"YG Family: The Unbreakable Bond" made its name side by side on the "Golden Disc Powerhouse 40," showcasing its strength.
The Golden Disc Awards, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, released the list of the "Golden Disc Powerhouse 40," selecting figures who left a significant mark on 40 years of Korea's popular music history. Fifty music experts — including song producers, composers, lyricists, media content officials, journalists, and critics — participated directly as the "Golden Disc Powerhouse selection committee," enhancing its credibility.
According to the list released by the Golden Disc organizers, BLACKPINK, Big Bang and G-Dragon, along with Yang Hyun-suk, YG Entertainment's chief producer, were selected for the "Golden Disc Powerhouse 40."
The "Golden Disc Powerhouse 40" is significant as a record that encapsulates 40 years of Korea's popular music history. It can be interpreted as an indicator that looks back on the past, assesses the present and reflects the future. Selections ranged widely from figures who pioneered new music genres or created music that defined an era to those who built industry systems and introduced Korea's popular music culture to the world.
Yang Hyun-suk, the chief producer, laid the foundation of Korean dance music in the 1990s by personally leading choreography and stage direction during the Seo Taiji and Boys era, and later led YG Entertainment to create global idol groups such as Big Bang, 2NE1 and BLACKPINK, expanding K-pop into a global industry.
Among them, Big Bang saw all members participate in writing and composing, producing numerous hits such as "Lies," "Haru Haru" and "FANTASTIC BABY," and has been loved by the public in its 20th year since debut as an irreplaceable idol group with style, musicality and star power. In particular, G-Dragon, who gained popularity as a solo artist with songs such as "Heartbreaker," "Crayon" and "Crooked" and has been active as a "fashion icon," emerged as the only "dual selectee" named both individually and as part of a group, proving his unparalleled influence.
BLACKPINK is also a representative fourth-generation idol that led the global streaming era with songs such as "DDU-DU DDU-DU," "Kill This Love" and "How You Like That." With 99 million YouTube subscribers and 58.67 million Instagram followers (as of 2 p.m. on the 9th), they are cited as a successful case of global branding among K-pop female groups.
Meanwhile, the 40th Golden Disc Awards, marking its 40th anniversary, will be held at Taipei Dome in Taiwan on Jan. 10, 2026.
[Photo] Golden Disc Secretariat
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