The 22nd Korean Music Awards nominees are out, and it’s a who’s who of K-music’s best! 

Danpyunsun and the Moments Ensemble, aespa, Rosé, (G)I-DLE, TWS, Silica Gel, and many more talented artists are up for awards.

On February 6, the organizers announced nominees for the Korean Music Awards, which will be held on February 25 in Seoul. Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency, the award ceremony will honor outstanding music releases from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024. 

It stands out for recognizing artistic talent instead of sales and streaming numbers. Winners are chosen by a panel of music experts, including critics, producers, academics, and industry professionals.

This year’s nominees were led by Indie group Danpyunsun and the Moments Ensemble with six nominations, while K-pop girl group Aespa received five.

22nd Korean Music Awards Nominees

Album Of The Year 

• Danpyunsun and the Moments Ensemble 
• – “Hail to the Music” by 
• SUMIN, Slom – “MINISERIES 2”
• aespa – “Armageddon”
• HYUKOH, Sunset Rollercoaster – “AAA”
• Silica Gel – “POWER ANDRE 99” 

Song Of The Year

• BIBI – “Bam Yang Gang”
• aespa – “Supernova” by aespa
• BLACKPINK’s Rosé with Bruno Mars – “APT.”
• Danpyunsun and the Moments Ensemble
• – “Independent”
• SUMIN, Slom – “WHY, WHY, WHY”

Musician Of The Year

• aespa
• Danpyunsun and the Moments Ensemble
• silica gel
• ROSÉ
• Lee Seung Yoon

Rookie Of The Year

• Sanmanhan
• Hyelyn Joo
• Sam San
• ILLIT
• meeroo choi
• TWS

Best K-pop Album

• (G)I-DLE – “[2]”
• RIIZE – “RIIZING: Epilogue” 
• aespa – “Armageddon”
• YVES – “I Did”
• tripleS – “ASSEMBLE24”

Best K-pop Song

• Rosé with Bruno Mars – “APT.” 
• ILLIT – “Magnetic”
• aespa – “Supernova”
• TWS – “plot twist”
• tripleS – “Girls Never Die”

Best Pop Song

• BIBI – “Bam Yang Gang”
• Sunwoojunga- “STAR CANDY”
• IU – “Love wins all”
• OKDAL – “Diving”
• Lee Young Ji ft. EXO’s D.O. “Small Girl

Good luck to all the nominees!