The inaugural Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA) made its grand debut in Incheon, captivating audiences with a two-day music festival featuring a star-studded lineup of performances. Organized by Ilgan Sports, the KGMA was designed to recognize the most talented artists in the K-pop industry, honoring those who have made significant contributions to music and entertainment.

Recognizing the Trailblazers of the K-Pop Scene

Honoring the Cream of the Crop

The KGMA's first edition was a resounding success, with a diverse array of artists taking home prestigious accolades. NewJeans was crowned the 2024 Grand Artist, cementing their status as one of the most captivating and influential acts in the K-pop landscape. (G)I-DLE, on the other hand, was awarded the 2024 Grand Record, a testament to their musical prowess and the impact of their discography.The 2024 Grand Honors Choice award went to the up-and-coming group ZEROBASEONE, a testament to their potential and the recognition they have garnered from industry experts. The Best Artist category was a true showcase of K-pop's depth and diversity, with winners such as D.O., ZEROBASEONE, STAYC, P1Harmony, SHINee's Taemin, Lee Young Ji, YOUNGTAK, Jeong Dong Won, NewJeans, and (G)I-DLE.

Celebrating Individual Brilliance

The KGMA also shone a spotlight on individual talents, with SHINee's Taemin taking home the Best Solo Artist award. The Best Band category was dominated by the dynamic group QWER, while Lee Young Ji emerged victorious in the Best Hip-Hop Artist category. EXO's D.O. and BIBI were recognized as the Best R&B (Male) and Best R&B (Female) artists, respectively.The awards ceremony also celebrated the contributions of artists in other genres, with Yoo Hwe Seung winning the Best OST award and Lee Mujin being honored for his Best Rock Ballad. The IS Rising Star award went to the promising newcomer JD1, while Lee Mujin was also recognized for his "Best Memory" performance.

Honoring Enduring Legacies

The KGMA also paid tribute to the enduring legacies of K-pop icons, with YOUNGTAK being named the Lotte Caliverse Transcendent Artist of the Year and SHINee's Taemin receiving the Lullua x Fancast Best Popularity award. The prestigious K-pop Legendary Artist award was bestowed upon the legendary group TVXQ, solidifying their status as true pioneers in the industry.

Celebrating Collaborations and Innovations

The KGMA also recognized the power of collaboration and innovation in the K-pop scene. BIBI's partnership with the global dance crew 1MILLION for her new double single "Derre" was a highlight, showcasing the artist's versatility and the industry's embrace of cross-cultural exchanges.The inaugural Korea Grand Music Awards was a resounding success, celebrating the remarkable talents and contributions of the K-pop industry. As the awards continue to evolve, they are poised to become a premier platform for recognizing the best and brightest in the ever-evolving world of Korean music.