The voting for the Globe Netizen Awards Best Actor category has entered its midpoint, and the top-tier landscape is becoming clear. As of 5:57 p.m. on the 20th, the most notable name on the leaderboard is Um Tae-goo. Um Tae-goo is in second place with 88 votes and a 26% share, followed by Byeon Woo-seok (25 votes, 7.4%) and Lee Joon-gi (15 votes, 4.4%).

Judging by the numbers alone, Um Tae-goo's lead is clear. His 88 votes alone more than double the 40 votes combined for Byeon Woo-seok and Lee Joon-gi. In contrast, the battle below shows the opposite dynamic. The gap between Byeon Woo-seok and Lee Joon-gi is a mere 10 votes. Considering that voting is allowed once every four hours, this is a margin that could flip the rankings if fandoms focus for even a day or two.

Based on the vote shares, the total number of votes in this Best Actor category is estimated at around 330. This means the contest is still in its early-to-mid stage, with the field not yet widely opened. Since the overall scale is small, even a shift of a few dozen votes can visibly shake up the percentages. It is still too early to consider the current rankings set in stone, and the pace of fandom participation over the remaining period is likely to determine the race.

◆ Um Tae-goo, a 'Weightiness' Built on Broadened Acting Range... Secures Double-Digit Vote Share

Um Tae-goo is an actor who has left a strong impression across genres with his characteristic low voice and restrained eye acting. Building on the image forged through gritty action and noir, he has expanded his range by taking on romantic comedy as well. He is loved simultaneously for weighty characters and unexpectedly pure sides, making his fan base more diverse in texture. In this vote, steady fan support has translated into votes, securing him a double-digit vote share. The question is whether he can hold onto second place and challenge for a higher rank. With the current gap, the risk of being overtaken by the third-place contender is not significant, but narrowing the distance with the ranks above remains his task for the remaining period.

◆ Byeon Woo-seok, Overseas Fandom Could Be a Variable in the Vote Flow

Byeon Woo-seok has established himself as the face of youth romance with his tall model-like looks and delicate emotional acting. After drawing the public's attention at once with a single work, his fandom grew rapidly at home and abroad, and he continues to show presence through overseas fan meetings and SNS reactions. With such a thick fan base, if overseas fans' participation begins in earnest, the vote flow could change quickly. For now, however, he carries two tasks at once: defending third place and chasing second. With Lee Joon-gi right behind him by 10 votes, it is a position where he cannot let his guard down.

◆ Lee Joon-gi, a Highly Loyal Long-Term Fandom Is His Weapon

Lee Joon-gi is an actor who has maintained a solid fandom over a long period while moving across historical dramas, action, and genre works. Known for physical action and intense character acting, he also enjoys high recognition among overseas fans. His track record of consistently holding lead roles since debut has led to a highly loyal long-term fandom, and such fandoms often show their strength in vote-based stages where consistency matters. Currently at 15 votes, he is chasing Byeon Woo-seok by a 10-vote margin, and depending on how his fans rally, he could hold the key to a shake-up in the top rankings.

◆ Different Fandom Characters... The Deciding Factor Is 'Steady Participation'

The differing nature of the three actors' fandoms also makes this competition interesting. Um Tae-goo's strength comes from supporters built on trust in his solid acting skills, Byeon Woo-seok's from a rapidly grown young fandom and overseas fans, and Lee Joon-gi's from a loyal fandom that has been with him for a long time. Each candidate's card carries the message 'Fans from all over the world are cheering,' making it worth watching which actor gathers more fan love across borders.

The core of this Best Actor competition lies in two questions. One is whether Um Tae-goo can maintain his wide gap and solidify his top standing; the other is when the narrow difference between Byeon Woo-seok and Lee Joon-gi will narrow or widen. In particular, under the structure where voting rights return every four hours, how consistently fans participate multiple times a day will decide the outcome. Rather than a one-time burst of support, daily sustained participation will make the bigger difference. Since the Netizen Awards hold new voting every month, this month's results are expected to serve as a gauge of each actor's fandom cohesion.

◆ How to Vote: Once Every 4 Hours, Multiple Participations per Day Possible

Voting can be done once every four hours. Using spare moments in daily life, such as the morning commute, lunch break, after work, or before bed, fans can add their support several times a day. A single click may seem small, but accumulated up to several times a day, it becomes a force that can change the rankings. If you have an actor you support, participate in the vote right now and express your support. By pressing the vote button along with the heart support button on each candidate's card, you can directly shape the winner of the Best Actor award. Whether Um Tae-goo's consolidation continues or Byeon Woo-seok and Lee Joon-gi's counterattack shakes up the race ultimately rests in the hands of the fans.

[Some assistance was provided by AI. The vote counts and percentages in this article are based on the screen at the time of writing and may change in real time as voting progresses.]