The 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA) began with its first day, “Artist Day,” on November 16 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon. This segment celebrated the K-pop artists who shaped the year’s music scene with their talent and impact.

Daesang Winners Announced on Artist Day

The Daesang, or Grand Prize, is the most prestigious honor at Korean music award shows. On the first day of the KGMA, three Daesangs were awarded:

• ZEROBASEONE: Grand Honor’s Award for outstanding musical accomplishment.
• (G)I-DLE: Grand Record Award for the most loved album.
• NewJeans: Grand Artist Award for outstanding activities and public appeal.

Netizens Express Surprise Over aespa’s Absence

Despite aespa’s multiple successful comebacks in 2024, the group was not awarded any of the three Daesangs, leaving many fans and netizens surprised. Online reactions reflected disappointment and confusion:

“There are three Daesangs, so where’s aespa?”
“There’s no aespa? Isn’t this year the year of aespa?”
“Without aespa, it’s not a complete awards ceremony.”
“Surprisingly, there’s no aespa.”

Hope for aespa on “Song Day”

The second day of the 2024 KGMA, titled “Song Day,” will take place on November 17 at the same venue. Some netizens believe that this could be aespa’s moment to shine, with comments such as:

“aespa will be appearing tomorrow.”
“They will probably give it to aespa tomorrow.”

Congratulations to the Winners

While fans await the results of “Song Day,” congratulations are in order for ZEROBASEONE, (G)I-DLE, and NewJeans for receiving the Daesang honors during “Artist Day.”

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