ENTERTAINMENT
NewJeans, (G)I-DLE, and ZEROBASEONE Shine at the Korea Grand Music Awards
Held on October 16 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, the first day of the KGMA saw NewJeans awarded the 2024 Grand Artist, (G)I-DLE the 2024 Grand Record, and ZEROBASEONE the 2024 Grand Honors Choice.
NewJeans expressed their gratitude, saying, "We've met so many people and learned so much over the past two years. Today was another meaningful lesson. Thanks to our fans, Bunnies, we always prepare our performances with utmost dedication. We want to thank our CEO and believe nothing can come between us and our fans. NewJeans is never die."
(G)I-DLE shared their excitement, stating, "Thank you for this honorable award. We will always work hard and continue to show our best. As a group that produces our own music, receiving the Record award is especially meaningful. It feels great to be recognized for our album production efforts."
ZEROBASEONE, honored with the '2024 Grand Honors Choice' award, expressed their appreciation, "Thank you to KGMA for this prestigious award. We owe this to our fans who continuously support and love us. We will strive to become people worthy of this award and always look to our fans."
The KGMA Artist Day featured performances by NewJeans, D.O., TVXQ, BIBI, STAYC, (G)I-DLE, Young Tak, Yoo Hwe-seung, Lee Mu-jin, Lee Young-ji, JD1, ZEROBASEONE, QWER, Taemin, and P1Harmony. The event was hosted by NewJeans member Hani and actor Nam Ji-hyun.
NewJeans, (G)I-DLE, and ZEROBASEONE also claimed the 'Best Artist' award, achieving a double win. Taemin and Young Tak each won three awards, including the LuluaxFanCast Popularity Award and Lotte Caliverse Transcendence of the Year, respectively. D.O. (Best R&B Male) and Lee Young-ji (Best Hip-Hop) also secured double wins.
TVXQ was honored with the 'K-pop Legendary Artist' award, serving as an inspiration to younger artists. TVXQ expressed, "This award is thanks to our fans, Cassiopeia. We will continue to strive for great performances and music. We ask for your love and support despite any shortcomings."
Hosts Hani and Nam Ji-hyun showcased perfect chemistry, successfully debuting as MCs. They expressed excitement rather than pressure before the event and delivered a stable and engaging performance.
The awards ceremony was filled with captivating performances. (G)I-DLE delivered an energetic performance of 'Wife' with over 50 dancers, while NewJeans presented a special stage themed around freedom and liberation. Lee Young-ji collaborated with D.O. on the hit song 'Small Girl,' and TVXQ performed a medley of their iconic hits. ZEROBASEONE captivated the audience with a wire performance.
Taemin delivered a concert-like performance, showcasing 'Heaven' and 'Sexy in the Air' rock versions, and debuted the 'Guilty' concert version at the awards.
TVXQ closed the event with explosive performances of 'Level,' 'Rising Sun,' 'Why,' and 'Mirotic,' receiving thunderous applause. U-Know Yunho and Max Changmin displayed perfect synergy, captivating the audience with their wild performances.
The Korea Grand Music Awards is organized by Ilgan Sports (EdailyM) and the KGMA Organizing Committee. The Song Day on October 17 will be broadcast on ENA channel and available on OTT platform Wavve and globally on KISWE's 'Love & Kpop.'
Here is the list of winners from the 1st Korea Grand Music Awards Artist Day:
- 2024 Grand Artist: NewJeans
- 2024 Grand Record: (G)I-DLE
- 2024 Grand Honors Choice: ZEROBASEONE
- Best Artist: D.O., ZEROBASEONE, STAYC, P1Harmony, Young Tak, Taemin, Lee Young-ji, NewJeans, (G)I-DLE, JD1
- LuluaxFanCast Popularity Award: Taemin
- K-pop Legendary Artist: TVXQ
- Lotte Caliverse Transcendence of the Year: Young Tak
- Best Memory: Lee Mu-jin
- Best Adult Contemporary: Young Tak
- Best Solo Artist: Taemin
- Best Selling Album: SEVENTEEN
- Best R&B Female: BIBI
- Best Rock Ballad: Lee Mu-jin
- Best OST: Yoo Hwe-seung
- Best R&B Male: D.O.
- IS Rising Star: JD1
- Best Band: QWER
- Best Hip-Hop: Lee Young-ji
