The 2026 KGMA in Seoul featured two days of awards and performances, with ATEEZ winning the grand prize and many stars shining.

First held in 2024 and now in its third year, the “2026 Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA)” is an awards ceremony that honors and recognizes artists and music loved by many fans and that have achieved outstanding results in the field of popular music, centered on K-pop. This year, it was held over two days at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome: “ARTIST DAY” on Saturday, November 7, and “MUSIC DAY” on Sunday, November 8. On the second day, Sunday, November 8, under the title “MUSIC DAY,” actor Kim Jae-won and IVE’s Liz served as MCs. A luxurious lineup of highly popular artists at home and abroad, including ATEEZ, ITZY, RIIZE, NEXZ, Minho (SHINee), and Hearts2Hearts, gathered and unfolded a splendid music festival on the stage of Gocheok Sky Dome. At the red carpet held from 4:00 p.m., the performing artists appeared one after another. Each showed off individuality-filled outfits and glamorous appearances, livening up the venue. First, MC Kim Jae-won and Liz appeared. Liz, who appeared in a deep red long dress, commented on her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s my first time being an MC for an awards ceremony, so I’m nervous, but I want to proceed coolly.” ALPHA DRIVE ONE, who had just reached 300 days since debut, appeared in white-based suits and was greeted with loud cheers. When asked to express their determination to fly even further in the future through a pose, they responded with a reliable fist pump. Hearts2Hearts captivated the venue with stylish outfits inspired by school uniforms, and NEXZ, who are increasingly drawing attention on the global stage, appeared in hard styling with denim and boots. They responded to the photo time full of energy, waved to the fans at the venue, and left after bowing deeply, which was impressive. KISS OF LIFE appeared elegantly in black dresses perfect for an awards ceremony. When they made charming smiles and posed and waved, loud cheers rose from the venue. WayV, who appeared with a charismatic aura, also had a heartwarming scene in which they poked each other while adjusting their positions. In addition, they showed the killing pose of the day’s stage and showed the fans in the venue soft smiles. A huge roar erupted from the venue at ATEEZ’s appearance. Even during photo time, the fans’ cheers did not stop, and they also showed off the “BAD” pose that became a big topic this year. When the host presented flowers to HONGJOONG, who had celebrated his birthday on November 7 the previous day, he received them with a deep bow, then placed a hand on his cheek and showed a charming pose, drawing thunderous applause from the venue. Minho, who took the final slot, appeared refreshingly in a black suit. When asked for a “hot pose” in connection with his second mini album “Make it hot,” released in September, he charmingly showed a pose with both hands as flames. He responded to the passionate cheers of fans with a smile and captivated the venue with his gentlemanly manner. In the awards ceremony that followed, a diverse range of artists—from top artists active on the world stage to new-generation groups who will lead the future music scene—delivered overwhelming performances. Luxurious stages crossing genres and generations unfolded one after another, and the venue was wrapped in great excitement. Opening the show was Liz. With fantastical direction and high expressive power, she covered Taeyeon’s “INVU,” her role model, and captivated the venue. Liz received the “Best O.S.T” award and expressed deep gratitude to DIVE (the name of her fans). ALPHA DRIVE ONE, who recorded unprecedented album sales as rookies, received the Rookie Award. “Just being able to stand on such a big stage is precious to us, and to receive a rookie award as well is unbelievable. We are truly grateful,” they said, expressing thanks to their fans, and in response to those words, loud cheers rose from the fans in the venue. Also, member Xinlong received an individual award. “From now on, I want to work hard so that I can deliver smiles and happiness to everyone. I’ll work hard to become a star for everyone!” he said, holding the trophy to his chest and sincerely expressing his gratitude. On stage, they performed “FREAK ALARM” and “BORN DIRE.” With rapidly changing formations and dynamic choreography, they showed a powerful, tightly synchronized performance. During the skillful dance break, cheers rose from the venue, and with stage presence worthy of the award, they captivated the audience. They showed the group’s momentum. At the appearance of the six-member boy group TWS, which debuted in 2024, deafening cheers erupted from the venue. They won awards both as a group and individually for member Shinyu, once again underscoring their high level of attention. In their acceptance comments, the members said, “We really enjoy being on stage. Thank you very much,” expressing gratitude. In their performance, they presented three songs with different expressions—“Call My Name,” “You, You,” and “All The Possibilities”—fully displaying their fresh charm and solid ability. The eight-member girl group Hearts2Hearts, which has drawn attention even before debut as the first girl group from SM Entertainment in about five years since aespa, has developed a musical world that makes use of each member’s individuality and diverse charms. On stage, they performed the hit number “RUDE!,” which not only achieved results on music charts but also caused a buzz on social media. They showed their presence as a pop icon admired by teens and delivered fresh charm as a new-generation group expected to do even more in the future. Minho, who debuted in 2008 as a member of SHINee and has been active in a wide range of fields including acting and modeling in addition to music, has produced numerous hit songs such as “Replay,” “Sherlock,” and “View” as SHINee, and has been one of the people leading the global spread of K-pop. He is also active as a solo artist. On this day, as an artist who has been active at the forefront for many years, he added color to the awards ceremony in every scene. In his acceptance speech, he bowed deeply and expressed gratitude, saying, “Since I debuted in 2008 and until I debuted as a solo artist, SHINee WORLD (the name of his fans) gave me great dreams, courage, and support. Thanks to that, I am able to stand here. I want to repay the great support I received with wonderful performances. Please continue to watch over my activities.” In his performance, he appeared in white clothing different from the awards ceremony. With supple dancing and expansive vocals that made use of his long limbs, he performed two songs, “Make it hot” and “Time 1.1,” showing his skill and presence. The five-member girl group ITZY, known for hit songs such as “DALLA DALLA,” “WANNABE,” and “LOCO,” has captivated fans around the world with songs full of messages expressing individuality and confidence, and with powerful performances. They have established global popularity through active activities not only in Korea but also in Japan. They demonstrate their presence with high dance skills and glamorous staging. On stage, they performed a medley of two songs, “Motto” and “THAT’S A NO NO,” connecting them with a highly story-driven performance. Each of the five members captivated the audience with their own charm. The six-member boy group RIIZE, which advocates a unique genre called “emotional pop” that expresses various everyday emotions and experiences through music, has gained popularity with approachable songs and sophisticated performances. At the time of receiving the award, the venue erupted in loud cheers the moment they appeared on stage. “In 2026, we were able to deliver a mini album. Our goal as a team is to make good songs. We will continue to work hard,” they said, expressing gratitude. Furthermore, when they called out, “BRIIZE (the name of the fans), are you here!?,” the BRIIZE who had come to the venue responded with loud cheers. “In many ways, I think BRIIZE waited for us. Next year, we want to repay you with an album. Please wait a little longer! We love you!” they said affectionately, pledging even greater future success. In their performance, they performed two addictive songs, “Do your dance” and “Like a Bomb.” In hard black outfits, they showed charismatic stage presence, and the venue was driven into a frenzy to the point that screams were heard during the blackout. In addition, NEXZ, a seven-member boy group formed through the Japan-Korea joint audition project “Nizi Project Season 2” and globally debuted in 2024, also appeared. Based in Japan and Korea, they have captivated fans at home and abroad with dynamic performances that make use of each member’s individuality, and at the 2025 KGMA they won the “Hulu Japan Popularity Award.” At this KGMA as well, they won the “Best Global K-POP Star” award and the “Hulu Japan Popularity Award,” showing their presence for the second consecutive year. In their speech for the “Best Global K-POP Star” award, their姿 of saying “thank you” in various languages around the world conveyed the spirit of a global star, even while still being fresh. Also, when they were called as the winners of the “Hulu Japan Popularity Award,” they appeared while performing the Soran Bushi, which had become a meme dance on social media. Holding the trophy high, they loudly told the fans, “We won our second award!” On stage, they performed two songs of different genres, “LOCO” and “SAUCIN’,” fully showing their increasingly growing charm and rising skill. The venue showed great excitement. Furthermore, a special stage only for this day was also an unmissable highlight. WayV covered the Korean girl group f(x)’s “4 Walls.” They expressed the sophisticated sound and mysterious world view of the original song with WayV’s own alluring charm. In addition to the new appeal created by male groups taking on songs by female groups, they also captivated the audience with perfectly synchronized dance performances. The stage, which drew the audience into the world of the song, brought sighs of admiration and loud cheers from the venue. Furthermore, WayV performed a total of three songs in their performance, including Xiaojun’s solo stage, and fully demonstrated the group’s diverse expressive power. Next, AEN, who debuted in 2026, covered MONSTA X’s hit number “Love Killa.” The song, whose appeal lies in its mature sensuality and dark worldview, was taken on by the fresh AEN, who had just debuted this year. As soon as the song began, the venue was thrown into a frenzy. Wearing suit-style outfits, they showed a sophisticated adult allure that was a little different from their usual fresh image, and delivered a tightly synchronized dance and bold performance. MONSTA X’s Hyungwon and Jooheon, who were watching the full-power stage at the venue, looked on with serious eyes. After the performance, when the camera caught MONSTA X again, Hyungwon responded with a thumbs-up, praising AEN’s challenge with loud applause. It was an impressive cover stage that breathed new appeal into a representative song of a senior artist. The recipient of the “2026 Grand Performer” award was RIIZE. First, they called out loudly to their fans, “BRIIZE!,” and BRIIZE responded with cheers. “We never imagined we could receive such a big award. We went on tour from last year through the first half of this year and participated in festivals and events, but I think we were able to receive this award because BRIIZE performed together with us. And we also want to express our gratitude to everyone involved who helps us create the stage,” they said repeatedly, expressing gratitude, and it was a warm speech in which the members also exchanged words of appreciation with one another. And the grand prize, the “2026 Grand Record” award, was won by ATEEZ. “Thank you to ATINY (the name of the fans), and to everyone involved, for giving us such a big award. I think we are standing here because you believed in ATEEZ and loved us. I think this is not an award that recognizes ATEEZ’s efforts so far, but rather an award that encourages us to continue delivering better performances and songs,” they said, expressing gratitude with humility. Furthermore, “I am truly happy every day. I don’t think that was made in one day. I hope today becomes a wonderful memory for ATINY, and that will become our strength. I think today is the starting line. We will really continue to work hard,” they said, looking back on the path so far and pledging to continue tireless efforts in the future. On the stage that closed the 2026 KGMA, they performed a total of three songs, including this year’s huge hit “BAD” and their latest song “DRIP.” With flawless performances in vocals, rap, and dance, they heightened the venue’s vibes, and the power of the songs and the members’ overwhelming expressiveness brought the venue’s voltage to its peak. During the killer phrase of the globally popular “BAD,” a scream-like roar erupted. It was a stage that once again showed the presence of ATEEZ, who continue to be active on a global scale. The “2026 Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA),” which brought together a wide range of artists from top stars with worldwide popularity to up-and-coming groups who will lead the next generation, wrapped the venue in great excitement and enthusiasm with stages in which each performer’s individuality and charm shone over the two-day music festival. ・Novelbright’s Yudai Takenaka and DAY6’s Young K present a special collaboration stage! TREASURE, RESCENE, and others win awards at the 2026 KGMA (overall) ・TUIDE wins the Rookie Award at its first awards ceremony since debut! “We will continue to deliver new fun”