Hwang Young-woong Dominates Netizen Awards Album Race
2025’s fiercest fan-fueled face-off is officially underway. As of 12:30 PM on September 7, trot sensation Hwang Young-woong is firmly in first place in the Netizen Awards Album category. His breakout album, ‘Knitted Sweater’, has garnered an eye-popping 18,210 votes—securing a commanding 28.4% share of total votes. The runner-up doesn’t even come close.
Who’s trailing the trot king?
Coming in second is Jung Seo-joo with ‘A Page of Handwritten Letter’, clocking 8,646 votes—a sizable fanbase, yet barely half of Hwang’s numbers. Meanwhile, the fight for third is a nail-biter. Son Bin-a’s ‘Irony’ (5,049 votes, 7.9%) and Son Tae-jin’s ‘SHINE’ (4,928 votes, 7.7%) are neck-and-neck, with just a 121-vote difference between them.
Mid-tier shakeups: Underdogs on the rise
Don’t sleep on the mid-tier contenders. My Jin is holding strong at #5 with ‘Love Recall’ (4,179 votes, 6.5%), while Enoch boasts a solid showing with his Japanese single ‘Kimi wa bara yori Utsukushii’ (3,363 votes, 5.3%). Veteran Jang Min-ho follows closely at #7 with ‘Essay ep.3’, securing 3,268 votes (5.1%).
Further heating up the competition, Bin Ye-seo and Park Ji-hyun are clawing into the top 10 with 3,104 and 2,747 votes, respectively. Though outside the podium, these two are flirting with top-tier potential.
Lower ranks, high stakes
The lower end of the chart isn’t short on intensity either. Soundtrack darling Liberante lands at #11 with ‘Cuore Infinito’ (1,845 votes), while Hong Isaac follows closely thanks to his contribution to the drama OST ‘Unknown Seoul Part.4’ (1,742 votes).
Up next is Eclipse, whose song ‘Shower’ continues to enjoy solid support from younger voters, earning 1,646 votes. With fandoms mobilized and strategic voting ongoing, these artists may pull off surprise leaps in the final hours.
Veterans vs. rising stars: A multi-generational showdown
Between spots 13 and 18, the mix is wonderfully chaotic. Hall-of-fame legends Jo Yong-pil and Song Ga-in coexist with rising voices like Jung Dong-won, Yang Ji-eun, and crossover group Forte di Quattro. This blend of generations and genres makes the lower tier impossible to ignore.
Although Huang Young-woong maintains a margin close to double his competitors, momentum can shift fast in fan-voted contests. And with rivals like Jung Seo-joo consolidating support, the top ranks aren’t entirely safe.
What to watch: Rivalries, ralliess… and a revenge arc?
- Will Son Bin-a overtake Son Tae-jin for #3? A handful of votes could flip the board.
- Can dark horses like My Jin or Bin Ye-seo spark a surge? Mid-tier heroes have done it before.
- Is a veteran upset brewing? With legacy names still commanding loyalty, don’t count them out.
The September edition of the Netizen Awards is shaping up to be a multi-layered rivalry between chart mainstays, genre fusionists, and up-and-coming forces. One thing is for sure: It isn’t just about music—it’s about fandom, timing, and game-time strategy.
FAQs
Who is leading the 2025 Netizen Awards Album category?
Hwang Young-woong is leading the album category at the 2025 Netizen Awards, thanks to his hit album ‘Knitted Sweater’, which has earned him over 28% of the total votes.
Which artists are competing closely with each other?
Son Bin-a and Son Tae-jin are locked in a fierce battle for third place, with just over 100 votes separating their totals.
Can mid-ranked artists still shake up the top 10?
Yes. Artists like My Jin, Enoch, Bin Ye-seo, and Park Ji-hyun are well within striking distance of the top ranks if their fans rally late in the voting period.
