[CBC News] As of July 5, 2025, the July edition of the Netizen Awards is heating up, with fanbases going into full battle mode. The rankings are shifting quickly—and it’s no longer the time to observe. From top-tier stars to mid-level contenders, everyone’s stepping up their game.
Rather than playing it safe, top-ranked fandoms are now aiming to widen the gap. Mid-tier fanbases are strategically targeting voting hours and launching joint campaigns in an attempt to climb the charts.
But the biggest shift? Speed. Just yesterday, votes were rising by thousands per day. Now, several categories are seeing daily vote totals more than double. Fan energy isn’t scattered—it’s focused and accelerating fast.
Rising Star: Jung Seo Joo Surges to the Top
One of the most talked-about stories this month is trot singer Jung Seo Joo. Having entered the celebrity category for the first time, she’s experiencing a meteoric rise and now leads the race, overtaking fan-favorite Pengsoo, who had maintained first place for months.
Who will be crowned July’s netizen pick: the newcomer shaking up the charts or the beloved, long-time champion Pengsoo? Fans are watching closely as the battle unfolds.
Category Leaders as of July 5
- Best Male Singer: 1. Hwang Young Woong / 2. Son Tae Jin
- Best Female Singer: 1. Jung Seo Joo / 2. My Jin
- Album of the Year: 1. Hwang Young Woong – ‘Knitted Sweater’ / 2. Jung Seo Joo – ‘A Handwritten Letter’
- Best Group: 1. Forte di Quattro / 2. Liberante
- Neo Star: 1. Son Bin Ah / 2. Kim Ji Hoon (Liberante)
- Best Actor: 1. Byun Woo Seok / 2. Rowoon
- Best Actress: 1. Kim Hye Yoon / 2. Lee Se Young
- Film of the Year: 1. The Girl on a Bulldozer / 2. 20th Century Girl
- Drama of the Year: 1. tvN ‘Carry Sunja on My Back’ / 2. MBC ‘Motel California’
- Classic Drama Award: 1. tvN ‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ / 2. JTBC ‘King the Land’
- Grand Star Award: 1. Cho Yong Pil / 2. Kim Wan Sun
- Best Veteran Actor: 1. Jung Young Joo / 2. Cho Han Cheol
- Sports Star: 1. Heo Woong / 2. An Se Young
- Baseball Team of the Year: 1. Lotte Giants / 2. KIA Tigers
- Celebrity of the Month: 1. Jung Seo Joo / 2. Giant PengTV (Pengsoo)
- Broadcast Star: 1. Son Tae Jin / 2. Kian84
- Educational Program: 1. TV Chosun ‘Trot All-Star Wednesday Night’ / 2. MBN ‘Burning Rose Unit’
- Top Enterprising Company: 1. Samsung / 2. Lotte
- Business Leader: 1. Lee Jae Yong / 2. Shin Dong Bin
- Fanbook Star: 1. Hwang Young Woong / 2. Jung Seo Joo
- Commercial Model: 1. Hwang Young Woong / 2. Jung Seo Joo
- Netizens’ Grand Prix: 1. Hwang Young Woong / 2. Jung Seo Joo
As voting surges, the final outcome hinges not on an early lead, but on sustained momentum. With dedicated fans rallying behind their favorite stars, July’s Netizen Awards are shaping up to be a thrilling race to the finish.
