The 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards has kicked off its second day with a bang! The prestigious ceremony, held at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, South Korea, promises to be a night of glitz, glamour, and incredible performances. But who will take home the coveted trophies this year?
The Red Carpet Extravaganza: The evening's hosts, Nam Ji Hyun and Natty, graced the red carpet, accompanied by K-drama and K-pop royalty. Industry heavyweights Byeon Woo Seok, Choi Sooyoung, Ong Seong Wu, Park Se Wan, and Lee Se Young were in attendance, ready to present awards to the night's biggest winners.
A Star-Studded Performance Lineup: The stage was set alight with performances from fan favorites and rising stars alike. BtoB, Stray Kids, IVE, P1Harmony, and EXO's Suho were among the established acts, while Hearts2Hearts, UNIS, and KickFlip brought fresh energy as newcomers. The diverse lineup showcased the breadth of talent in the K-pop and K-drama world.
And the Winners Are... The awards ceremony celebrated a wide range of artists and their unique contributions. Here's a glimpse into the night's big winners:
- Best Music 10: A highly contested category, the top 10 included EXO's Suho, fromis_9, IVE, ENHYPEN, SEVENTEEN, NCT's Mark, aespa, KISS OF LIFE, P1Harmony, and Stray Kids. A diverse range of sounds and styles, proving the depth of the K-pop genre.
- Rising Stars and Rookies: IDID, KickFlip, Hearts2Hearts, CLOSE YOUR EYES, and AHOF were recognized as the industry's freshest talents, with AHOF also taking home the Best Dance Performance award.
- Best Selling Album: Stray Kids claimed the top spot for their album 'KARMA', a testament to their global popularity.
- Global Recognition: IVE and EXO's Suho dominated the global categories, solidifying their international fan base. IVE won Best Global K-pop Star, while Suho took home the BIGC Global Star Award.
- Daesang (Grand Prize) Winners: The night's biggest honors went to Stray Kids, who swept the Grand Record and Grand Honor's Choice awards, and IVE, who won the Grand Song award.
But here's where it gets controversial—some fans are questioning the absence of certain artists from the winner's list. Were there any snubs or surprises that caught your attention? Share your thoughts in the comments below! This year's Korea Grand Music Awards has certainly sparked conversations and debates among fans worldwide.