Kicking Off July with a Quiet Yet Fierce Competition
The July 2025 edition of the Netizen Awards has entered its early stages—what fans often call the “feeling-out round.” Though no major shifts have occurred in the rankings yet, fandoms are already mobilizing.
In key categories, last month’s top names are holding onto their positions, but new contenders are emerging fast. Some unfamiliar names have already made an impression with early votes, hinting at potential upsets to come.
This month isn’t about speed—it’s about consistency. A steady flow of support from fans, rather than sudden spikes, seems to be the prevailing strategy. When this quiet preparation turns into full-blown battle ultimately depends on the fans themselves.
Actresses Battle for the Top in the Female Acting Category
In the competitive Female Acting Award category, Kim Hye Yoon currently tops the list, followed closely by Lee Se Young in second place and Lim YoonA in third. Jung So Min and Shin Hye Sun round out the top five.
From top left: Kim Hye Yoon, Lee Se Young, Lim YoonA, Jung So Min, Shin Hye Sun / Courtesy of their agencies
Current Top Contenders Across All Categories (As of July 4)
- Male Singer: 1. Hwang Young Woong 2. Park Ji Hyun 3. Son Tae Jin
- Female Singer: 1. Jung Seo Joo 2. My Jin 3. Bin Ye Seo
- Album of the Year: 1. Hwang Young Woong – “Knitted Sweater” 2. Jung Seo Joo – “A Handwritten Letter” 3. Park Ji Hyun – “I’m Melting”
- Best Group: 1. Forte di Quattro 2. Liberante 3. Portena
- Neo Star Award: 1. Son Bin Ah 2. Liberante’s Kim Ji Hoon 3. Min Soo Hyun
- Male Actor: 1. Byeon Woo Seok 2. Rowoon 3. Lee Min Ho
- Female Actor: 1. Kim Hye Yoon 2. Lee Se Young 3. Lim YoonA
- Film of the Year: 1. The Girl on a Bulldozer 2. 20th Century Girl 3. 30 Days
- K-drama of the Year: 1. tvN’s “Carry Sunjae and Run” 2. MBC’s “Motel California” 3. Disney+’s “Hyperknife”
- Masterpiece Award: 1. tvN’s “Secret Royal Inspector & Joy” 2. JTBC’s “King the Land” 3. Coupang Play’s “What Comes After Love”
- Legend Star: 1. Cho Yong Pil 2. Kim Wan Sun 3. Kim Kyung Ho
- Veteran Actor Award: 1. Jung Young Joo 2. Jo Han Chul 3. Kim Won Hae
- Sports Star: 1. Heo Woong 2. An Se Young 3. Lee Kang In
- Baseball Star: 1. Lotte Giants 2. KIA Tigers 3. Samsung Lions
- Celebrity of the Year: 1. Jung Seo Joo (Trot Rising Star) / Giant Peng TV (Pengsoo) 2. Pani Bottle
- Broadcast Personality: 1. Son Tae Jin 2. Kian84 3. Joo Woo Jae
- Educational Program: 1. TV Chosun’s “Trot All-Star Show – Wednesday Night” 2. MBN’s “Burning Rose Team” 3. MBC ON’s “Trot Champion”
- Company of the Year: 1. Samsung Electronics 2. Lotte 3. Hyundai Motor Company
- Business Leader: 1. Lee Jae Yong 2. Shin Dong Bin 3. Chung Eui Sun
- Fanbook of the Year: 1. Hwang Young Woong 2. Jung Seo Joo 3. Kim Hye Yoon
- CF Model Award: 1. Hwang Young Woong 2. Jung Seo Joo 3. Kim Hye Yoon
- Net Grand Prix: 1. Hwang Young Woong 2. Jung Seo Joo 3. Kim Hye Yoon
The Race is On
From seasoned stars to rising newcomers, this month’s Netizen Awards highlight the diverse talent Korea’s entertainment scene has to offer. Whether it’s beloved K-drama actors or fast-rising singers, every vote holds power. With fan energy building behind the scenes, it’s only a matter of time before rankings begin to shift dramatically.
