The 23rd Korean Music Awards (KMA) celebrated the nation’s top musical talents on February 26, 2026, with BLACKPINK’s Jennie and AKMU’s Lee Chan-hyuk emerging as major winners. The ceremony, known for its focus on artistic merit over commercial success, highlighted a diverse range of artists from mainstream K-Pop to the independent music scene.
Jennie’s Solo Success and Lee Chan-hyuk’s Triple Crown
Jennie of BLACKPINK achieved a significant milestone, winning both Best K-Pop Album for “Ruby” and Best K-Pop Song for “Like Jennie.” These awards serve as a critical validation of her burgeoning solo career. Meanwhile, Lee Chan-hyuk of the sibling duo AKMU was the night’s biggest winner, securing three awards: Song of the Year for “Endangered Love,” Best Pop Album for “EROS,” and Best Pop Song, also for “Endangered Love.” His wins underscore his reputation as one of Korea’s most respected songwriters. For more details on their wins, you can refer to the coverage from Forbes.
Indie Artists Shine in Top Categories
While K-Pop stars dominated their genre-specific categories, the major awards of the night went to artists from Korea’s vibrant indie scene. The coveted Album of the Year award was presented to Chudahye Chagis for “SOSUMINJOK,” while singer-songwriter Hanroro was named Musician of the Year. The Rookie of the Year award went to Woo Huijun, who also won Best Alternative Rock Song. This highlights the KMA’s commitment to recognizing artistic achievement across the entire musical spectrum.
A Celebration of Musical Diversity
The Korean Music Awards once again proved to be a unique platform where artists of all genres are judged on a level playing field. The ceremony featured a wide array of winners, from rock and hip-hop to R&B and folk. This approach provides a refreshing alternative to other awards shows that are often criticized for being popularity contests. The full list of winners can be found on various news outlets, including allkpop.
References
- Forbes: Korean Music Awards 2026: Full Winners List
- allkpop: Winners of the ‘2026 23rd Korean Music Awards (KMA)’ announced
