Stars leading the present and future of K-pop gather in one place to heat up a summer night.
The global K-pop festival 'KMA (KM Chart Awards) 2026' opens in a dazzling ceremony today (25th) at 6:30 p.m. at Korea University Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.
Hosted by KM Chart and KM Chart World and organized by the KMA organizing committee and UPICK, 'KMA 2026' is a music festival and awards ceremony for artists who shone brightly on the global music scene over the past year and the global fans who have fully supported them. Along with four grand prizes in different institutional sectors, main awards, rookie awards and popularity awards, trophies will be presented to the leading K-pop figures who showed the best performances of the year.
A total of 15 teams, from top artists asserting their presence on the global stage to super rookies who will lead the next generation of K-pop, have lined up to create a megaton lineup this year. Led by TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), P1Harmony, Hi-Fi Unicorn, ZEROBASEONE (ZB1), 82MAJOR, YUNIS, VVUP, KickFlip, Hearts2Hearts (Haatuh), NEWBEAT, ALLDAY PROJECT, Cortis, Alphadriveone, Longshot and Modyssey will all appear to deliver performances you can't see anywhere else.
Actors Kang Tae-oh and Won Jian, who picked up the K-pop awards ceremony MC mic for the first time since their debuts, will anchor the festival with fresh chemistry and bright energy. In addition, actor Byeon Woo-seok, who recently sparked a global syndrome, will appear as an awards presenter to add luster to the event. Having risen to global prominence with the drama Lovely Runner and even sung its OST, all eyes are on which artist he will hand the trophy to.
The stages of the Fan's Choice winners, decided 100% by fans' votes, are also must-see highlights. Previously announced winners such as TOMORROW X TOGETHER, YUNIS and Longshot, confirmed in advance, will deliver special stages and heartfelt acceptance speeches that are expected to amplify the emotion on site.
Meanwhile, 'KMA 2026,' which draws expectations with its perfect three-part lineup, will sync with fans in living rooms worldwide through global live broadcasts. It will be streamed live on global platform Hello Live and Japan's ABEMA, and will also be available on delayed broadcast via MBC M.
[Photo] KMA 2026
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