Lotte Giants Upset KIA Tigers in Fan-Voted Netizen Awards
In April 2025, the Lotte Giants pulled off a dramatic upset in the Netizen Awards for professional baseball, overtaking longtime leader KIA Tigers in a closely contested fan vote. Garnering a total of 2,201 votes (31.8%), Lotte edged out KIA, who received 1,987 votes (28.7%).
Fan Votes Reflect On-Field Performance
Hosted entirely online, the Netizen Awards are determined solely by fan participation. Analysts suggest Lotte’s recent strong showing in the KBO League played a big role in shifting public sentiment. Currently ranked second in the league, the Giants boast an impressive 7–3 record over their last 10 games, including a clean sweep against the Kiwoom Heroes.
A Symbolic Turning Point
Lotte’s win marks a symbolic moment in Korean baseball fandom. After months of dominance by KIA Tigers from October to March, the rise of Lotte not only breaks the streak but also signals a renewed momentum both on the field and among supporters. Though KIA may have lost this round, fans expect a strong showing in the upcoming May voting.
Full Team Rankings
- 1st: Lotte Giants – 2,201 votes (31.8%)
- 2nd: KIA Tigers – 1,987 votes (28.7%)
- 3rd: Samsung Lions – 872 votes (12.6%)
- 4th: Hanwha Eagles – 630 votes (9.1%)
- 5th: LG Twins – 373 votes (5.4%)
- 6th: SSG Landers – 280 votes (4.0%)
- 7th: Doosan Bears – 253 votes (3.7%)
- 8th: Kiwoom Heroes – 187 votes (2.7%)
- 9th: NC Dinos – 130 votes (1.9%)
- 10th: KT Wiz – 14 votes (0.2%)
What Comes Next
This month’s rankings highlight just how unpredictable the KBO scene can be. With Lotte Giants and Hanwha Eagles gaining momentum, fans are eager to see how the story unfolds. As teams battle it out, emerging talents like Na Seung-yeop, Bae Chan-seung, Kim Seo-hyun, and Moon Hyun-bin are quickly becoming the players to watch.
In a season full of surprises, the only guarantee is more drama to come—both on the field and in fan-voting arenas.
