The 2026 Korean Music Awards ceremony took place in Seoul on February 26, bringing together the best talents in South Korea’s music industry. Unlike other award shows that focus on album sales and chart positions, this prestigious event judges artists purely on musical merit, critical acclaim, and artistic innovation. A panel of music critics, radio producers, academics, and industry professionals selects the winners each year.
Lee Chanhyuk of the sibling duo AKMU emerged as the biggest winner of the night, taking home three prestigious trophies. BLACKPINK’s Jennie also secured two major awards in the K-pop categories, proving her strength as a solo artist. The ceremony, streamed live on Melon and YouTube, celebrated music across genres from pop and rock to jazz and electronic.
Lee Chanhyuk Wins Song of the Year and More
Lee Chanhyuk received the Song of the Year award for his track “Endangered Love.” The song, from his second solo album “Eros,” saw a huge rise in popularity after his performance at the Blue Dragon Film Awards last November. Critics praised the song for its emotional depth and exploration of loss and mortality.
He also won Best Pop Song for the same track and Best Pop Album for “Eros.” This marked his first solo album in two years and nine months since his debut solo work “Error” in October 2022. His acceptance speech came through a witty video message that added a light moment to the ceremony.
Jennie Sweeps K-Pop Categories
Jennie made a clean sweep of the K-pop categories at the 2026 Korean Music Awards. She won Best K-Pop Album for her debut full-length solo album “Ruby” and Best K-Pop Song for its lead track “like Jennie.”
These wins carry special meaning because the Korean Music Awards are decided by industry experts, not fan votes. Jennie proved that her music stands on its own artistic merit beyond her massive popularity with BLINKs. “Ruby” showed her growth as a solo artist with a distinct musical identity.
Album of the Year Goes to Chudahye Chagis
The Album of the Year award went to the genre-defying band Chudahye Chagis for “Sosuminjok.” The group, led by traditional Korean vocalist Chu Da-hye, blends psychedelic sounds with shamanic folk elements. Critics described their music as a fresh voice that channels the soul of Korean tradition into modern sounds.
This win shows how the Korean Music Awards celebrate boundary-pushing artists who may not top the charts but bring real innovation to the music scene. Chudahye Chagis beat strong competition from major names like Jennie, Lee Chanhyuk, and Effie for this top honor.
Hanroro Named Musician of the Year
Singer-songwriter Hanroro took home the Musician of the Year award, presented along with DAZED magazine. This recognition came as a career-defining moment for the artist, who has built a strong reputation in the indie music scene. His work connects with listeners through honest songwriting and unique musical arrangements.
Rookie of the Year Honors Woo Huijun
Woo Huijun received the Rookie of the Year award, presented with support from the Kakao Creative Foundation. The singer-songwriter also picked up Best Alternative Rock Song for “Spacious House,” making him one of the double winners of the night. His debut year caught the attention of critics and listeners alike with his fresh approach to alternative rock.
Rap and Hip-Hop Winners: Sik-K and Lil Moshpit
The producer-rapper duo Sik-K and Lil Moshpit dominated the hip-hop categories. They won Best Rap and Hip-Hop Album for “K-FLIP+” and Best Rap and Hip-Hop Song for “LOV3” featuring Bryan Chase and Okasian.
This marked the first time in three years that a collaboration swept both categories, following the achievement of Nucksal x Cadejo. Their synergy as producer and rapper proved to be a winning formula that impressed the judging panel.
Electronic Music Winners: Kirara and Melki
The electronic categories brought emotional moments as mentor and student both won. Kirara took Best Electronic Album for her self-titled work “Kirara.” Her student Melki won Best Electronic Song for “Body Break.” This rare double win highlighted the passing of knowledge and inspiration between generations of electronic music creators.
R&B and Soul Winners
Yoon Da-hye won Best R&B and Soul Album for “King of Ants.” The award recognized her soulful vocals and sophisticated production choices. Chudahye Chagis added another trophy to their night by winning Best R&B and Soul Song for “Heosse!,” marking their second win after Album of the Year.
Rock and Alternative Rock Winners
Wah Wah Wah and playbook took Best Rock Album for “UBUBU.” Lee Seung-yoon won Best Rock Song for “PunKanon” and delivered a memorable moment by humorously announcing his own award. In the alternative rock field, Shin In Ryu won Best Alternative Rock Album for “Shining Strike.”
Folk, Jazz, and Global Contemporary Winners
Kwon Tree won two awards: Best Folk Album for “The Fragrance of Life” and Best Folk Song for “Unknowingly, So Did I.” The folk category recognized artists who keep this storytelling tradition alive with fresh perspectives.
In jazz, Malo won Best Jazz Vocal Album for “Malo Live at Muddy,” while Lim Mijung took Best Jazz Instrumental Album for “Impromptu.” Gray by Silver won Best Global Contemporary Album for “Time of Tree,” celebrating music that blends Korean elements with world music influences.
Metal and Special Awards
Baan won Best Metal and Hardcore Album for “neumann.” The band’s return to the awards stage was noted by attendees as a highlight. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to veteran artists Peregrine Falcon, honoring their long-term contributions to Korean music.
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Complete Winners List for 2026 Korean Music Awards
Here is the full list of winners from the 2026 Korean Music Awards ceremony:
General Categories
- Album of the Year: Chudahye Chagis – “Sosuminjok”
- Song of the Year: Lee Chanhyuk – “Endangered Love”
- Musician of the Year: Hanroro
- Rookie of the Year: Woo Huijun
Pop Categories
- Best Pop Album: Lee Chanhyuk – “Eros”
- Best Pop Song: Lee Chanhyuk – “Endangered Love”
K-Pop Categories
- Best K-Pop Album: Jennie – “Ruby”
- Best K-Pop Song: Jennie – “like Jennie”
Rock and Alternative Rock
- Best Rock Album: Wah Wah Wah & playbook – “UBUBU”
- Best Rock Song: Lee Seung-yoon – “PunKanon”
- Best Alternative Rock Album: Shin In Ryu – “Shining Strike”
- Best Alternative Rock Song: Woo Huijun – “Spacious House”
Rap and Hip-Hop
- Best Rap and Hip-Hop Album: Sik-K & Lil Moshpit – “K-FLIP+”
- Best Rap and Hip-Hop Song: Sik-K & Lil Moshpit – “LOV3 (feat. Bryan Chase & Okasian)”
R&B and Soul
- Best R&B and Soul Album: Yoon Da-hye – “King of Ants”
- Best R&B and Soul Song: Chudahye Chagis – “Heosse!”
Electronic
- Best Electronic Album: Kirara – “Kirara”
- Best Electronic Song: Melki – “Body Break”
Folk
- Best Folk Album: Kwon Tree – “The Fragrance of Life”
- Best Folk Song: Kwon Tree – “Unknowingly, So Did I”
Jazz
- Best Jazz Vocal Album: Malo – “Malo Live at Muddy”
- Best Jazz Instrumental Album: Lim Mijung – “Impromptu”
Metal and Hardcore
- Best Metal and Hardcore Album: baan – “neumann”
Global Contemporary
- Best Global Contemporary Album: Gray by Silver – “Time of Tree”
Special Awards
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Peregrine Falcon
Fans can watch acceptance speeches and performances on the official Korean Music Awards YouTube channel. The full judging committee comments and selection reasons are available on the official KMA website.
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