‘Carry Sunjae and Run’ Wins Netizen Drama Award—Again
Three months. One drama. Zero signs of slowing down. tvN’s breakout hit Carry Sunjae and Run once again soared to the top of the Netizen Drama Awards for August 2025, snagging an impressive 20,950 votes and a staggering 67.1% majority. Even months after its finale, fans clearly aren’t letting go—proving that this isn’t just a popular show, it’s a generational favorite.
When a Drama Becomes a Movement
For anyone still wondering, yes—Carry Sunjae and Run is that drama. What started as a heart-tugging romance with a time-travel twist evolved into a nationwide emotional support entity. Viewers connected so deeply that even post-finale, they’re organizing rewatches, fan art campaigns, and yes, voting en masse in poll competitions. This month’s drama category belonged to Sunjae’s fans, who’ve clearly made it their mission to immortalize this series in every digital arena possible.
The Midfield Gets Messy: Close Call for 2nd and 3rd
While Sunjae sits pretty on his throne, a real drama is unfolding behind the scenes. MBC’s Motel California cruised into second place with 4,031 votes (12.9%), flaunting its atmospheric visuals and quirky storytelling that turned curious viewers into ride-or-die stans. Not far behind was tvN’s rising star Mom’s Friend’s Son with 3,440 votes (11.0%), a fresh contender already shaking up the rankings. Both titles showcase just how fiercely loyal modern K-drama fandoms can be—especially when there’s a little plot twist or emotionally repressed lead involved.
Streaming Upstarts Stake Their Claim
Streaming platforms didn’t let traditional broadcasters have all the fun. Disney+’s Hyper Knife landed in fourth with 1,601 votes (5.1%), wielding its sci-fi edge and international appeal like a high-budget lightsaber. Channel A’s Check In Hanyang followed with 392 votes (1.3%), charming fans with its historical-meets-modern youth vibe—essentially Joseon meets Gen Z. Meanwhile, U+ Mobile TV’s Friendly Competition trailed right behind by just 6 votes, demonstrating just how tight the race for niche favorites can get.
The Underdogs and Experimental Gems
Past the top five, it’s a playground of creative ambition and bold genre experiments. SBS’s low-key but intriguing Our Movie gathered 249 votes for seventh place. The somewhat mysteriously dropped Cheongdam International High School 2 clocked in at eighth with 104 votes, still managing to maintain its cult following. And however small the following, tvN’s Seocho-dong (46 votes) and KBS 2TV’s gender-bending My Girlfriend is a Macho Man (14 votes) rounded out the pack with offbeat charm.
- 1st – Carry Sunjae and Run (tvN): 67.1% – Peak fandom, post-ending mania
- 2nd – Motel California (MBC): 12.9% – Noir meets nostalgia
- 3rd – Mom’s Friend’s Son (tvN): 11.0% – New kid on the drama block
- 4th – Hyper Knife (Disney+): 5.1% – Sleek, sci-fi, and streaming
- 5th – Check In Hanyang (Channel A): 1.3% – Sageuk with side of campus vibes
Legacy in the Fan Age: When Viewers Write the Drama’s Ending
What the August rankings truly highlight is that the story doesn’t end with the finale. Carry Sunjae and Run shows how post-airing popularity—episodes living rent-free in fans’ heads—can keep a series front and center for months. Meanwhile, increasing competition from both classic broadcasters and ambitious OTT newcomers demonstrates that the Korean drama scene isn’t just growing—it’s fragmenting into fan-powered micro-universes.
The real question now? Whether Sunjae maintains this win streak into September—or if an unexpected plot twist dethrones it. Either way, viewers are strapped in. Someone pass the popcorn.
FAQs
What is ‘Carry Sunjae and Run’ about?
It’s a romance drama with a time-slip twist, where a high school girl travels into the future and risks everything to save her future boyfriend from tragedy. Think The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, but make it K-drama-level emotional carnage.
Why are Netizen Awards significant?
Unlike traditional awards based on critic panels or viewership ratings, the Netizen Awards reflect direct fan votes—making them a true barometer of fan passion and online influence.
How often are the Netizen Drama Awards announced?
They’re updated monthly, with fans voting via dedicated platforms. These votes often influence buzz rankings and sometimes even special appearances or encore events by the cast.
