Tomorrow X Together fires up KMA 2026 as BTS and Hwasa win big

KMA 2026 held at Seoul's Korea University Hwajeong Gymnasium

On July 25 at 6:30 p.m., the 'KMA (KM Chart Awards) 2026' took place at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. Hosted by KM Chart and KM Chart World, and organized by the KMA Steering Committee and Yufic, the awards ceremony celebrated the artists and fans who have shined in the music industry over the past year. A total of 15 K-pop artists took the stage, and winners were announced across various categories including four major awards, main awards, rookie awards, and popularity awards.

15 artists perform and receive awards

Hi-Fi Unicorn opened the festival with 'So I Can Be a Page' and 'Teenage Blue (Tin Eage Blue)'. MODYSSEY delivered high energy with a cover of Stray Kids' 'Korean Menu' and a remix of 'HOOK'. Lngshot showcased stylish performances with 'Moonwalkin'' and 'Saucin''. Newbit completed a stage combining heavy sound and synchronized choreography with 'LOUD', 'Flip the Coin', and 'Sticky Fingers'. BIBI UP presented diverse facets with 'Super Model' and 'House Party'. Alpha Drive One displayed a glamorous stage with 'FREAK ALARM', 'FORMULA', and 'OMG!'. Cortis demonstrated presence with a sensuous performance of 'ACAI', 'REDRED', and 'YOUNGCREATORCREW'. All Day Project left a team impression with 'FAMOUS' and 'ONE MORE TIME'. Hearts2Hearts showcased refreshing charm with 'RUDE!' and 'Lemon Tang'. Kickflip delivered dynamic and bright energy with 'Upside Down', 'Twenty', and 'I Want to Be Annoying to Your Eyes'. P1Harmony offered powerful performances with 'ICE (VVS)', 'SIREN', and 'UNIQUE'. The closing stage was electrified by Tomorrow X Together, who performed 'One More Day (Stick With You)', 'So What', and 'LO$ER=LO♡ER' to heat up the venue.

Announcement of four major awards and main award winners

Tomorrow X Together was awarded Artist of the Year. BTS's fifth full-length album 'ARIRANG' won Album of the Year. Hwasa's 'Good Goodbye' won Song of the Year, and Cortis's mini album 2 'GREENGREEN' won Record of the Year. The main award, Ultimate 12, was awarded to BTS, Hwasa, NCT Wish, RIIZE, Tomorrow X Together, P1Harmony, ZEROBASEONE, Kickflip, Hearts2Hearts, All Day Project, Cortis, and Alpha Drive One. P1Harmony won Best Male Group, and Hearts2Hearts won Best Female Group. Lngshot and Alpha Drive One received the Rookie Award. MODYSSEY was awarded KM Spotlight, and Hi-Fi Unicorn received KM Band Icon. Newbit and BIBI UP were selected as Fan's Choice winners.

MCs are actors Kang Tae-oh and Won Ji-an, with Byeon Woo-seok as guest presenter

The ceremony's MCs were actors Kang Tae-oh and Won Ji-an. This was their first time hosting a K-pop awards show, and they delivered a stable and energetic performance. Actor Byeon Woo-seok attended as a guest presenter. He played the role of vocalist Ryu Seon-jae in the drama 'Sundae Up and Jump', and he personally sang the OST 'Summer Shower', which charted in the top ranks of domestic music platforms and entered the Billboard Global 200. Byeon Woo-seok's choice of which artist to present the trophy to was a point of interest.

Global live broadcast on Hello Live and ABEMA

The 'KMA 2026' was broadcast live on the global platform Hello Live. It was also live-streamed on Japan's ABEMA. In Korea, it was delayed and broadcast on MBC M. The awards ceremony has been held as the 'Universal Superstar Awards' since 2024, and the name was changed to 'KM Chart Awards' this year.