K-Pop’s most celebrated artists gathered in Taipei on January 10, 2026, for the 40th Golden Disc Awards, a prestigious event that recognized the year’s top performers in the Korean music industry. The awards, primarily based on sales and streaming figures, highlighted the immense popularity and influence of K-Pop on a global scale. This year introduced a new Daesang category, Artist of the Year, further elevating the significance of these honors.
The night featured numerous categories, with the coveted Best Digital Song award going to BOYNEXTDOOR for their hit “If I Say, I Love You.” Other notable winners in this category included LE SSERAFIM with “Hot,” and BLACKPINK for their energetic track “JUMP.”
Major Winners from the Ceremony
In addition to individual song accolades, the Best Album award recognized the artistic achievements of several groups. Stray Kids took home the Album of the Year honor for their project “KARMA.” Other nominees included NCT with “WISH” and IVE for their self-titled album “IVE.”
The ceremony also honored emerging artists and global influencers within the K-Pop scene. The Rookie Artist of the Year title was awarded to CORTIS, while the Global Impact Award went to Jennie, acknowledging her substantial influence beyond South Korea.
The night was filled with excitement, culminating in the announcement of the Song of the Year, which went to G-DRAGON for “HOME SWEET HOME,” featuring Taeyang and Daesung. This particular song resonated with fans and critics alike, showcasing G-DRAGON’s continued relevance in the industry.
Other significant awards included the Best Group honor for MONSTA X and the Best Performance Award, which recognized izna. The ceremony also highlighted fan engagement with the Upbit Most Popular Artist award, awarded to Jin, and the Naver AI Choice Award, which went to BOYNEXTDOOR.
The Golden Disc Awards remain a defining moment in K-Pop, reflecting the genre’s growth and the artists’ dedication to their craft. As the industry continues to evolve, events like these not only celebrate past achievements but also set the stage for future successes.
