'KMA 2026' Proves the Present and Future of K-pop in One Place

'KMA 2026,' hosted by KM Chart and KM Chart World and organized by the KMA Organizing Committee and UPick, was successfully held on the 25th at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

The awards ceremony was broadcast live worldwide through global platform Hello Live and Japan's ABEMA TV, with a delayed broadcast via MBC M. The event, hosted by actors Kang Tae-oh and Won Ji-an, consisted of three chapters encompassing the inception and growth of K-pop and the coexistence of generations and genres.

From Rookies to Top Stars, Full Lineup in Attendance

The show opened with energetic performances by rookie artists including High-Fi Unicorn, MODI SAY, Long Shot, New Beat, BB Up, and Alpha Drive One. This was followed by dazzling performances from trending artists such as Yeonjun, UNIS, 82MAJOR, QODISS, AllDay Project, Hearts2Hearts, KICKFLIP, P1Harmony, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER.

Four Major Daesang Winners Announced… TOMORROW X TOGETHER Honored as Artist of the Year

In the Daesang (Grand Prize) category, the highest honor of the ceremony, TOMORROW X TOGETHER was selected as Artist of the Year. Album of the Year went to BTS's 5th full-length album 'ARIRANG,' Song of the Year went to Hwasa's 'Good Goodbye,' and Record of the Year was awarded to QODISS's 2nd mini album 'GREENGREEN.' Actor Byeon Woo-seok participated as a Daesang presenter, adding prestige to the event.

Main Prize, Special Award, and Fan's Choice Winner List

The Ultimate 12, the main prize category, included BTS, Hwasa, NCT WISH, RIIZE, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, P1Harmony, ZEROBASEONE, KICKFLIP, Hearts2Hearts, AllDay Project, QODISS, and Alpha Drive One. Best Male Group went to P1Harmony, Best Female Group went to Hearts2Hearts, and the Rookie Award went to Long Shot and Alpha Drive One.

In the Fan's Choice category, determined entirely by fan voting, TOMORROW X TOGETHER swept multiple awards, taking home Best Popular Song, Best Popular Male Group, and member Yeonjun's Best Popular Solo Male award. Additionally, Winter, UNIS, Young Tak, and Long Shot were named winners in their respective categories.

This year's 'KMA 2026' once again proved its competitiveness as a premier K-pop awards ceremony, blending the ambition of rookies, the star power of trending artists, and the passionate support of fans from around the world.

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▲ Full List of 'KMA 2026' Winners (Teams)

• Artist of the Year: TOMORROW X TOGETHER
• Album of the Year: BTS 'ARIRANG'
• Song of the Year: Hwasa 'Good Goodbye'
• Record of the Year: QODISS 'GREENGREEN'
• Ultimate 12: BTS, Hwasa, NCT WISH, RIIZE, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, P1Harmony, ZEROBASEONE, KICKFLIP, Hearts2Hearts, AllDay Project, QODISS, Alpha Drive One
• Best Male Group: P1Harmony
• Best Female Group: Hearts2Hearts
• KM Favorite Icon: UNIS, 82MAJOR
• KM Next Potential: New Beat, BB Up
• KM Band Icon: High-Fi Unicorn
• KM Spotlight: MODI SAY
• New Artist: Long Shot, Alpha Drive One
• Best Popular Song Award: TOMORROW X TOGETHER
• Best Popular Male Group Award: TOMORROW X TOGETHER
• Best Popular Female Group Award: UNIS
• Best Popular Solo Male Award: Yeonjun
• Best Popular Solo Female Award: Winter
• Best Popular Trot Award: Young Tak
• Global Rising Star Award: Long Shot

*Photos provided by = KMA 2026*