The inaugural KOREA GRAND MUSIC AWARDS will celebrate K-POP artists on November 16-17, featuring top performers and a star-studded lineup.
October/25/2024 19:03Related Groups & Members
The new public music award ceremony "KOREA GRAND MUSIC AWARDS (KGMA)" has confirmed its lineup. On the 25th, the KGMA organizing committee confirmed the performers for the "1st KOREA GRAND MUSIC AWARDS" to be held at Inspire Arena in Incheon on November 16 (Artist Day) and November 17 (Song Day). On the first day, Artist Day, artists who were loved by the public during the evaluation period and achieved high results based on music activities will be selected and awarded. On the second day, Song Day, artists who have achieved outstanding results in singing and received great support from the public will be selected and awarded. On the 16th, the event will be grandly opened by NewJeans' Hani and actress Nam Ji-hyun. Performers include NewJeans, EXO's D.O., TVXQ, BIBI, STAYC, (G)I-DLE, Yontak, N.Flying's Yoo Fesun, Lee Mujin, Lee Yongji, Jung Dongwon (JD1), ZEROBASEONE, QWER, SHINee's Taemin, and P1Harmony, among others, to liven up the awards ceremony. Following this, aespa's WINTER and actress Nam Ji-hyun will take over as MCs on the 17th. The luxurious lineup includes NOWADAYS, NiziU, DAY6, RIIZE, Song Gain, aespa, ATEEZ, NCT WISH, (G)I-DLE's Ugi, UNIS, Lee Changwon, JO1, CLASS:y, TREASURE, and FIFTY FIFTY, promising to excite K-POP fans both domestically and internationally. The organizing committee commented, "We are fully prepared for the '1st KOREA GRAND MUSIC AWARDS' to be a music festival where fans who love K-POP and Korean popular music can interact with various genres of music and artists." They also added, "We sincerely thank all the artists participating in KGMA, their agencies, and especially the fans who love Korean popular music and show great interest in KGMA." KGMA is a stage that selects and awards singers and music that have achieved meaningful results in various fields of popular music such as K-POP, trot, bands, and solo artists, loved by fans both domestically and internationally over the year, becoming a festival where artists and fans interact. The judging panel consists of chairman producer Kim Hyun-seok, co-organizing chairman and judge composer Chu Yong-hoon, singer Park Hak-ki, singer and professor at Daegyeong University Seo Chang-hee, critic Jeong Deok-hyun, Jeong Wong-gwan from Sobanchas (fire truck), Tony An from H.O.T., Hong Jong-goo from Noise, singer Lee Seung-chul, president of the Korean Entertainment Producers Association Lim Baek-woon, singer and professor at Howon University Jeong Won-young, lyricist Kim Ina, producer Brave Brothers, and lyricist Yang Jae-sung. The judges will participate not only in the evaluation for selecting award winners but also as award presenters on the day of the ceremony as legends of the music industry. The overall direction of this year's awards ceremony will be handled by Han Dong-cheol, the representative of PHUNKEY STUDIO, who directed the first 'MAMA' and established it as a representative award ceremony of Mnet, and has planned and directed shows like 'SHOW ME THE MOMENT', 'UNPRETTY RAP STAR', and 'PRODUCE 101', earning the title of 'master of Korean audition programs'. Han Dong-cheol revealed, "The overall concept of KGMA is to express a newly generated galaxy. While the awards ceremony is often described as 'a war of stars', KGMA aims to establish a new milestone in Korean popular music awards, focusing on the concept of 'the birth of stars'." He added, "We are doing our best to create the best stage where artists and fans can enjoy together." KGMA's music distribution and album data will be provided by Hanteo Chart, genie Music, FLO, and Bugs!, with Fancast participating as the official fan voting agency. The event is hosted by Korea's Daily Sports (EDaily M) and supervised by the KGMA organizing committee.
Related Articles
NewJeans members Minji, Hani, and Danielle have announced their intention to return to ADOR, confirming their decision after careful discussions. This follows Hae-rin and Hae-in's earlier announcements. The group had previously declared a contract dispute with ADOR, but now all five members may resume activities together after nearly a year.
ATEEZ has been chosen as the new promotional model for Shilla Duty Free, with a photoshoot featuring them in stylish black and white suits. This strategic decision aims to attract a younger audience interested in K-culture, enhancing the brand's image and expanding customer engagement through diverse global promotions.
‘Antarctic Chef’ is a reality show co-produced by MBC and STUDIO X+U, featuring chefs serving meals to wintering researchers in Antarctica. The show stars Baek Jong-won, Lim Soo-hyang, EXO's Suho, and Choi Jong-hyup, showcasing their efforts in extreme conditions. Premieres on November 17, 2025, on MBC and Prime Video.
NewJeans members Hae-rin and Hae-in have decided to continue their activities with ADOR, respecting a court ruling regarding their contract. ADOR expressed commitment to support them in their entertainment activities and requested fans to refrain from speculation about the members' situation.
Chunmin from TVXQ becomes the CEO of a fan restaurant called 'Dokpapchib,' where idols prepare meals for fans. The project emphasizes a personal connection, with idols cooking and serving food directly to fans. The restaurant opens on the 18th, featuring NCT DREAM as the first guests. Chunmin humorously states that anyone who loves fans can join as staff, regardless of cooking skills.
A legal battle escalated between ADOR and the Dolphin Kidnapping Gang over music video rights, with Min Hee-jin testifying in court. The dispute arose after director Shin Woo-seok uploaded a director's cut of 'ETA' to his YouTube channel without permission. ADOR claims this harmed their interests, while Min argues it’s a common industry practice. The court is examining the validity of claims regarding management responsibilities and contract practices.
ATEEZ member MINGI suffered a finger fracture during the 'WATERBOMB MACAO 2025' performance after falling on stage. Fortunately, he is able to continue with the group's schedule as planned. The group recently celebrated all members renewing their contracts for another seven years, much to the delight of their global fans.
SungHan, formerly of RIIZE, opens his first pop-up store 'XngHan's AZIT' in Seoul from today until the 20th. The store features a collaboration with kasina, showcasing unique fashion items including caps and T-shirts. Expect exclusive merchandise related to his single 'Waste No Time,' which topped iTunes charts globally.
STAYC's 1st full album "STAY ALIVE" is set for release on February 11, 2026. It includes 17 tracks, mixing their Korean and Japanese activities, with 5 new songs. The album showcases their evolution over 3 years since debuting in Japan. A limited edition DVD will feature music videos and performances.
The 2025 MAMA AWARDS will take place in Hong Kong with an impressive lineup and hosts Park Bo-gum and Kim Hyesoo. The event, themed 'UH-HEUNG', aims to celebrate K-POP's global influence with special performances and presenters from various fields, including Michelle Yeoh.
