It’s not just a vote—it’s a fandom showdown.
As July winds down, the race for second place in the Netizen Awards‘ Male Singer category has become one of the month’s hottest K-pop face-offs. Park Jihyun and Son Taejin are neck and neck, and fans are in full battle mode.
Only Hundreds of Votes Apart
As of July 24 at 4:25 PM KST, Park Jihyun held second place with 20,067 votes (11.8%), while Son Taejin trails closely with 19,390 votes (11.4%)—a razor-thin difference of just 677 votes.
A Tug-of-War From Day One
This tug-of-war has lasted all month. Mid-July saw a surge from Son Taejin’s fandom, prompting a quick and coordinated counterattack from Park Jihyun’s supporters. The result? A day-to-day battlefield where every click counts. One fan commented, “It’s not just about the vote—it’s about pride.”
Why Second Place Matters
While Hwang Youngwoong continues to dominate in first place with 67,195 votes (39.6%), the bid for second is shaping next month’s narrative. Second place isn’t just silver—it’s a litmus test of fandom unity and staying power.
Different Styles, Equally Fierce Fans
Son Taejin has carved out his niche with frequent variety show appearances and a steady, charismatic live presence—earning him strong loyalty particularly among older fans. Meanwhile, Park Jihyun’s emotional vocals and unique tone are striking a chord with Gen Z and millennial audiences.
Despite their distinct musical identities, both artists are moving beyond the traditional limits of trot—a genre of Korean pop rooted in nostalgic vocals—to claim broader artistic space. In other words, it’s more than music now; it’s a movement.
The Final Countdown
Just days remain until the vote closes. Will Park Jihyun defend his spot, or can Son Taejin rally for a dramatic finish? One thing’s clear: this is less about who’s #2 and more about who’s got the ultimate fanbase hustle.
The final chapter of July’s Netizen Awards is still being written—and fans hold the pen.
