Voting for the acting categories of the August 2026 Netizens Awards is in full swing. Amid this, So Ji-sub and Seo Su-min, who appear in the SBS drama 'Chief Kim,' have newly been named as candidates for the Male and Female Acting Awards, drawing fans' attention.

As of 5:42 p.m. on the 4th, Byun Woo-seok is running in first place with an overwhelming lead of 3,799 votes (49.9%) in the Male Acting Award category, with Romon and Rowoon in pursuit. So Ji-sub, who was nominated for the first time this month, is currently recording 16 votes. So Ji-sub plays the lead role of Chief Kim in 'Chief Kim,' driving the plot and demonstrating a commanding presence. Having showcased a new character built on the acting expertise accumulated through various works, attention is focused on how much fan support he will garner going forward.

A new face has also emerged in the Female Acting Award category. While Kim Hye-yoon is firmly maintaining first place with 3,039 votes (55.6%), Seo Su-min, who joined the candidate list this month, has received 2 votes. Seo Su-min appears in 'Chief Kim' as Kim Min-ji, the daughter of Chief Kim, serving as another pillar of the story. As this is her first entry, interest is concentrated on how far fan support will extend and whether the father-daughter chemistry in the drama will translate into synergy in the voting.

In the Drama of the Year category, 'Chief Kim' has also been registered as a new candidate, currently securing 4 votes. In this category, MBC's '21st Century Grand Duchess' is leading with 3,629 votes (43.2%), followed closely by SBS's 'I'm Human Starting Today' with 3,027 votes (36.0%).

In this August's Netizens Awards, where established contenders are dominating the top ranks, the progress of newly joined works and actors is the key point of interest. In particular, the biggest focus is on whether So Ji-sub and Seo Su-min, who have simultaneously entered the Drama of the Year, Male Acting Award, and Female Acting Award categories centered around 'Chief Kim,' can climb the rankings based on fan support as voting progresses.