Hyeri Takes Top Spot at May Netizen Awards, Hwang Youngwoong Secures 5th Straight Grand Slam

Hyeri Surges Ahead with Highest Votes in Her First Appearance

In May 2025, the spotlight of the Netizen Awards shone brightly on actress Hyeri. Making her debut in the Best Actress category, Hyeri garnered over 129,000 votes—the highest in all categories—solidifying her spot as May’s breakout star. Her rapid ascent, backed by overwhelming support from fans, crowned her as ‘Face of the Month.’

Hwang Youngwoong Achieves 5 Wins for 8th Consecutive Month

Although Hwang Youngwoong narrowly missed claiming the top vote, he dominated the May vote with five major wins: Best Male Singer, Grand Prize for Album, Best CF Model, Fan Book Award, and the coveted Net Grand Prix. Holding on to his five-award streak for eight consecutive months, Hwang continues to carve a legendary path in the history of the Netizen Awards.

Record-Breaking Participation and Unexpected Outcomes

The May voting round, held over the course of a month via the Netizen Awards app and official website, attracted over 2.78 million votes. While familiar favorites held their ground, fresh faces like Hyeri delivered surprising results, offering fans an exciting and unpredictable ceremony.

Hyeri’s dramatic rise wasn’t just a viral moment—it symbolized the powerful synergy between fandom passion, love for her recent performances, and her likeable public image. It’s a rare feat that highlighted the power of online fan culture.

Complete List of May 2025 Netizen Awards Winners

• Best Male Singer: Hwang Youngwoong (92,260 votes)
• Best Female Singer: Jung Seo-joo (76,523 votes)
• Album of the Year: Hwang Youngwoong – ‘On Your Side’ (92,278 votes)
• Best Group: Forte Na (21,756 votes)
• Neo Star Award: Kim Jihoon of Liberante (18,649 votes)
• Best Actor: Byun Wooseok (29,252 votes)
• Best Actress: Hyeri (129,772 votes)
• Film of the Year: The Girl on a Bulldozer (40,535 votes)
• Drama of the Year: ‘Righteous Competition’ by U+ Mobile TV (81,442 votes)
• Classic Drama Award: Secret Royal Inspector & Joy by tvN (34,381 votes)
• Legend Star Award: Cho Yongpil (5,673 votes)
• Master Actor Award: Jung Youngjoo (6,100 votes)
• Sports Star Award: Heo Woong (7,849 votes)
• Baseball Star Award: Lotte Giants (2,743 votes)
• Documentary/Culture Award: TV Chosun’s ‘Trot All Stars: Wednesday Night’ (74,239 votes)
• Celebrity of the Year: Pengsoo from Giant Peng TV (3,552 votes)
• TV Personality of the Year: Son Taijin (21,537 votes)
• CF Model of the Year: Hwang Youngwoong (91,977 votes)
• Company of the Year: Lotte (2,120 votes)
• Business Leader of the Year: Shin Dongbin, Chairman of Lotte Group (2,694 votes)
• Fan Book Award: Hwang Youngwoong (91,828 votes)
• Net Grand Prix: Hwang Youngwoong (91,804 votes)

Netizen Awards: A True Celebration of Fan Power

The Netizen Awards have become a monthly online festival where fans directly influence the results through real-time voting. In May, Hyeri’s stunning debut and Hwang Youngwoong’s continued dominance once again proved the formidable impact of Korean fandom culture. With each new round of winners, this digital celebration cements itself as a barometer of public sentiment and devotion.