The second day of the inaugural Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA), aptly named Song Day, brought unforgettable moments as aespa, DAY6, and ATEEZ were honored with some of the most prestigious awards at the Inspire Arena in Incheon on November 17.
Aespa's Grand Triumph
Aespa dominated the evening with four accolades, including 2024 Grand Song, 2024 Grand Honors Choice, Best Song 10, and Most Streamed Song for their hits Supernova, Armageddon, and Whiplash. The group expressed gratitude to their fans, lovingly called Mai, saying, "This year has been filled with love and challenges. We're proud to see our music resonate, even if it's a tough genre." The date was extra special as it marked the fourth anniversary of their debut, making the wins all the more meaningful.
Watch their amazing performance for Whiplash+Supernova+Armageddon 👇
2024 KGMA
— 소금🔥 (@iWinter_u) November 17, 2024
Whiplash+Supernova+Armageddon#에스파 #aespa pic.twitter.com/aRkpuwemvP
DAY6 Celebrates a Milestone Year
K-rock band DAY6 took home three awards, including 2024 Grand Performer, Best Song, and Best Band. They delivered a powerful performance of Welcome to the Show and expressed heartfelt gratitude to their fandom, MyDay. Young K highlighted the emotional journey behind their music, saying, “This award feels like a validation of our path, and we hope our songs continue to bring joy to everyone.” DAY6 wins the Daesang for the first time in 9 years since their debut!
DAY6 wins the Daesang for the first time in 9 years since their debut, K-Netz celebratehttps://t.co/ApbcFooim9#DAY6 #KGMA2024 #데이식스 pic.twitter.com/DLtw4bolin
— pannatic (@pannatic) November 17, 2024
ATEEZ: A Double Win
ATEEZ shared the spotlight, winning 2024 Grand Honors Choice alongside Aespa. Their acceptance speech was a love letter to their fans, ATINY, as the ceremony coincided with ATINY's birthday. The group vowed to create more memorable moments with their music and promised to repay the unwavering support of their fans.
ateez’s first ever daesang award being on atiny day 😭🤍 talk about faith & destiny pic.twitter.com/rzpzPeSvf1
— ★ (@HONGSMINGKI) November 17, 2024
Watch their full performance for Sequence + Ice On My Teeth 👇
[🎬] ATEEZ performing 'Sequence + Ice On My Teeth' at KGMA#ATEEZ #에이티즈 @ATEEZofficial pic.twitter.com/ISwCb3AUPB
— 1024 (@1024updates) November 17, 2024
Other Standout Moments
TREASURE captured Best Song 10 for their track King Kong, calling it a "testament to our hard work and teamwork."TREASURE PERFORMED AT KGMA TODAY!!!
— Grey | Multifandom🌙 (@smiffy_bonbon) November 17, 2024
They sang I want your love and MMM (Rock ver)
TREASURE KGMA BEST SONG#TREASUREShinesAtKGMA#KGMA로_달려가_트레저@treasuremembers pic.twitter.com/CtI78cR5oI
RISE earned three awards, including Best Group and Fan-voted Rookie of the Year. They credited their fandom, Breeze, for their success.
241117 KGMA Performance FULL CUT - Boom Boom Bass + Love 119 + Impossible #RIIZE #라이즈 pic.twitter.com/rTCb4HHvpW
— 냥 (@catarchiving) November 17, 2024
Yuqi of (G)I-dle shone as Best Solo Artist, expressing her gratitude to Neverland and reflecting on her solo journey.
YUQI performs "FREAK" and "Radio (Dum-Dum)" at the 2024 KGMA#GIDLE #여자아이들 pic.twitter.com/6j98WliFCk
— (G)I-DLE Charts (@idlecharts) November 17, 2024
Song Ga-in and Lee Chan-won represented K-trot, with Lee Chan-won securing a remarkable five awards, including Trend of the Year Trot Star.
K-pop on the Global Stage
The international impact of K-pop was celebrated with groups like NiziU and JO1 winning K-pop Overseas Artist awards. Meanwhile, newcomers Nowadays and Eunice garnered attention with their IS Rookie Awards.
Complete List of Winners- Second Day
- 2024 Grand Song: Aespa
- 2024 Grand Performer: DAY6
- 2024 Grand Honors Choice: Aespa, ATEEZ
- Best Songs 10: DAY6, RISE, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, Aespa, ATEEZ, NCT Dream, Lee Chan Won, Lim Young Woong, TREASURE
- Best Group: RISE
- Best Solo Artist: Yuqi
- Best Band: DAY6
- Trend of the Year K-pop Solo: V
- Trend of the Year K-pop Group: Eunice
The 2024 KGMA proved to be a celebration of excellence, artistry, and fan love. With heartfelt speeches and electrifying performances, the event reaffirmed the immense talent within the K-pop industry. Fans can only anticipate what the next year holds for these stars!
For a recap of KGMA's Artist Day, check out: