The Golden Disc Awards 2026 turned into a full-blown celebration of K-pop’s global dominance, delivering massive wins, emotional speeches, and a star-packed stage. The 40th edition of the prestigious awards was held on January 10 at Taiwan’s iconic Taipei Dome, bringing together the biggest names in the industry under one roof.
After months of anticipation since nominations were announced in November 2025, the winners across Digital Song, Album, and Rookie categories were finally revealed — and the results made headlines instantly.
A Night Led by Powerhouse Names
The ceremony was hosted by veteran singer Sung Si-kyung and actor Mun Ka-young, while awards were presented by Song Joong-ki, Byeon Woo-seok, and Ahn Hyo-seop.
The performance lineup was just as grand, featuring 18 K-pop acts, turning the evening into a non-stop spectacle of music, choreography, and fandom energy.
Daesang (Grand Prize) Winners
These were the biggest honours of the night — and the competition was fierce:
- Digital Daesang (Song of the Year):
G-Dragon – “HOME SWEET HOME” (feat. Taeyang, Daesung) - Album Daesang (Album of the Year):
Stray Kids – KARMA - Artist Daesang (Artist of the Year):
*Jennie
Jennie’s Artist of the Year win stood out as a defining moment of the night, reinforcing her influence both as a solo artist and global icon.
Digital Song Division – Bonsang (Main Awards)
These tracks dominated charts and fan playlists throughout the year:
- aespa – Dirty Work
- ALLDAY PROJECT – FAMOUS
- BLACKPINK – JUMP
- BOYNEXTDOOR – IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU
- G-Dragon – HOME SWEET HOME
- IVE – REBEL HEART
- Jennie – Like JENNIE
- LE SSERAFIM – HOT
- Rosé – toxic till the end
- ZO ZAZZ – Don’t You Know
Album Division – Bonsang (Main Awards)
Albums that defined the year in sound and scale:
- ATEEZ – GOLDEN HOUR: Part.2
- ENHYPEN – DESIRE: UNLEASH
- G-Dragon – Ubermensch
- IVE – IVE EMPATHY
- NCT WISH – COLOR
- RIIZE – ODYSSEY
- SEVENTEEN – HAPPY BURSTDAY
- Stray Kids – KARMA
- TOMORROW X TOGETHER – The Star Chapter: TOGETHER
- ZEROBASEONE – NEVER SAY NEVER
Rookie Artist of the Year
Fresh faces making a powerful entrance:
- ALLDAY PROJECT
- CORTIS
Popularity Awards (Fan-Voted)
- Most Popular Artist (Female): Hearts2Hearts
- Most Popular Artist (Male): Jin
Special Awards Winners
- Best Group: Monsta X
- Best Performance: izna, TWS
- Cosmopolitan Artist: IVE
- Global Impact: Jennie
- Golden Choice: ARrC, CLOSE YOUR EYES
- Naver AI Choice: BOYNEXTDOOR
- Next Generation: KiiiKiii
Global Broadcast & Reach
The ceremony was streamed live across multiple platforms — Naver CHZZK (Korea), ABEMA (Japan), TVBS and Disney+ (Taiwan), and PRIZM globally — reinforcing the Golden Disc Awards’ position as one of K-pop’s most internationally followed events.
Final Words
From Jennie’s Artist of the Year triumph to Stray Kids’ album domination, the Golden Disc Awards 2026 reflected a year where K-pop continued to expand its global footprint without losing its creative edge. With rising rookies, established legends, and unforgettable performances, this year’s ceremony wasn’t just about trophies — it was about momentum.
And judging by the energy in Taipei, that momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
