The Game Shifts: Speed Over Numbers
At first glance, April’s Netizen Awards may seem calm—but behind the scenes, momentum is brewing. While vote totals are important, this year, it’s all about trajectory. Sudden surges from contenders outside the top 10 are quietly rewriting the script.
Among them, two names are generating buzz: Kim Yongbin (currently 11th) and Choi Jaemyung (14th) in the Neo Star category. Their recent spikes suggest more than chance—it’s the kind of viral support that can upset long-standing rankings.
“Speed Creates Flow, and Flow Shapes the Mood”
Momentum doesn’t come from numbers alone—it’s a wave of emotion. It’s when fandom becomes a movement and logic gives way to passion. This is where strategy replaces popularity, and one day’s votes can tip the entire game.
As the awards enter their midpoint, fans are locked in a race against time, their daily choices steering the entire outlook. What started as a popularity contest has now evolved into a high-stakes contest marked by timing, teamwork, and tenacity.
Who’s Leading So Far?
As of midnight, April 12, here are the current top three contenders across major categories:
- Male Artist Award: 1st Hwang Youngwoong, 2nd Park Jihyun, 3rd Son Taejin
- Female Artist Award: 1st Jung Seojoo, 2nd Bin Yeseo, 3rd Myjin
- Album of the Year: 1st Hwang Youngwoong – “By Your Side,” 2nd Jung Seojoo – “Waiting Is Nothing,” 3rd Park Jihyun – “OCEAN”
- Best Group: 1st Fortena, 2nd Forte di Quattro, 3rd Liberante
- Neo Star: 1st Kim Jihoon (Liberante), 2nd Austin Kim (Fortena), 3rd Son Bina
- Best Actor: 1st Byun Wooseok, 2nd Rowoon, 3rd Lee Joon Gi
- Best Actress: 1st Jung Soobin, 2nd Kim Hyeyoon, 3rd Jung Somin
- Movie of the Year: 1st “The Girl on a Bulldozer,” 2nd “20th Century Girl,” 3rd “30 Days”
- Best Drama: 1st tvN’s “Lovely Runner,” 2nd MBC’s “Motel California,” 3rd tvN’s “Mom’s Friend’s Son”
- All-Time Best Drama: 1st tvN’s “Secret Royal Inspector & Joy,” 2nd JTBC’s “King the Land,” 3rd Coupang Play’s “After Love Comes”
- Grand Star Award: 1st Cho Yongpil, 2nd Kim Wansun, 3rd Park Namjung
- Grand Actor Award: 1st Jung Youngjoo, 2nd Jo Hancheol, 3rd Choi Soojong
- Sports Star: 1st Heo Woong, 2nd An Seyoung, 3rd Son Heungmin
- Pro Baseball Award: 1st KIA Tigers, 2nd Lotte Giants, 3rd Samsung Lions
- Celebrity of the Year: 1st Giant PengTV (Pengsoo), 2nd Pani Bottle, 3rd Dex101
- Broadcasting Performer: 1st Son Taejin, 2nd Kian84, 3rd Lee Chanwon
- Documentary/Info Show: 1st TV Chosun’s “Miss Trot 3,” 2nd MBN’s “The Flaming Rose,” 3rd KBS2’s “2 Chapters, 1 Verse”
- Corporate of the Year: 1st Samsung Electronics, 2nd LG, 3rd Hyundai Motors
- Business Leader Award: 1st Lee Jae-yong, 2nd Chung Eui-sun, 3rd Koo Kwang-mo
- Fanbook Favorites: 1st Hwang Youngwoong, 2nd Jung Seojoo, 3rd Park Jihyun
- Best CF Model: 1st Hwang Youngwoong, 2nd Jung Seojoo, 3rd Park Jihyun
- Netizen Grand Prix: 1st Hwang Youngwoong, 2nd Jung Seojoo, 3rd Park Jihyun
Final Thoughts
The awards show is no longer just about fandom size—it’s about momentum. With Kim Yongbin and Choi Jaemyung charging upward, fans may witness a dramatic shuffle before the month ends. Will this be a comeback story in the making? Only time—and voting—will tell.
“Momentum builds flow, and flow commands the room.” – An apt proverb for this year’s surprising turn of events. As voting races on, one thing is certain: no position is safe, and every click counts.
