K-pop stars' festival '2026 the awards' opens in splendor.
The Sports Donga-hosted '2nd the awards (D AWARDS with upick)' takes place today (11th) at 6 p.m. at Hwajeong Gymnasium, Korea University, Seongbuk District, Seoul.
Sixteen of the country's top artist acts and 21 presenters have gathered in one place. Lee Jong-won will host again this year, and MZ trend actors Shin Ye Eun and BOYNEXTDOOR's Myung Jae-hyun join as new additions.
# 극강의 라인업
The ultimate lineup brightens 'the awards.' P1Harmony (P1Harmony), ENHYPEN (ENHYPEN), FIFTY FIFTY (FIFTY FIFTY), xikers (xikers), BOYNEXTDOOR (BOYNEXTDOOR), Hi-Fi Un!corn (Hi-Fi Un!corn), ZEROBASEONE (ZEROBASEONE), 82MAJOR (82MAJOR), QWER (QWER), NCT WISH (NCT WISH), NEXZ (NEXZ), izna (izna), KickFlip (KickFlip), AHOF (AHOF), AxMxP (AxMxP), CHUEI LI YU (CHUEI LI YU) (in debut order) join the second journey of 'the awards.'
Presenters also stand out. Kangnam, Kim Dasom, Kim Ona, Kim Haejun, Na Boram, Moon Yu-gang, Mimiminu, Park Seoham, Park Ji-yeon, Bae In Hyuk, Song A, Ahn Eun-jin, Ahn Hyo Seop, Oh Yeon-seo, You Jae-phil, Lee Suji, Lee Joo-an, Im Soo-hyang, Jeon Yeo-been, Choi Jin-hyuk and Hong Jong Hyun are among the stars from various fields serving as presenters.
# 공정한 심사를 거쳐 결정된 결과
'the awards black label (D AWARDS BLACK LABEL)', 'the awards delights blue label (D AWARDS DELIGHTS BLUE LABEL)', and 'the awards dreams silver label (D AWARDS DREAMS SILVER LABEL)' are held across three major categories.
'the awards black label' is the title corresponding to the grand prizes and awards across eight categories including artist of the year, album, song, performance, record, trend, the awards iconic and the awards global. 'the awards delights blue label' is given to the main awards that form the backbone of the ceremony and to the detailed best categories. The best categories were awarded in advance to consider the ceremony's speed up. 'the awards dreams silver label' targets outstanding rookies who will lead Korea's popular music in the future.
Along with this, the 'the awards impact,' given to actors and broadcasters who delivered the most impressive performances during the year, and eight popularity awards in partnership with global fandom platform upick also receive blue labels. Attention is focused on who will take the honor of the awards' tricolor trophy, another symbol of 'the awards.'
# 'pre-announcement' reveals winners in advance
'the awards' disclosed pre-award artists via its official social channels considering the ceremony's 'speed up.' The best tour honor went to ENHYPEN for the world tour 'Work the Line.' Best recording was awarded to P1Harmony's album 'DUH!' and BOYNEXTDOOR's 'The Action.' Best song went to NCT WISH's 'poppop' and izna's 'SIGN.' NCT WISH was named the first winner of best social contents.
The best stage category was won by xikers and NEXZ. Best group included ENHYPEN, BOYNEXTDOOR, NMIXX and izna. ZEROBASEONE won best video for 'ICONIK,' and the song 'Backpacker' from the 'Study Group' track sung by members Matthew and Geonuk received best O.S.T. Best choreography went to FIFTY FIFTY for the song 'Pookie.' QWER won best band for the second consecutive year following last year. 'the awards breakthrough (BREAKTHROUGH)' was claimed by 82MAJOR. 'the awards discovery of the year' selected Hi-Fi Un!corn, AHOF, AxMxP and CHUEI LI YU respectively. The pre-awards drew intense interest from global K-pop fans and heightened anticipation for the main ceremony.
'The 2nd the awards' will be held today (11th) at 6 p.m. at Hwajeong Gymnasium, Korea University, Seongbuk District, Seoul. It will be broadcast live on Channel A Plus and delayed on Channel A at midnight the same day. [Photo] 'the awards' [OSEN]