Young K Wins Five Awards at 2026 KGMA… Named Grand Artist

Young K took center stage at this year's ceremony, winning five awards at the 2026 Korea Grand Music Awards (2026 KGMA). Young K captured trophies in a total of five categories, including the 2026 Grand Artist Award, KGMA's highest honor, as well as Best Artist, Best Solo, Best O.S.T, and the Kookkung Most Popular Award.

The first day of the KGMA, held on the 7th at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, was staged as 'Artist Day,' with Nam Ji-hyun and Le Sserafim's Wonhaik serving as MCs.

Young K: "I Will Sing as Much as My Days Want to Hear"

Young K, who won the Grand Artist Award, earned recognition for his musical prowess through his activities with DAY6 and his solo album 'Youngest.' In his acceptance speech, Young K thanked his fandom My Day, his family, and the DAY6 members, saying, "I will sing as much as My Day wants to hear."

TREASURE Selected for Grand Song… "Comeback on November 2 with 'Shock'"

TREVERSE—TREASURE won in multiple categories, taking the 2026 Grand Song as well as Best Hip-Hop and Trend of the Year Group. TREASURE recorded first-week million-seller status with their fourth mini album 'New Wave' and also topped the iTunes album charts in 13 regions. TREASURE said, "We thank everyone who gave us this meaningful award. We made a comeback on November 2 with 'Shock,' so please show us lots of interest."

Le Sserafim and ANDVEL Share Grand Honor's Choice Award

The 2026 Grand Honor's Choice was jointly awarded to Le Sserafim and ANDVEL. Le Sserafim achieved chart success domestically and internationally with 'Sin Drohm' and 'Pulse,' while ANDVEL sold 730,000 copies of their debut album in its first week and won 12 trophies within half a year.

2026 KGMA Winners by Category

The Best Artist award went to LUCY, Le Sserafim, Miao, BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, PSYKERS, Young K, All Day Project, Cortis, CRAVITY, Close Your Eyes, TREASURE, tripleS, and P1Harmony.

LUCY won Best Band, while Young K and Dayoung each received Best Solo. Best Dance Performance went to IDID. CRAVITY and FIFTY FIFTY won the Best Stage award.

In addition, Le Sserafim took Best Memory and the Berries Global Fan Choice, Jang Min-ho won Best Trot Performance, NueLa received the IS Rookie Award, and TWED and ANDVEL claimed the IS Rising Star Award. Japanese rock band NOVELBRIGHT received a special award for Asian cultural exchange.

Organizers, Broadcast, and Day Two 'Music Day' Lineup

The ceremony was hosted by Ilgan Sports and co-organized by the KGMA Organizing Committee and Creator Ring. Music and album data were provided by Hanteo Chart, Genie Music, FLO, and Bugs, while the official fan vote was conducted through the Kookkung app. The event was broadcast live via ENA, Hulu Japan, TikTok LIVE, and others.

The 2026 KGMA runs over two days, the 7th and 8th. The second day, 'Music Day,' will feature NXSTGE—NEXZ, RIIZE, Minho, Park Ji-hyun, Billlie, AHOF, AlphaDriveOne, AEN, ATEEZ, WAYUTIONV, Yuna, ITZY, Choi Ye-na, KISS OF LIFE, KIKI, KICKFLIP, TOUCHED, TOYES, and HEART2HEART. Shownu of Shownu X Hyungwon will be absent due to health issues; instead, Hyungwon will take the stage along with MONSTA X's Minhyuk and Joohon.