The first day of the 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA) wrapped up on November 14. Ahead of the ceremony, the organizing committee revealed several major winners from Artist Day. The full list of categories and the Grand Prizes (Daesang) will be announced after Music Day on November 15.
Jennie of BLACKPINK, ATEEZ, RIIZE, FIFTY FIFTY, and more were selected as part of the Top 10 Best Artists. Jennie had an especially strong year, with her first full-length solo album, “Ruby.” It received widespread praise and was even listed among Billboard’s “50 Best Albums of 2025.” RIIZE, ATEEZ, BOYNEXTDOOR, xikers, Lee Chan Won, and more were among the KMGA 2025 winners.
Jin of BTS earned Best Music Video for “Don’t Say You Love Me” (starring Shin Se Kyung), the title track of his second mini album Echo. j-hope also secured a major win and took home Best Hip-Hop with his digital single “Killin’ It Girl.”
Trot singer Lee Chanwon won Trend of the Year (Trot) for his album “Chanran.” Meanwhile, NewJeans was chosen as Trend of the Year (K-pop Group).
The KGMA, created by Ilgan Sports, is an annual ceremony honoring excellence in Korean music. This year’s event, titled “KGMA with iM Bank,” is being held at the Inspire Arena in Incheon over two days. Artist Day was hosted by Nam Ji Hyun and Red Velvet’s Irene, and the ceremony is being broadcast on KT ENA. Fans around the world can watch through TikTok Live, except in Japan and China, where it is available on Hulu Japan.
The festival continues on November 15 with Music Day, where the remaining categories and the Daesang awards will be presented. The second day will also feature performances from artists including Stray Kids, IVE, BTOB, P1Harmony, and Kiss of Life.
2025 Korea Grand Music Awards Winners
Grand Honor’s Choice (Daesang)
- THE BOYZ
- ALLDAY PROJECT
Grand Performer (Daesang)
- BOYNEXTDOOR
Grand Artist (Daesang)
- ATEEZ
Top 10 Best Artists
- Jennie
- RIIZE
- ATEEZ
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- FIFTY FIFTY
- xikers
- CRAVITY
- THE BOYZ
Best Rookie
- MEOVV
Rising Star
- ALLDAY PROJECT
- KiiiKiii
Best Band
- Xdinary Heroes
Best Stage
- CRAVITY
Best Memory
- Woodz
Best OST
- “Forever” (“Resident Playbook”) by D.O. (Doh Kyungsoo)
Best Producer
- Teddy
Best Music Video
- “Don’t Say You Love Me” (Jin of BTS)
Best Hip-Hop
- j-hope of BTS
K-pop Global Artist
- INI
Best Trot Performance
- Park Seo Jin
Trend of the Year (Kpop Group)
- NewJeans
Trend of the Year (K-pop Solo)
- V (Kim Taehyung)
Fan Favorite (Male)
- Jimin
Trend of the Year (Trot)
- Lee Chanwon
Popularity Award
- Lee Chanwon
Congratulations to the KGMA 2025 winners!
