On November 14 and 15, the Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA) recognized not only the top artists but also the rookies who won our hearts. Let’s check out the complete list of winners from the 2025 KGMA.
Full List of Winners from the 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA)
The 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards took place over two nights, featuring many memorable moments. The event showed that K-pop is more than just entertainment; it’s a cultural movement. Stray Kids won five awards, ATEEZ received the top honor of the night, and new artists finally got their chance to shine.
The event took place at Incheon’s INSPIRE Arena. Nam Ji Hyun and Irene from Red Velvet hosted on Day 1, while Natty hosted on Day 2. They brought warmth and excitement to every announcement.
Day 1, called “ARTIST DAY,” focused on individual talent and performance. Day 2, known as “MUSIC DAY,” celebrated the songs and albums that changed playlists. This is what made the event unforgettable.
The Big Winners: Who Took Home the Daesang (Grand Prize)
ATEEZ took home the Grand Artist award, proving that they are not just a rising star but a K-pop powerhouse. Then, BOYNEXTDOOR claimed the Grand Performer title, showing that fresh voices absolutely belong at the top.
On Night 2, Stray Kids dominated with both Grand Record and Grand Honor’s Choice, while IVE’s “Grand Song” win reminded everyone why their music keeps replaying in your head.
Lee Chan Won’s Four-Award Night: The Trot Artist Who Dominated
Lee Chan Won won four awards, including Best Adult Contemporary, Popularity Award, and a spot in the Top 10 Artists. His wins show more respect for musicians who appreciate Korea’s traditional music while keeping up with modern trends. This strong connection helps improve the music industry.
Rising Stars Who Earned Their Moment
Here are some artists you will love in the future. MEOVV won the IS Rookie award. IDID, KickFlip, and Hearts2Hearts took home the IS Rising Star awards. NEXZ showed off K-pop’s international appeal by winning the K-pop International Artist award. These artists will still be popular in 2026, not just names on a list.
The Vocal Legends and Performance Kings
BTOB claimed the Best Vocal award, showing why K-pop fans trust their singing abilities. LUCY took Best Band, and AHOF received the Best Dance Performance award. Then, Xdinary Heroes showed why their live energy is untouchable with their Best Stage award. aespa’s song “Whiplash” won the Best Streaming Song award because it was extremely popular and enjoyed by K-pop fans.
Full KGMA 2025 Winners
Day 1 (Artist Day) – November 14
Grand Prizes
- Grand Artist: ATEEZ
- Grand Performer: BOYNEXTDOOR
- Grand Honor’s Choice: THE BOYZ, ALLDAY PROJECT
Best Artist 10:
- ATEEZ
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- CRAVITY
- FIFTY FIFTY
- Jennie
- Lee Chan Won
- RIIZE
- THE BOYZ
- Xdinary Heroes
- xikers
Performance & Technical Awards
- Best Stage: CRAVITY
- Best Band: Xdinary Heroes
- Best Music Video: Jin – “Don’t Say You Love Me”
Vocal & Genre Awards
- Best Hip Hop: j-hope
- Best Adult Contemporary: Lee Chan Won
- Best Trot Performance: Park Seo Jin
- Best OST: D.O – “FOREVER” (“Resident Playbook” OST)
Creative & Industry Awards
- Best Producer: Teddy
- Best Memory: WOODZ
Rising Talent & Special Awards
- IS Rookie: MEOVV
- IS Rising Star: KiiiKiii, ALLDAY PROJECT
- K-pop Global Artist: INI
- Best Popularity: Lee Chan Won
- iMBANK Smart Supporter Award: THE BOYZ
- Trend of the Year: Lee Chan Won, NewJeans
Day 2 (Music Day) – November 15
Grand Prizes
- Grand Record: Stray Kids
- Grand Song: IVE
- Grand Honor’s Choice: Stray Kids
Best Music 10:
- aespa
- ENHYPEN
- fromis_9
- IVE
- KISS OF LIFE
- Mark (NCT)
- P1Harmony
- SEVENTEEN
- Stray Kids
- Suho (EXO)
Vocal & Performance Awards
- Best Vocal: BTOB
- Best Solo Artist: Suho (EXO); Dayoung (WJSN)
- Best Dance Performance: AHOF
- Best Band: LUCY
- Best Adult Contemporary: Jang Min Ho
- Best Trot Stage: Jang Min Ho
Music & Streaming Awards
- Best Streaming Song: aespa – “Whiplash”
- Best Selling Album: Stray Kids – “KARMA”
Artist & Global Recognition
- Best Global K-pop Star: IVE
- Most Popular Artist: Stray Kids
- K-pop International Artist: NEXZ
- 2025 BIGC Global Star Award: Suho (EXO)
- ENA K-pop Artist: IVE
- Hulu Japan Popularity Award: NEXZ
Special Awards
- Best Virtual Artist: PLAVE
- Best Listeners Pick: UNIS
- Style Icon: UNIS
Rising Talent Awards
- IS Rising Star: IDID, KickFlip, Hearts2Hearts
- IS Rookie: AHOF, CLOSE YOUR EYES
Fan Engagement & Trends
- Fan Favorite Artist: Jimin (BTS), Yuqi (i-dle)
- Trend of the Year: V (BTS), Carmen (Hearts2Hearts)
Your Fandom Power Writes K-Pop’s Future
The 2025 KGMA recognizes not only fame but also talent in artistry, singing, production, and cultural impact. This year’s winners showcase the diversity of K-pop from rising stars making their mark to established acts setting new standards.
As a fan, you play a key role in this awards show. Your support helps decide which artists get recognized, which songs become popular, and which voices move to the next level.
So, who surprised you this year? Which winner really earned their award? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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