Korean Music Awards Explained
| Hangul: | 한국대중음악상 |
| Hanja: | 韓國大眾音樂賞 |
| Rr: | Han-guk Daejung Eumaksang |
| Mr: | Han'guk Taejung Ŭmaksang |
The Korean Music Awards is an annual South Korean music awards show that honors both mainstream and underground musical artists from a variety of genres.[1] Unlike other major South Korean music awards, which largely rely on record sales to determine winners, the Korean Music Awards distributes awards based on the recommendations of a panel of judges consisting of music critics, radio show producers, academics, and other professionals within the industry. The first ceremony was held in 2004,[2] and is regarded as one of the most prestigious music awards in the country.[3] [4]
Ceremonies
Categories
The event currently has approximately 20 categories, including the Musician of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and genre awards in pop, rock, modern rock, metal & hardcore, folk, dance & electronic, hip hop, R&B & soul, and jazz & crossover music.[25]
Musician of the Year (Grand Prize)
Note: The award for Musician of the Year was divided into Male, Female and Group awards from 2004 to 2007.
Album of the Year (Grand Prize)
| Year | Winner | Album |
|---|
| 2024 | Beenzino | Nowitzki |
| 2023 | 250 | Ppong |
| 2022 | | There is a Wolf |
| 2021 | Jeongmilla | CheongPa Sonata |
| 2020 | | Our Love Is Great |
| 2019 | Jang Pil-Soon | Soony Eight:소길花 |
| 2018 | Kang Tae-gu | bleu |
| 2017 | Jo Dong-jin | As A Tree |
| 2016 | | The Anecdote |
| 2015 | | W.A.N.D.Y |
| 2014 | Yoon Young-bae | Dangerous World |
| 2013 | | Dreamtalk |
| 2012 | | Kiha & The Faces |
| 2011 | | Garion 2 |
| 2010 | Seoul Electric Band | Life Is Strange |
| 2009 | Sister's Barbershop | Most Ordinary Existence |
| 2008 | | Songs Made of Wood |
| 2007 | Swallow | Aresco |
| 2006 | | Second Moon |
| 2005 | | Just Pop |
| 2004 | The The | The The Band | |
Song of the Year (Grand Prize)
Rookie of the Year
Genre Awards
Best Pop Album
Best Pop Song
Best K-Pop Album
Best K-Pop Song
Best Rock Album
Best Rock Song
| Year | Winner | Song |
|---|
| 2024 | Seoul Electric Band | "Ghost Writers" |
| 2022 | Soumbalgwang | "Dance" |
| 2021 | ABTB (feat. YoonChul Shin) | "Daydream" |
| 2020 | Jambinai | "ONDA" |
| 2019 | Life and Time | "Jamsugyo" |
| 2018 | Se So Neon | "The Wave" |
| 2017 | | "Revolution" |
| 2016 | Lowdown 30 | "More Burning" |
| 2015 | Asian Chairshot | "Haeya" |
| 2014 | Yellow Monsters | "Red Flag" |
| 2013 | Jung Cha-shik | "Street Musician" |
| 2012 | Kiha & The Faces | "That Kind of Relationship" |
| 2011 | Gate Flowers | "Reserves" |
| 2010 | Guckkasten | "Mirror" |
| 2009 | Kiha & The Faces | "Cheap Coffee" |
| 2008 | Mary Epic | "Can't be Happy Without You" |
| 2007 | Strikers | "Turn Back Time" |
| 2006 | Black Hole | "Life" | |
Best Modern Rock Album
Best Modern Rock Song
| Year | Winner | Song |
|---|
| 2024 | Silica Gel | "Machine Boy" |
| 2023 | "No Pain" |
| 2022 | "Desert Eagle" |
| 2021 | Leenalchi | "Tiger Is Coming" |
| 2020 | Jannabi | "For Lovers Who Hesitate" |
| 2019 | Say Sue Me | "Old Town" |
| 2018 | Hyukoh | "Tomboy" |
| 2017 | 9 and the Numbers | "Song for Tuvalu" |
| 2016 | Hyukoh | "Comes and Goes" |
| 2015 | 9 and the Numbers | "Hide and Seek" |
| 2014 | Yoon Young-bae | "Dangerous World" |
| 2013 | 3rd Line Butterfly | "The Day We Breakup is Today" |
| 2012 | Lee Seung-yeol | "Not Coming Back" |
| 2011 | Broccoli, You Too? | "Graduation" |
| 2010 | "Universal Song" |
| 2009 | Sister's Barbershop | "Beautiful thing" |
| 2008 | Lee Seung-yeol | "Adonai" |
| 2007 | Roller Coaster | "Popular Song" |
| 2006 | Seoul Electric Band | "Come into My Dream" | |
Best Metal & Hardcore Album
