Critics Crown the Best: A Recap of the 2026 Korean Music Awards
The 23rd annual Korean Music Awards (KMA), held in Seoul, once again lived up to its reputation as South Korea’s most credible music prize. Distinct from popularity contests, the KMAs are judged solely by panels of critics, journalists, and music professionals, honoring artistic innovation and craftsmanship above commercial sales or fan votes. This year’s ceremony was a powerful testament to musical diversity, though it was global superstar Jennie of BLACKPINK who etched her name into the record books.
Jennie’s Landmark Triumph in K-Pop
Jennie emerged as a defining force of the evening, achieving a stunning sweep of the K-pop categories. Her debut album, Ruby, was awarded Best K-Pop Album, while its lead single, like JENNIE, clinched Best K-Pop Song. These victories are particularly significant as they were decided not by public voting but by critical acclaim, solidifying her status not just as a popular idol but as a respected artist. Her win marks a huge K-pop record, proving her work resonates powerfully with industry experts.
Lee Chan-hyuk: The Night’s Overall Victor
While Jennie dominated the K-pop sphere, the artist who led the overall winner’s count was Lee Chan-hyuk, who took home an impressive three awards. His work was recognized across genres, with his album EROS winning Best Pop Album and his song Endangered Love claiming the coveted Song of the Year award. His wins underscored the ceremony’s commitment to celebrating profound musical artistry.
Celebrating Diversity Across Genres
The KMAs pride themselves on highlighting excellence in every corner of the music industry. The prestigious Album of the Year honor went to CHUDAHYE CHAGIS for SOSUMINJOK, while Musician of the Year was awarded to Hanroro.
The Rap & Hip-Hop field witnessed a clean sweep by the powerhouse duo Sik-K and Lil Moshpit. Their album K-Flip+ won Best Rap/Hip-Hop Album, and their track LOV3 won Best Rap/Hip-Hop Song, a rare double achievement.
An emotional highlight came from the electronic categories, where mentor-student duo KIRARA and MELKI both triumphed; KIRARA for Best Electronic Album and MELKI for Best Electronic Song.
Complete List of 2026 Korean Music Award Winners
- Album of the Year: CHUDAHYE CHAGIS – SOSUMINJOK
- Song of the Year: Lee Chan-hyuk – Endangered Love
- Musician of the Year: Hanroro
- Rookie of the Year: Woo Huijun
- Best K-Pop Album: Jennie – Ruby
- Best K-Pop Song: Jennie – like JENNIE
- Best Pop Album: Lee Chan-hyuk – EROS
- Best Rap/Hip-Hop Album: Sik-K, Lil Moshpit – K-Flip+
- Best Rap/Hip-Hop Song: Sik-K, Lil Moshpit – LOV3
- Best Rock Song: Lee Seung-yoon – PunKanon
- Best Alternative Rock Album: Shin In c – Shining Strike
- Best R&B/Soul Album: Yoon Da-hye – Wang
- Best Folk Album: Kwon Tree – The Fragrance of Life
- Best Metal/Hardcore Album: Baan – Neumann
- Best Jazz Album: Malo – Malo Live at Muddy
- Best Jazz Instrumental Album: Mijung Lim – Impromptu
- Best Electronic Album: KIRARA
- Best Electronic Song: MELKI
The 2026 Korean Music Awards successfully celebrated the rich tapestry of Korean music, proving that artistic integrity and critical acclaim remain at the heart of the industry’s brightest achievements.
