Lee Junho’s Record-Breaking Year Leads to a Landmark Nomination at the 35th Seoul Music Awards

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:

1. Doh Kyung-soo: 43.48%
2. Lee Junho: 35.79%
3. 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?