From cute charm to charisma. K-pop stars showcasing diverse charms on domestic and international stages have joined the special lineup for the 2025 KGMA hosted by Ilgan Sports.
On the 30th, the KGMA organizing committee officially announced that BTOB, Suho (EXO), I-DIT, INI, UNIS, and P1Harmony (in Korean alphabetical order) will appear in the special lineup for the 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards with iM뱅크 (2025 KGMA), to be held Nov. 14 and 15 at Inspire Arena in Unseo-dong, Jung District, Incheon.
BTOB (Seo Eunkwang, Lee Minhyuk, Im Hyunsik, Peniel) is a talented group that debuted in 2012 and has long been loved by K-pop fans for its diverse charms. Known as an idol group that achieved success by putting ballads rather than dance at the forefront, they boast a broad musical spectrum; many members pursue solo activities and are active not only as singers but also as actors.
Suho, leader of the group EXO and a solo artist, continues to be active in various ways. Since 2020 he has offered diverse rock genres through three solo albums, and with his fourth mini album, Who Are You, released on the 22nd, he put the stamp on the "Suho genre." The album proved Suho's depth and strength by reaching No. 1 on iTunes in 20 regions.
I-DIT (Jang Yonghun, Kim Minjae, Park Wonbin, Chu Yuchan, Park Sunghyun, Baek Junhoek, Jeong Semin) is a seven-member rookie group born from Starship Entertainment's large-scale project "Debut's Plan," and debuted on the 15th with their first mini album, I Did It. With solid skills and star quality, I-DIT proved their overwhelming momentum by reaching the top of music shows with the title track "Gorgeously on my own" just 12 days after debut.
INI (Rihito, Takumi, Masaya, Takeru, Yudai, Fengpan, Hiromu, Shogo, Hiroto, Kyosuke, Jin) is a Japanese boy group formed through the Korea-Japan joint production Produce 101 Japan Season 2 and debuted in 2021 with their first single, A. With last June's album The Frame becoming a million-seller, they are enjoying top-tier popularity locally.
UNIS (Jin Hyeonju, Nana, Gehlee, Kotoko, Bang Yunha, Elicia, Oh Yuna, Lim Seowon) returns to KGMA this year after winning two awards at the first KGMA last year: the IS rookie award and the K-pop group category of Trend of the Year, whose winner is decided by compiling monthly votes. They held their first fan-con tour in Seoul and Japan and recently released their first Japanese digital single, Moshimoshi♡, building a global foundation.
P1Harmony (Kiho, Theo, Jiwoong, Intak, Soul, Jongseob) will also join this year's KGMA following last year's ceremony. Starting with mini album 6, Harmony : All In, they have placed three consecutive albums on the U.S. Billboard main albums chart, the Billboard 200, and continue nonstop global activities with a second world tour and the release of an English album, X.
KGMA is an awards ceremony newly established by Ilgan Sports to present a new paradigm in Korea's popular music scene. Before announcing the special lineup, the 2025 KGMA organizing committee officially announced performances by NEXG, The Boyz, Lucy, Miyao, Park Seojin, Boynextdoor, Stray Kids, Psykers, IVE, Ahop, ATEEZ, Xdinary Heroes, All Day Project, WOODS, Lee Chanwon, Jang Minho, CRAVITY, Close Your Eyes, Kiss of Life, Kiki, KickFlip, fromis_9, FIFTY FIFTY, Hearts2Hearts, and SMTR25. Including the special lineup unveiled that day, a total of 32 acts will fill the KGMA stage with passion.
Actor Nam Jihyun, returning as MC for two consecutive days following last year, will be joined by Red Velvet's Irene and Kiss of Life's Natti as MCs on the 14th and 15th, respectively.
This year's KGMA is hosted by Ilgan Sports (Edaily M) and co-hosted by the KGMA organizing committee, Creatoring, and DIO. Title sponsor participation comes from IM Bank, and the event is supported by Incheon Metropolitan City and Incheon Tourism Organization. Overseas inbound tickets are operated by Noldeun Oppadeul and Art Firm Factory, and BigK handles domestic tickets.
KT ENA is participating as the broadcast host again this year, and KGMA music and album data are provided by Hanteo Chart, GENIE MUSIC, Flo, and Bugs. Official fan voting is conducted through the FanCast app, and production is handled by Set The Stage.
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