| Year | Winner | Album |
|---|
| 2024 | Mahatma | Reason For Silence |
| 2022 | Agnes | Hegemony Shift |
| 2021 | Remnants of the Fallen | All the Wounded and Broken |
| 2020 | Method | Definition of Method |
| 2019 | Dark Mirror ov Tragedy | The Lord ov Shadows |
| 2018 | Abyss | Recrowned |
| 2017 | Remnants of the Fallen | Shadow Walk |
| 2016 | Method | Abstract | |
Best Folk Album
Best Folk Song
| Year | Winner | Song |
|---|
| 2024 | Yeoyu and Seolbin | "Like the Stars in the Night Sky" |
| 2022 | Chun Yong-sung | "Barley Tea" (feat. Kang Mal-geum) |
| 2021 | Jeongmilla | "Departing from Seoul Station" |
| 2020 | Chun Yongsung | "Heavy Snow Watch" |
| 2019 | Kim Sa-wol | "Someone" |
| 2018 | Kang Tae-gu | "bleu" |
| 2017 | Lang Lee | "Playing God" |
| 2016 | Kwon Tree | "April, 2014" |
| 2015 | "Childhood" | |
Best Dance & Electronic Album
Best Dance & Electronic Song
Best Rap & Hip Hop Album
Best Rap & Hip Hop Song
Best R&B & Soul Album
Best R&B & Soul Song
| Year | Winner | Song |
|---|
| 2024 | Youra | "(Motif)" |
| 2023 | | "Jotto" |
| 2022 | Sumin & Slom | "The Gonlan Song" |
| 2021 | Chudahye Chagis | "Ritual Dance" |
| 2020 | Jclef | "mama, see" |
| 2019 | Sumin | "Your Home" (feat. Xin Seha) |
| 2018 | Rico | "Paradise" |
| 2017 | jeebanoff | "Sungbuk-gu Kids" |
| 2016 | Dean | "Pour Up" |
| 2015 | Zion.T | "Yanghwa BRDG" |
| 2014 | Jinbo | "Fantasy" |
| 2013 | Naul | "Wind Memory" |
| 2012 | Junggigo | "Blind" |
| 2011 | Deez | "Sugar" |
| 2010 | Jungyup | "You Are My Lady" |
| 2009 | | "Only Look At Me" |
| 2008 | Yoon Mi-rae | "What's Up! Mr. Good Stuff" |
| 2007 | Heritage | "Starlight" (feat. P-Type) |
| 2006 | Windy City | "Love Supreme" | |
Best Jazz & Crossover Album
| Year | Category | Winner | Album |
|---|
| 2024 | Jazz | Yujin Kim | Extraordinary |
| 2022 | Jazz | Jihye Lee Orchestra | Daring Mind |
| 2021 | Jazz | MALO | Song Changsik Song Book |
| Crossover | Leenalchi | SUGUNGGA |
| 2020 | Jazz | Kim Oki | Spirit Advance Unit |
| Crossover | Black String | Karma |
| 2019 | Jazz | Sunji Lee | Song of April |
| Crossover | near east quartet | near east quartet |
| 2018 | Jazz | Lee Jiyeun Contemporary Jazz Orchestra | Feather, Dream Drop |
| Crossover | Han Seung Seok & Jung Jaeil | And There, The Sea At Last |
| 2017 | Jazz | Choi Sung Ho Singularity | When The Wind Blows |
| Crossover | Second Moon | Pansori Chunhyang-ga |
| 2016 | Jazz | BuYoung Lee | Little Star |
| Crossover | The NEQ | PASSING OF ILLUSION |
| 2015 | Jazz | Lee Seon-ji | The Night Of The Border |
| Crossover | Han Seung-seok & Jung Jae-il | Bari abandoned |
| 2014 | Jazz | Na Yoon-sun | Lento |
| Crossover | Salon de Oh Soo-gyeong | Salon de Tango |
| 2013 | Jazz | Lee Won-sool | Point Of Contact |
| Crossover | Jambinai | Différance |
| 2012 | Jazz | BG Salon | Repeat, Pause, Play |
| Crossover | Park Joo-won | Fiesta of Sadness |
| 2011 | Jazz | Na Yoon-sun | Same Girl |
| Crossover | La Ventana | Nostalgia and the Delicate Woman |
| 2010 | Jazz | Song Young-joo | Love Never Fails |
| Crossover | Park Joo-won | Time Of The Gypsies |
| 2009 | Jazz | Na Yoon-sun | Voyage |
| Crossover | Miyeon & Park Je-chun | Dreams From The Ancestor |
| 2008 | WoongSan | Yesterday |
| 2007 | Seo Young Do Trio | Circle |
| 2006 | Second Moon | Second Moon |
| 2005 | Jeon Je-deok | Jeon Je-deok |
| 2004 | Na Yoon-sun | Down By Love | |
Best Jazz & Crossover Song
| Year | Winner | Song |
|---|
| 2008 | WoongSan | "Yesterday" |
| 2007 | Jangeun Bae Trio | "Secret Place" |
| 2006 | Triologue | "It Rain" | |
Best Jazz & Crossover Performance
| Year | Winner | Album |
|---|
| 2024 | Soojung Lee | Four Seasons |
| 2021 | Soojin Suh | Colorist |
| 2020 | Jangeun Bae and Liberation Amalgamation | JB Liberation Amalgamation |
| 2019 | Young-joo Song | Late Fall |
| 2018 | Hogyu "Stiger" Hwang Quartet | Straight, No Chaser |
| 2017 | Black String | Mask Dance |
| 2016 | Cho Eun-min | Oriental Fairy Tale |
| 2015 | Kim Changhyun | Oblivion |
| 2014 | Kim Oki | Cherubim's Wrath |
| 2013 | Kang Tae-hwan | Sorefa |
| 2012 | Song Young-joo | Tale of A City |
| 2011 | Lee Pan-geun Project | A Rhapsody in Cold Age |
| 2010 | Kim Chaek & Jung Jae-il | The Methodologies | |
Best Movie/TV Album Soundtrack
Best Global Contemporary AlbumPopularity Awards
Group Musician of the Year Netizen Vote
Female Musician of the Year Netizen Vote
Male Musician of the Year Netizen Vote
Jazz & Crossover Musician of the Year Netizen Vote
Special awards
Committee Choice Special Award
| Year | Winner |
|---|
| 2024 | Hakchon Theatre |
| 2022 | Han Kyung-rok / Korea Jazz Guard |
| 2021 | Earkey Project |
| 2020 | SEOUL Record Fair |
| 2017 | Yoon Min-seok |
| 2016 | Park Je-chun |
| 2015 | Jambinai |
| 2014 | Naver On Stage |
| 2013 | Jara Island International Jazz Festival |
| 2012 | Working People Documentary – ‘Factory of Dreams’ |
| 2011 | Super Session |
| 2010 | Shim Jeong-rak |
| 2009 | Kim Doo-soo |
| 2008 | Bbang Compilation 3, ‘History of Bbang’ |
| 2007 | The EBS space |
| 2006 | Yeon Young-seok |
| 2005 | Lee Ki-yong |
| 2004 | Asoto Union / Jeon Gyeong-ok | |
Achievement Award
Record Label of the Year
| Year | Winner |
|---|
| 2006 | Pastel Music |
| 2005 | Cavare Sound / JNH |
| 2004 | Fluxus Music | |
Records
Most awarded overall
Includes both Competitive Awards as well as Popularity & Special Awards
Most grand prizes
Musician of the Year, Album of the Year & Song of the Year
General references
External links
Notes and References
- News: Korean Music Awards to Honor Quality. Han. Sang-hee. March 9, 2010. The Korea Times. February 25, 2018. July 10, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180710041324/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/05/201_62072.html. live.
- News: K-pop's pundit awards hope to 'comfort' independent creativity. Chang. Dong-woo. January 18, 2018. Yonhap News Agency. February 25, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180226032042/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2018/01/18/0200000000AEN20180118000300315.html. February 26, 2018. dead. en.
- Web site: 이한철, 제11회 한국대중음악상 시상식 사회 . Lee Han-cheol hosts the 11th Korean Popular Music Awards ceremony . News1 . . November 16, 2021 . ko . February 12, 2014 . November 16, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211116235034/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=421&aid=0000682626 . live .
- Web site: 검정치마와 로만 폴란스키···시대 역행한 ‘어떤 권위’ [기자메모] ]. . . November 16, 2021 . ko . March 2, 2020 . The Korean Popular Music Awards is considered one of the most prestigious music awards in Korea. . November 16, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211116235035/https://news.naver.com/main/read.naver?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=032&aid=0002995222 . live .
- Web site: 2004-02-23 . "한국의 그래미賞 만든다"…문화연대 ‘한국대중음악상’ 제정 내달 시상 . 'Creating Korean Grammys' … 'Korean Popular Music Awards' will be established next month . 2022-02-26 . Kookmin Ilbo . ko . . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210805/https://news.naver.com/main/read.naver?mode=LSD&mid=sec&oid=005&aid=0000150144&sid1=001 . live .
- Web site: 2005-03-16 . 올 `한국대중음악상` 누구품에 . Who's in the 'Korean Popular Music Awards' this year? . 2022-02-26 . . ko . . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210754/https://news.naver.com/main/read.naver?mode=LSD&mid=sec&oid=021&aid=0000100384&sid1=001 . live .
