The Battle for Second Place Gets Intense
The 2025 Netizen Awards for Best Male Artist are setting K-pop fan forums ablaze as the so-called ‘Park-Son War’ enters its final hours. At 2:01 p.m. on July 30, Park Jihyun had racked up 23,910 votes (11.5%), placing him just ahead of Son Taejin, who followed closely with 23,057 votes (11.1%). That’s a nail-biting difference of only 853 votes.
While Hwang Youngwoong is securely dominating the category with a whopping 83,878 votes (40.3%), the real drama is brewing just below—with the number two spot still wide open. And with the deadline looming on July 31, this could go either way.
Park Jihyun’s Momentum Still Strong
Known for his ‘live fish’ vocals—that’s Korean slang for incredibly vibrant, live performance skills—and infectious energy, Park Jihyun has been climbing steadily in the rankings. After maintaining momentum from last month’s surge, he’s now proving he’s no fleeting favorite.
Son Taejin: The Underdog with a Media Edge
Meanwhile, Son Taejin is pulling double duty. Not only is he in the running for Best Male Artist, but he’s also holding tight to the number one spot in the Broadcasting category. His versatile presence across both music and variety TV shows is giving him a unique edge many fans are rallying behind. Some are calling it the Trojan horse move of this ‘Park-Son War.’
Every Vote Counts—Literally
With both artists backed by loyal and well-organized fanbases, the deciding factor may come down to the final day of voting. Fan clubs are mobilizing like it’s finals week, and every click counts. The margin is so razor-thin that one final vote push could change everything.
Beyond a Contest: A Fandom Showdown
The fight for second place isn’t just a numbers game—it’s evolved into a community event. Fans aren’t just watching their biases climb the charts, they’re actively building those ascents themselves. This isn’t just about who sings better. It’s about who inspires action.
As the voting comes to a close, one thing’s for sure: the ‘Park-Son War’ is a masterclass in fandom culture, K-pop-style. Stay tuned until the final vote drops.
