n the 8th of September, Aespa, one of K-pop’s leading girl groups, achieved a major milestone by winning the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2024 The Fact Music Awards, held at Kyocera Dome Osaka in Japan. Hosted by The Fact and organized by FAN N STAR and FEELINGVIVE, the event was a grand celebration of musical talent across Asia, but it was Aespa who stole the spotlight by taking home the most prestigious award of the night.
The group’s leader, Karina, expressed their deep gratitude, saying, "First of all, we are so grateful and overwhelmed that all the hard work we've put into preparing this year has come as a reward." She acknowledged the challenges they faced during the year, noting that some members had struggled with health issues. "There were times when the members weren't in good condition, but it feels like we're being rewarded, and we're grateful to MY," she added, referring to their dedicated fanbase, known as MY.
Members Winter and Ningning shared in the joy, with Ningning shouting, “We love you, My Girl,” and Winter echoing the group's appreciation for their fans.
Aespa’s win marks a historic moment in K-pop, as they became the first girl group to ever win the Grand Prize at The Fact Music Awards, a testament to their powerful presence in the industry.
An Encore Performance to Remember
Aside from their monumental win, Aespa also delivered one of the night’s most talked-about performances. During their encore after receiving the Grand Prize, they performed their hit song “Supernova” without a backing track and seemingly without in-ear monitors, showing off their impressive live vocal skills. Despite the challenging conditions, the group’s performance was flawless, proving once again why they are at the top of the K-pop scene.
Their raw vocal power in this performance quickly went viral on social media, with fans and critics alike praising Aespa’s ability to deliver such a high-quality performance under pressure. Many noted that it’s rare to see idols perform without in-ear monitors, making their achievement even more remarkable.
A Night of Many Honors
In addition to the Grand Prize, Aespa also won the Artist of the Year (Bonsang), sharing the honor with other prominent girl groups like NewJeans and ITZY. Their dominance at the awards show, along with their stunning performances, has only further cemented their status as one of the most influential girl groups of their generation.
The 2024 The Fact Music Awards will be remembered not only for Aespa’s historic win but also for their breathtaking encore performance that showcased the immense talent and professionalism of the group. It’s clear that Aespa is not just a trend but a force that will continue to shape the future of K-pop for years to come.
aespa Supernova encore after winning their Daesang. aespa becomes the first female act to win Daesang at The Fact Music Awards history!! pic.twitter.com/hkPJPoKBfE
— Karina♡ (@ujiminphoria) September 8, 2024