju (2nd)
What’s Next in the Race?
With time ticking and no clear frontrunner in several categories, all eyes are on how the final weekend of voting will unfold. As the K-culture sphere watches in anticipation, one thing is certain—every vote counts.
Stay tuned as fan power continues to drive the momentum behind this year’s Netizen Awards.
