The race for the 35th Seoul Music Awards (SMA) is heating up, and all eyes are on the newly established “New Icon Award.” Designed to honor the “Multi-hyphenate” stars who have shattered the boundaries between being a global idol and an elite actor, this category has turned into a high-stakes showdown between the industry’s biggest titans.
While the voting is currently a neck-and-neck battle, Lee Junho is proving exactly why he is considered the gold standard of the “Idol-turned-Actor” evolution.
A Clash of Titans: The Current Standings
As of April 14, the 2nd round of voting is underway on the IdolChamp platform, and the rankings are razor-thin:
- Doh Kyung-soo: 43.48%
- Lee Junho: 35.79%
- Im Si-wan: 8.99%
Though currently in a close second, Junho’s fanbase is known for its “Final Round” stamina. With the vote being 100% fan-driven, the momentum is expected to shift as the May finals approach.
The “Junho Standard”: Dominating the 2025-2026 Landscape
Junho’s nomination isn’t just a nod to his popularity; it’s a recognition of a record-breaking year of work. While others dabble in various genres, Junho has effectively occupied the center of the cultural conversation through high-stakes projects:
- ‘Typhoon Family’ (tvN): His portrayal of a sharp-witted corporate leader solidified his reputation as a “One-Top” leading man who can carry a primetime series on his shoulders.
- ‘Cashero’ (Netflix): His foray into the superhero genre showcased a new, grounded side of his acting spectrum that appealed to global streaming audiences.
- The AAA Hosting: Proving his versatility, he recently led the 10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards as an MC, demonstrating a professional poise that few performers possess.
Editor’s Insight: Why Junho is the “Icon” to Beat
In the context of the New Icon Award, Junho represents more than just a successful transition; he represents Topical Authority. In 2026, he is one of the few artists who can headline a Netflix global hit and sell out a 2PM Tokyo Dome concert in the same month.
From a strategic perspective, Junho’s brand is built on Sincerity and Consistency. This “New Icon” category rewards artists who have created a lasting impact in 2025, and Junho’s streak of back-to-back hits makes him a formidable candidate. As the voting moves into the final stage in May, his “Hottest” fandom is likely preparing a massive surge to reclaim the top spot.
Road to the Trophy
- Round 2 Voting: Ends April 30.
- Final Voting: May 8 – May 28.
- The Main Event: The 35th Seoul Music Awards will take place on June 20 at the Incheon Inspire Arena.
With the “New Icon” category being decided 100% by fans, do you think Junho’s busy 2026 schedule—including his upcoming Tokyo Dome concert; will ignite the spark needed to push him into the #1 spot?