Jung Seo-joo Snatches the Crown
In one of the most unexpected shakeups of the year, trot singer Jung Seo-joo claimed the Celebrity Grand Prize at the 2025 Netizen Awards—ending Pengsoo’s legendary 24-month reign. Jung scored a staggering 43,247 votes, dominating with 86.4% of the total.
From Trot Singer to All-Round Celebrity
Jung Seo-joo has been hailed as a rising star in the trot scene—a genre of Korean pop rich in old-school ballads and vibrant flair. But his latest win shows he’s more than just a music artist. By connecting with fans across TV, music shows, and digital platforms, he’s built a fanbase that transcends genre lines. This award proves it.
Pengsoo Falls, But Doesn’t Fade
The beloved penguin character from Giant Peng TV came in second with 3,896 votes (7.8%). While it’s a drop from the top spot, Pengsoo still garners love across age groups. The loss ends an astonishing 25-month winning streak, but make no mistake—Pengsoo remains an icon.
The Rest of the Top 5
- 3rd Place: Travel YouTuber Pani Bottle – 1,343 votes (2.7%)
- 4th Place: Young trot star Jeong Dong-won TV – 869 votes (1.7%)
- 5th Place: Creator and TV personality Dex 101 – 418 votes (0.8%)
Who Else Made the Cut?
Rounding out the Top 10 were MMA fighter Choo Sung-hoon (171 votes), viral mom-creator Soonja Eomma (42 votes), mukbang star Heebab (19 votes), global K-pop queens BLACKPINK (14 votes), and baseball reporter Bae Ji-hyun (10 votes).
What This Signals for the K-Celebrity Space
This year’s results aren’t just numbers—they’re a cultural signal. A new generation of fans is shifting the spotlight. Will Jung Seo-joo stay on top, or was this a one-time whirlwind? One thing’s for sure: all eyes are on the August results.
