The best K-pop stars active on the global stage will illuminate the 2025 KGMA stage.
On the 3rd, the KGMA organizing committee announced the first lineup for the 2nd Korea Grand Music Awards (2025 KGMA), which will take place at Inspire Arena in Unseo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, on November 14 and 15, including BOYNEXTDOOR, Stray Kids, IVE, ATEEZ, KISS OF LIFE, and FIFTY FIFTY (hereinafter in alphabetical order), and previewed a grand K-pop festival.
BOYNEXTDOOR (Sung-ho, Liu, Myung-jae-hyun, Tae-san, Lee-han, Un-hak) showcased powerful music chart performance through their January release 'I Love You Today,' establishing themselves as representative idols of the 5th generation boy groups. They also captivated local listeners with their recent Japanese single, sweeping the Oricon charts.
Stray Kids (Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N) is a global top artist who set a K-pop artist record of seven consecutive No. 1s on the U.S. Billboard main album chart 'Billboard 200.' The regular album 'Karma,' released on the 22nd of last month, sold over 3 million copies within a week of its release, demonstrating exceptional power and status.
IVE (An Yu-jin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Won-young, Liz, Lee Seo) dominated the music scene earlier this year with the pre-release track 'Revel Heart' from their mini-album No. 3 'IVE Empathy' and successfully transformed their musical style through the title track 'XOXZ' from their mini-album No. 4 'IVE Secret,' released on the 25th of last month. IVE also became the first K-pop girl group to perform two consecutive years at Lollapalooza, the largest global music festival.
ATEEZ (Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, Jongho) proved their strong global popularity by entering the Billboard 'Hot 100' with the title tracks 'Lemon Drop' from their mini-album No. 12 'Golden Hour: Part 3' and 'In Your Fantasy Edition.' They have also transformed into stadium artists after successfully completing their North American tour.
KISS OF LIFE (Juli, Natti, Belle, Haneul) received immense love with 'Sticky' last year and continued their popularity this year with 'Lips Hips Kiss.' With their sensational performances and stages, the song topped the weekly Korean chart on QQ Music, China's largest music site.
FIFTY FIFTY (Kina, Mun Chanel, Yewon, Hana, Athena) have been cherished for a long time with their title track 'Pooky' from the release in April titled 'Day and Night,' which gained traction on the charts. The five members, known for their beautiful harmonies and solid performances, have built trust with the public and are also active in various entertainment programs.
The KGMA organizing committee plans to announce the second and third lineups of artists who will grace this award ceremony sequentially.
The KGMA is an award ceremony newly established by Ilgan Sports to present a new paradigm in the Korean popular music industry. At the first awards ceremony held on November 16-17 last year, New Jeans, DAY6, (G)I-DLE, aespa, ATEEZ, and ZEROBASEONE were awarded the prestigious 2024 Grand Trophy.
The 2025 KGMA will feature artists who have made significant achievements in various sectors of popular music such as K-pop, bands, and trot, receiving love from fans domestically and internationally over the year. Red Velvet's Irene and KISS OF LIFE's Natti will serve as MCs on the 14th and 15th, respectively, while actress Nam Ji-hyun will also return as MC for both days, collaborating with the two.
The KGMA is hosted by Ilgan Sports (Edaily M) and co-organized by the KGMA organizing committee, Creator Ring, and DIO. The KGMA music and album data is provided by HANTEC, GENIE MUSIC, FLO, and Bugs, and the official fan voting is conducted through the Fancast app.
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