Stray Kids and IVE won major awards at the 2025 KGMA, with Stray Kids taking home the Grand Record and IVE the Grand Song.
November/16/2025 13:51
Stray Kids and IVE won the top awards at the 2nd KOREA GRAND MUSIC AWARDS (hereafter, '2025 KGMA'). On November 15, '2025 KGMA' was held at Incheon Inspire Arena. Following the previous day's 'Artist Day', this day was structured as 'Music Day', hosted by KISS OF LIFE's NATTY and actress Nam Ji-hyun. The highest honor of KGMA, the '2025 Grand Record', was awarded to Stray Kids. Stray Kids, who debuted in 2018, started as a group advocating 'self-production', dividing into units for production (Bang Chan, Changbin, Han), performance (Lee Know, Hyunjin, Felix), and vocals (Seungmin, I.N), maximizing synergy by leveraging their strengths. In August this year, they achieved 1st place on the 'Billboard 200' with their 4th full album 'KARMA'. Since 2022, they have sent a total of 7 albums to the top of the chart, marking a new history in the global music market and reaching the peak of their career. Standing on stage to accept the award, Stray Kids said, 'Thank you to STAY (Stray Kids' fans) and KGMA. This year has really flown by. We have had many first experiences, and I am mixed with confusion and gratitude. We will repay you with a comeback and album. I hope it will be a wonderful gift for STAY. We will return with a stage worthy of the highest award.' They also reflected, 'Watching the stages of our juniors reminded me of when we received the rookie award. The longer we go, the more we feel the weight of the awards and the deeper our worries become. But I will show that those worries are positive, not negative, in our comeback next week. We will become Stray Kids who transmit the influence we received from many seniors to the world.' The '2025 Grand Song' was awarded to IVE. Debuting in 2021, IVE has built their identity around the message 'True love starts from loving oneself', becoming an icon for the MZ generation with themes of 'self-confidence' and 'proactive confidence'. This year, they have released hits like 'REBEL HEART', 'ATTITUDE', and 'XOXZ', and are currently interacting with fans worldwide through their second world tour 'SHOW WHAT I AM'. Holding the trophy, IVE expressed, 'There are only about two months left this year. I feel like this award has become an opportunity to reflect on this year. We have poured our hearts into every song, and I am truly grateful that you have received those feelings. Thank you so much to our beloved DIVE (IVE's fans).' The '2025 Grand Honor's Choice' was awarded to Stray Kids. They stated, 'We are grateful to be loved so much while doing what we want to do. All our strength comes from STAY. The stage, the opportunities, the love, and the support are not things to be taken for granted. I am truly living a happy life, and that is thanks to STAY. We will become artists we can be proud of.' The 'KGMA Best Song 10' included Mark from NCT, SEVENTEEN, Suho from EXO, Stray Kids, IVE, aespa, ENHYPEN, KISS OF LIFE, fromis_9, and P1Harmony. Stray Kids achieved the most awards that day, winning a total of five crowns, including 'Best Selling Album' (previously announced), 'Best Popularity (Music Day)', 'Best Song 10', '2025 Grand Honor's Choice', and '2025 Grand Record'. The list of winners for the '2025 KOREA GRAND MUSIC AWARDS' includes: Grand Record Award: Stray Kids; Grand Song Award: IVE; Grand Honor's Choice Award: Stray Kids; KGMA Best Song 10 Award: Mark from NCT, SEVENTEEN, Suho from EXO, Stray Kids, IVE, aespa, ENHYPEN, KISS OF LIFE, fromis_9, P1Harmony; Best Band Award: LUCY; Best Adult Contemporary Award: Chang Min-ho; KGMA Best Vocal Award: BTOB; Best Solo Artist Award: Suho from EXO, Dayoung from Cosmic Girls; Best Dance Performance Award: AHOF; Best Virtual Artist: PLAVE; Best Streaming Song Award: 'Whiplash' / aespa; Best Selling Album Award: 4th full album 'KARMA' / Stray Kids; Best Global K-POP Star Award: IVE; Best Trot Stage Award: Chang Min-ho; Best Listener's Pick Award: UNIS; IS Rising Star Award: IDID, KickFlip, Hearts2Hearts; IS Rookie Award: AHOF, CLOSE YOUR EYES; Best Popularity (Music Day) Award: Stray Kids; K-POP Overseas Artist Award: NEXZ; BIGC Global Star Award: Suho from EXO; ENA K-POP Artist Award: IVE; Hulu Japan Popularity Award: NEXZ; Style Icon Award: UNIS; Trend of the Year Award: BTS's V (K-POP solo), Carmen from Hearts2Hearts (rookie); Fan Favorite Artist Award: Jimin from BTS, Woogie from (G)I-DLE.
Related Articles
On the morning of the 18th, Stray Kids' Felix departed from Incheon International Airport for an overseas schedule. He expressed surprise at the luxurious hospitality from Louis Vuitton, mentioning he even dined with the chairman. Additionally, Felix is set to appear on 'You Quiz ON THE BLOCK,' with a prince-like teaser photo generating buzz.
Gaul from IVE is featured on the cover of WWD KOREA, highlighting her unique charm in a sporty look. The photoshoot reflects her growth as an artist, balancing energy on stage with calmness in daily life. She shares insights on embracing her duality and the importance of self-care. Gaul expresses gratitude for her fans and hints at upcoming activities, emphasizing the need to maintain her original passion as she enters her sixth year since debut.
IVE is preparing for a comeback with a new album targeted for late February, as confirmed by their agency STARSHIP Entertainment. This will be their first release in about six months since their 4th mini-album 'IVE SECRET' in August. Last year, they achieved significant success with multiple hits and are set to embark on a world tour, including performances in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
On the afternoon of the 15th, Stray Kids' I.N attended the opening event of the Damiani flagship store in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. He was also featured on the cover of 'ARENA HOMME+' magazine, sharing emotional words from fans that moved him to tears. Additionally, I.N was appointed as the global ambassador for the Damiani jewelry brand.
I.N from Stray Kids is featured on the cover of ARENA HOMME+ February issue, where he expresses his dynamic style through a photoshoot with Bottega Veneta. In an interview, he shares how his dreams as an idol have expanded from debuting to wanting to tour and perform worldwide. He also reflects on the impact of fans' supportive words, which help alleviate his pressures before performances.
Wonyoung from IVE showcases her abs in the February issue of Allure Korea, where she is the cover model. The issue features a collaboration with Scottish cashmere brand BARRIE, presenting five different covers. Despite being shot in winter, the photos convey warmth and elegance. Wonyoung expresses her natural self through understated styling and shares her love for the comfortable yet chic clothing in an interview.
IVE's Wonyoung is rumored to be launching a beauty brand following the creation of her new Instagram account, @for_evercherry10, which features a cherry logo and a cute aesthetic. Fans speculate about her potential brand due to her popularity, while some believe the account may be for a solo album instead. No official details have been released yet, but anticipation is high among fans.
On the afternoon of the 12th, the press conference for the new variety show 'Can't Do It Alone' was held at the Stanford Hotel in Seoul. Attendees included Jung Hyun-moo, Akiyama Seihun, Lee Su-ji, Lee Se-hee, and producers Sang Hoon and Kwon Ye-sol. The show focuses on tackling challenges that guests find difficult to do alone.
On the afternoon of the 11th, ALLDAY PROJECT returned from the 40th Golden Disc Awards via Incheon International Airport after their event. Major awards were won by popular idols including Stray Kids, Jennie, and G-DRAGON. Additionally, the MelOn annual chart TOP 100 was released, showcasing the most loved songs of 2025.
On the afternoon of the 11th, Stray Kids returned to South Korea from Taiwan via Incheon International Airport after attending the 40th Golden Disc Awards. They, along with artists like G-DRAGON and Jennie, received major awards. Additionally, Stray Kids and G-DRAGON are set to participate in a charity concert in France.
