The 22nd Korean Music Awards celebrated the best of K-music, honoring artists who pushed boundaries and impressed audiences worldwide.
The top K-pop acts took home honors for their outstanding contributions in an award ceremony held on February 27.
The Korean Music Awards take a different approach and focus on honoring great music rather than record sales. A committee of music experts – including critics, producers, and academics – selects the winners. This year’s nominees were announced on February 6, 2025, on the awards’ website and YouTube channel.
This year’s 22nd Korean Music Award winners include Vespa, Danpyunsun and the Moments Ensemble, Lee Seung Yoon, G-Dragon, and BIBI, who took home top honors.
Backed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency, the ceremony honored the top music releases in South Korea from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024. It was broadcast live on YouTube and PRIZM LIVE.
22nd Korean Music Awards Winners
Here is a complete list of 2025 Korean Music Awards winners
Album of the Year
- Danpyunsun and the Moments Ensemble – “Hail to the Music”
Song of the Year
- aespa – “Supernova”
Artist of the Year
- Lee Seung Yoon
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Lee Ho Jun
Rookie of the Year
- Sanmanhan
Best K-pop Album
- aespa – “Armageddon”
Best K-pop Song
- aespa – “Supernova”
Best Pop Album
- John Park – “PSST!”
Best Pop Song
- BIBI – “Bam Yang Gang”
Best Rock Album
- Soumbalgwang – “Fire & Light”
Best Rock Song
- Lee Seung Yoon – “Anthems of Defiance”
Best Modern Rock Album
- Danpyunsun and the Moments Ensemble – “Hail to the Music”
Best Modern Rock Song
- Lee Seung Yoon – “Waterfall”
Best Electronic Album
- Net Gala – “Galapaggot”
Best Electronic Song
- Mount XLR – “Oving”
Best Rap & Hip-Hop Album
- B-Free & Hukky Shibaseki – “Free Hukky Shibaseki & the God Sun Symphony Group: Odyssey. 1”
Best Rap & Hip-Hop Song
- G-Dragon – “Power”
Best R&B and Soul Album
- Sumin & Slom – “Miniseries 2”
Best R&B and Soul Song
- Jung In & Mild Beats – “Blame”
Best Folk Album
- Moher – “Kaleidoscope”
Best Folk Song
- Kang A-sol – “Anyone But Me”
Best Metal & Hardcore Album
- Seaweed Mustache – “2”
Best Global Contemporary Album
- Bando – “Shape of the Land”
Best Jazz Album
- Nam Ye Ji – “Old Songs, Tmmm”
Best Jazz Instrumental Album
- Jihye Lee Orchestra – “Infinite Connections”
Congratulations to the winners!
