'Netizen Awards' Expands Global Reach Through Content Deal with EconoTimes

Netizen Awards, a leading online voting platform in South Korea, has signed a content supply agreement with global economic media outlet EconoTimes, aiming to expand its reach to international audiences. Under the agreement, news related to the Netizen Awards will be translated into English and shared globally, marking a significant step in the platform’s efforts to increase its global presence.

With the worldwide popularity of K-pop fueling interest in other Korean cultural exports such as K-dramas and Trot music, the partnership is designed to capitalize on the growing demand for Hallyu (Korean Wave) content. "The number of global users participating in Netizen Awards is steadily increasing, with diverse countries of origin," said Kwon OSeong, head of the Netizen Awards division. “To support global activities of Korean stars and expand Netizen Awards' international reach, we've entered into this content agreement with EconoTimes."

Since its launch in March last year, Netizen Awards has gained over 32.5 million votes as of September 30, 2024, underscoring its rapid growth in both domestic and international markets. The platform allows users to cast up to six votes per day, with one vote available every four hours, a system designed to ensure transparency and fairness.

The recent surge in Netizen Awards’ popularity has been driven by the rise of young Trot singers such as Hwang Young-woong, Park Ji-hyun, Son Tae-jin, Enoch, and Jang Min-ho, as well as established actors like Kim Hye-yoon, Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Soo-hyun, and Kim Ji-won.

Further expanding its portfolio, Netizen Awards launched the "Pro Baseball Award" in October, aiming to tap into the excitement around Korea's professional baseball scene, which is seeing a surge in attendance and popularity. The platform’s diverse award categories aim to engage both domestic and international audiences, fostering a transparent and enjoyable voting experience.

The content supply agreement with EconoTimes will initially distribute Netizen Awards-related news to markets in the U.S. and UK, with potential for wider distribution as the platform’s global user base continues to grow.