- Web site: 2006-03-21 . '한국대중음악상' 수상 가수, 릴레이 콘서트 . 'Korean Popular Music Award' winner, relay concert . 2022-02-26 . . ko . . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210814/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=079&aid=0000080083 . live .
- Web site: 2007-03-10 . 엄정화가 한국대중음악상 받았다고? . Uhm Jung-hwa won the Korean Popular Music Award? . 2022-02-26 . . ko . . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210806/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=047&aid=0000094458 . live .
- Web site: 2008-02-12 . [★포토]한국대중음악상 후보작은? ]. [★Photo] Who are the nominees for the Korean Popular Music Awards? . 2022-02-26 . Star News . ko . . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210751/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0001939080 . live .
- Web site: 2009-02-04 . 록밴드 언니네이발관, '한국대중음악상' 최다 5부문 후보 . Rock band Unnie Nabalkwan, nominated for the most 5 categories at the 'Korean Popular Music Awards' . 2022-02-26 . Star News . ko . . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210812/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0001973738 . live .
- Web site: 2010-03-26 . [알림] 30일 ‘2010 한국대중음악상 시상식’ 생중계 ]. [Notice] Live broadcast of '2010 Korean Music Awards Ceremony' on the 30th . 2022-02-26 . . ko . . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210806/https://news.naver.com/main/read.naver?mode=LSD&mid=sec&oid=028&aid=0002036564&sid1=001 . live .
- Web site: 2011-01-25 . '한국대중음악상시상식' 다음달 개최 . 'Korean Popular Music Awards Ceremony' to be held next month . 2022-02-26 . . ko . . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210810/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0004883742 . live .
- Web site: 2012-01-18 . 이승열·장기하와얼굴들, 한국대중음악상 경합 . Lee Seung-yeol, Jang Ki-ha and the Faces compete for the Korean Popular Music Awards . 2022-02-26 . . ko . . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210807/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0004300006 . live .
- Web site: 2013-01-29 . 한국대중음악상 후보, 버스커버스커-3호선버터플라이 박빙 . Korean Popular Music Award nominees, Busker Busker, 3rd Line Butterfly . 2022-02-26 . . ko . . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210804/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=015&aid=0002823158 . live .
- Web site: Lee . Chun-woo . 2015-02-04 . '김사월&김해원' 한국대중음악상 휩쓸까? . Will 'Kim Sa-wol & Kim Hae-won' sweep the Korean Popular Music Awards? . 2022-02-26 . . ko . . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210753/https://news.naver.com/main/read.naver?mode=LSD&mid=sec&oid=082&aid=0000491656&sid1=001 . live .
- Web site: Won . Ho-jeong . 2016-03-01 . Hip-hop, rap take top trophies at KMAs . 2022-02-26 . . en . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210754/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160301000378 . live .
- Web site: 2017-03-01 . Jay Park, Wonder Girls, and more win big at Korean Music Awards . 2022-02-26 . SBS PopAsia . en . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210806/https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2017/03/01/jay-park-wonder-girls-and-more-win-big-korean-music-awards . live .
- Web site: Chang . Dong-woo . 2018-02-28 . BTS wins Musician of the Year at 2018 Korean Music Awards . 2022-02-26 . . en . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210805/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20180228010800315 . live .
- Web site: Herman . Tamar . 2019-02-26 . BTS Win Big at 16th Korean Music Awards . 2022-02-26 . . en-US . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210752/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bts-win-big-16th-korean-music-awards-8500188/ . live .
- Web site: 2020-01-22 . Here's all the nominees for the 17th Korean Music Awards . 2022-02-26 . SBS PopAsia . en . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210804/https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2020/01/22/heres-all-nominees-17th-korean-music-awards . live .
- Web site: 2021-02-28 . BTS, Leenalchi, Jeongmilla sweep prizes at Korean Music Awards . 2022-02-26 . . en . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226210751/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210228000265 . live .
- Web site: 2022 19th Korean Popular Music Awards Ceremony . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220209082001/https://koreanmusicawards.com/kma2022/?ckattempt=3#002 . February 9, 2022 . 9 February 2022 . Korean Music Awards . ko.
- Web site: March 5, 2023 . 대중음악상 프로듀서 250 4관왕, 뉴진스 3관왕 . Producer 250 wins 4 awards at the Korean Popular Music Awards, New Jeans wins 3 awards . 2024-02-03 . . . ko.
- Here are all the nominees of the 21st Korean Music Awards. Yeo. Gladys. January 26, 2024. NME. 2024-02-03.
- Web site: Nominees. 2018. 15th Korean Music Awards. ko. February 26, 2018. February 26, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180226211931/http://koreanmusicawards.com/2018/. live.
