The 2026 Korean Grand Music Awards (KGMA) return to Seoul for two nights of performances, special stages and major prizes celebrating the biggest achievements in Korean popular music. The third edition takes place on November 7 and 8 at Gocheok Sky Dome, bringing together 40 performers across two distinct ceremonies: Artist Day and Music Day.
Organized by Ilgan Sports, the KGMA launched in 2024 to recognize achievements across K-pop, bands, solo artists and other areas of the music industry. Its winners are determined through a combination of expert jury evaluations, chart performance, album sales and fan participation, with data drawn from platforms including Hanteo, Genie, Bugs and FLO. Here’s everything to know about the 2026 ceremony, from its lineup and hosts to the awards, voting and broadcast information.
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When and Where Are the Korean Grand Music Awards 2026?
The 2026 KGMA will be held on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea. The event is divided into two programs, with Artist Day taking place on November 7 and Music Day following on November 8.
Both days begin with the red carpet, also known as Star Road, at approximately 4 p.m. KST. The main ceremony is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. and run until around 9:30 p.m.
Who Is Hosting the 2026 KGMA?
The hosting lineup changes between the two nights. Actress Nam Ji-hyun returns for her third consecutive year as an MC, joining Woni of RESCENE for Artist Day on November 7.
Music Day on November 8 will be hosted by actor Kim Jae-won and IVE’s Liz. The ceremonies will also feature presenters from the worlds of acting, music and entertainment, including Go Yoon-jung, Lee Jun-ho, Lee Sun-bin, Cha Jun-hwan, Na In-woo and Kim Hyang-gi.
Korean Grand Music Awards 2026 Lineup: All Performers
A total of 40 acts are scheduled to perform across the two nights, with 20 artists appearing each day. The lineup brings together established K-pop groups, emerging acts, solo performers, bands and trot artists.
Artist Day – November 7
- Novelbright
- NouerA
- Dayoung
- LUCY
- RESCENE
- MADEIN
- MEOVV
- xikers
- IDID
- AND2BLE
- Young K (DAY6)
- ALLDAY PROJECT
- Jang Min-ho
- CRAVITY
- CLOSE YOUR EYES
- TUIDE
- TREASURE
- tripleS
- P1Harmony
- FIFTY FIFTY
Music Day – November 8
- NEXZ
- RIIZE
- Minho (SHINee)
- Park Ji-hyun
- Billlie
- Shownu X Hyungwon (MONSTA X)
- AHOF
- ALPHA DRIVE ONE
- AEN
- ATEEZ
- WayV
- Yuna (ITZY)
- ITZY
- Yena (Choi Ye-na)
- KISS OF LIFE
- KiiiKiii
- KickFlip
- TOUCHED
- TWS
- Hearts2Hearts
What Are the Award Categories?
The KGMA features five major grand prizes: Grand Artist, Grand Performer, Grand Record, Grand Song and Grand Honor’s Choice. Each recognizes a different aspect of success, from overall public impact and musical achievements to album performance and notable contributions.
Other categories include Best Artist 10, Best Music 10, Best Selling Album, Most Streamed Music, Best Hip Hop, Best Band and IS Rising Star. The ceremony also recognizes artists through special jury awards and fan-driven honors, including Popularity and Fancast awards.
The awards combine several evaluation methods rather than relying on a single measure of success. Fan voting through the coogoong app contributes approximately 35% to the main awards, while some popularity-focused and special categories are determined entirely by votes. Live voting remains open during the ceremony days.
Where to Watch the Korean Grand Music Awards 2026
Broadcast options vary depending on the viewer’s location. In South Korea, the ceremony will air live on ENA. Japanese viewers can watch through Hulu, which offers exclusive unlimited live streaming, including the red carpet, simultaneous interpretation options and catch-up viewing.
International fans outside Japan and China can follow the event through TikTok Live. The official KGMA website, Instagram account and YouTube channel will also provide updates and additional coverage.
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