The nominees for the 23rd Korean Music Awards, also known as the KMAs, have been officially announced. The ceremony will take place on February 26, 2026, at 8 p.m. KST and will be streamed live on the Melon app and on their official YouTube channel.
The Korean Music Awards are known for being different from most other music award shows in South Korea. It does not focus on album sales, chart rankings, or popularity. Instead, KMAs place importance on artistic quality, musical skill, and creative value.
Winners are chosen by a panel of 47 experts, including music critics, journalists, broadcast producers, and content planners. This year’s event is officially titled the “23rd Korean Music Awards with Kakao Creative Foundation.” This new partnership supports artists and builds a healthy and lasting creative environment.
23rd Korean Music Awards Nominees
This year’s nominations are led by solo artists Jennie and Lee Chan Hyuk, along with rising artists and well-known indie musicians. Effie received the most nominations with six. Jennie, Lee Chan Hyuk, NMIXX, and Woo Hee Jun each earned five nominations.
The Korean Music Awards include a total of 26 categories that cover many different music styles. This year, some category names have been updated. The category once called “Modern Rock” is now named “Alternative Rock,” while “Metal & Hardcore” has been renamed “Heaviness.”
Musician of the Year
- Effie
- NMIXX
- Lee Chan Hyuk
- Jennie
- Hanroro
Song of the Year
- “Blue Valentine” (NMIXX)
- “spacious house” (Woo Hee Jun)
- “Endangered Love” (Lee Chan Hyuk)
- “like JENNIE” (Jennie)
- “Heosse!” (CHUDAHYE CHAGIS)
Album of the Year
- “The Fragrance of Life” (Kwon Tree)
- “pullup to busan 4 morE hypEr summEr…” (Effie)
- “pumping of heart is torturing” (Woo Hee Jun)
- “EROS” by Lee Chan Hyuk
- “Ruby” (Jennie)
Rookie of the Year
- Gongwon
- RAKUNELAMA
- ALLDAY PROJECT
- Woo Hee Jun
- Peach Truck Hijackers.
The Kakao Creative Foundation will also offer extra support and funding for the next album production of selected Rookie of the Year nominees who are considered to need assistance.
This effort is meant to help new artists continue their creative work. In addition, the Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to the legendary rock band Songgolmae.
Best K-pop Song
- “Spaghetti” (LE SSERAFIM featuring j-hope of BTS)
- “FAMOUS” (ALLDAY PROJECT)
- “Blue Valentine” (NMIXX)
- “like JENNIE” (Jennie)
- “FOCUS” (Hearts2Hearts)
Best K-pop Album
- “The Firstfruit” (MARK)
- “Blue Valentine” (NMIXX)
- “Fe3O4: FORWARD” (NMIXX)
- “Ruby” (Jennie)
- “LIL FANTASY vol.1” (Chaeyoung of TWICE)
NMIXX made history this year by becoming the first artist to have two albums nominated in the Best K-pop Album category since the category was created.
Best Pop Song
- “MIRROR” (Yerin Baek)
- “Endangered Love” (Lee Chan Hyuk)
- “The Road to Me Is Beautiful” (Lim Hyun Jung)
- “Your Love as My Pretext” (Jowall featuring Haepa)
- “Good Goodbye” (HWASA)
Fans can watch the 23rd Korean Music Awards live on February 26, 2026, at 8 p.m. KST through the Melon app, the Melon YouTube channel, and the official Korean Music Awards YouTube channel.
