The 2026 The Fact Music Awards (TMA) is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about K-pop events of the year. On August 19, the organizing committee pulled back the curtain on the special stages planned for this year’s ceremony. From cover performances of iconic hits to never-before-seen collaborations and the first live showcase of unreleased tracks, the lineup promises a night filled with moments that fans will remember.
The awards will take place on September 19, 2026, at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. This marks the 9th edition of the event, returning to South Korea after being held in Japan in 2024 and Macau in 2025. The show will be hosted by broadcaster Jeon Hyun-moo and Girls’ Generation member Seohyun. Ticket sales for all seats, including VVIP and VIP ground sections, open on August 20 at 12:00 PM KST through YES24 Ticket.
Here is a complete look at everything announced so far.
Three Fifth-Generation Groups Open the Show With Cover Performances
The opening stage will feature three leading groups from K-pop’s fifth generation: xikers, CLOSE YOUR EYES, and tripleS. Each group will perform a cover of a hit song from a senior artist, putting their own style and energy into the performance.
- xikers will perform BTS’s “Hooligan”.
- CLOSE YOUR EYES will take on NCT DREAM’s “Beat It Up”.
- tripleS will perform aespa’s “LEMONADE”.
These songs were selected from tracks that received strong attention from K-pop fans during the awards’ judging period. The three groups will reinterpret each song in their own way, making the opening performance a major highlight of the evening.
Busan Native Artists Come Together for a Special Duet
A special collaboration has been arranged to celebrate the awards being held in Busan. TREASURE’s Jihoon and KiiiKiii’s Jiyu, who both call Busan their hometown, will team up for a duet performance.
The two artists will perform under this year’s theme, “Shine on, Dream One,” with a song chosen to match the mood of the night. Their performance will take place against the backdrop of Busan at night, adding a personal touch to the stage. Fans are eager to see what kind of harmony these two Busan natives will create together.
Exclusive Performances You Won’t See Anywhere Else
Beyond the opening covers and the collaboration, the ceremony will feature performances that are exclusive to the 2026 TMA.
- xikers and ATEEZ are preparing stages for songs they have never performed on a music show before. This gives fans a rare chance to see something completely new from both groups.
- CLOSE YOUR EYES will give the first-ever performance of an unreleased new song. The group has not officially released this track yet, making the TMA stage the first place where anyone will hear it live.
These exclusive stages are a major draw for the ceremony, offering content that cannot be found on regular music programs or streaming platforms.
Full Artist Lineup: 17 Acts Across Diverse Genres
The 2026 The Fact Music Awards has confirmed a total of 17 acts with a wide range of musical styles and identities. The full lineup includes:
- RIIZE
- RESCENE
- xikers
- IDID
- ILLIT
- ALPHA DRIVE ONE
- EVAN
- ATEEZ
- NMIXX
- ALLDAY PROJECT
- Lim Young Woong
- YENA (Choi Yena)
- CORTIS
- CLOSE YOUR EYES
- KiiiKiii
- TREASURE
- tripleS
This lineup brings together established stars, rising groups, and solo artists, creating a balanced mix that appeals to a broad range of K-pop fans.
Advanced Stage Production and Global Live Streaming
The production team is putting significant effort into the visual and audio experience. Advanced stage equipment and a three-dimensional sound system will be used to enhance the performances. The stage design will also incorporate Busan’s night scenery, combining music, technology, and the city’s unique atmosphere.
For fans who cannot attend in person, the ceremony will be broadcast live globally. This allows international audiences to enjoy the special stages from anywhere in the world.
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What to Expect on September 19
The 2026 The Fact Music Awards is not just a typical awards show. With cover stages that reimagine hit songs, a heartfelt duet between Busan-born artists, and exclusive performances of unreleased material, the ceremony is designed to offer something that fans can only experience at TMA. The combination of a strong lineup, high-quality production, and unique stage concepts is expected to make the event a memorable festival for everyone attending or watching from home.
Mark your calendars for September 19 at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. Ticket sales begin on August 20 at 12:00 PM KST through YES24 Ticket. With so much already announced, the countdown to the 2026 The Fact Music Awards has officially begun.
For more updates on K-pop awards, lineups, and exclusive performances, keep following VvipTimes for the latest news from the entertainment world.
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