“Korean Grand Music Awards 2024: Full Winners List”

The 1st Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA) was a star-studded celebration that honored the best of the Korean music industry. Held on November 17, 2024, at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena (KSPO Dome) in Seoul, the event brought together leading artists, fans, and industry insiders for a night to remember. With dazzling performances, historic wins, and an air of excitement, the inaugural KGMA set a benchmark for recognizing musical excellence.

What is the Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA)?

The KGMA is a prestigious new award ceremony to celebrate Korean music’s incredible diversity, talent, and creativity. Unlike other music awards, the KGMA emphasizes artistic achievements across various genres while giving equal weight to popularity and critical acclaim. This makes the KGMA an inclusive and holistic platform that reflects the dynamic music landscape of South Korea.

The KGMA stands out by combining fan votes with industry panel evaluations to ensure fair and transparent recognition. The awards have quickly gained importance, providing a global stage for K-pop and other Korean music genres.

Winners of the 1st KGMA

Here is the full list of winners who took home trophies for their exceptional contributions to music in 2024:

1. Artist of the Year: BTS’ V

• BTS member V (Kim Taehyung) was crowned Artist of the Year for his outstanding solo work, including his album Layover.
• This is V’s first win at the KGMA and marks a milestone in his solo career.

2. Song of the Year: RIIZE – “Get Up”

• Rookie group RIIZE clinched the Song of the Year award for their chart-topping debut single Get Up.
• This award is a major achievement for the group, who debuted in September 2024.

3. Album of the Year: aespa – “MY WORLD”

• aespa’s mini-album MY WORLD was recognized as Album of the Year, solidifying their status as K-pop leaders.
• This is aespa’s first KGMA win, but they have won multiple accolades at other major award shows.

4. Best New Artist: ZEROBASEONE (ZB1)

• ZEROBASEONE took home the Best New Artist award for their immense popularity and successful debut.
• This win reflects their strong fanbase and promising future in the industry.

5. Global Icon Award: Stray Kids

• Stray Kids were honored with the Global Icon Award, acknowledging their significant international influence.
• The group has received similar global accolades in the past but marks their first KGMA recognition.

6. Best OST: NewJeans – “ETA”

• NewJeans’ song ETA, featured as an original soundtrack, won Best OST for its captivating sound and emotional impact.
• This is NewJeans’ first OST-related award.

7. Best Collaboration: Jungkook and Latto – “Seven”

• BTS’ Jungkook and Latto’s Seven received the Best Collaboration award for their global hit.
• Jungkook continues to shine as a soloist, alongside BTS achievements.

8. Producer of the Year: Bang Si-hyuk

• HYBE’s chairman and producer Bang Si-hyuk was named Producer of the Year for his contributions to globalizing K-pop.
• This marks yet another milestone for the music mogul.

Performances that Stole the Show

The KGMA featured electrifying performances by some of the biggest names in K-pop:

• aespa performed their hits Spicy and Welcome to MY World, leaving the audience in awe of their stage presence.
• RIIZE delivered a high-energy performance of Get Up.
• V serenaded fans with his soulful tracks Love Me Again and Slow Dancing.
• NewJeans captivated with ETA and Super Shy.

These performances added a vibrant energy to the event, showcasing the artistry and passion of K-pop.

The Importance of KGMA

The KGMA is not just another award show; it’s a platform that acknowledges the ever-evolving landscape of Korean music. By blending fan participation with expert evaluation, the KGMA provides a balanced perspective on the industry’s best talents.

This inaugural edition successfully set the tone for what promises to be an annual tradition of celebrating excellence. For artists, winning a KGMA award is a mark of prestige, and for fans, it’s a moment to witness their favorites gaining deserved recognition.

The 1st Korea Grand Music Awards was a resounding success, showcasing the best in K-pop and Korean music. With memorable wins, stunning performances, and an emphasis on inclusivity, the KGMA has established itself as a must-watch event in the global music calendar.

As we celebrate the achievements of BTS’ V, aespa, RIIZE, and many others, we can only look forward to the next edition of the KGMA to see what’s in store for Korean music’s brightest stars.

Let us know in the comments which performance or win was your favorite!