The Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), led by President Lee Si-ha, announced that producer and singer-songwriter BUMZU has clinched the top award in the popular lyrics and composition categories for the third consecutive year at the '12th KOMCA Copyright Awards' held on the 25th at the COEX Magok Convention Center.
The 'KOMCA Copyright Awards' is the only event in South Korea dedicated to recognizing creators who have contributed to the growth of the music industry over the past year, awarding those who have made the most significant impact based on copyright revenue.
The most notable figure at this year's ceremony was BUMZU. He has achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the lyrics and composition categories for three consecutive years, from 2024 to 2025 and now in 2026. With over 350 songs registered with KOMCA, BUMZU has been involved in producing hits like Seventeen's '손오공', 'LOVE, MONEY, FAME (feat. DJ Khaled)', and '아주 NICE', solidifying his position as a leading creator as these tracks gained global popularity.
In the popular arrangement category, composer Hong Ji-sang made his debut on the winners' list. Known for working with JYP Entertainment artists such as Park Jin-young, Wonder Girls, and 2AM, Hong recently arranged DAY6's '한 페이지가 될 수 있게', 'HAPPY', and '예뻤어', which have seen a resurgence on music charts, earning him his first top award. DAY6 member Young K, a co-composer of these tracks, was also recently promoted to a full member of KOMCA last month.
The award in the children's song category went to writer Ahn Jung-hyun, known for his numerous creative children's songs. In the traditional music category, Han Tae-soo, who has worked on pieces like '아름다운 나라' and 'Fly to the sky', received his second award for his efforts in popularizing traditional music.
The 'KOMCA Hall of Fame', which honors veteran creators in the Korean music industry, inducted writer Jeong Poong-song, known for hits like Jo Yong-pil's '허공' and Han Hye-jin's '갈색추억'. Jeong was recognized for his long-standing contributions to expanding the Korean pop music market.
Reporter Min-kyung Lee, Ten Asia 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr