2025 KGMA organisation
The 2nd Korea Grand Music Awards (2025 KGMA), hosted by Ilgan Sports, South Korea’s leading entertainment and sports media outlet, held its official organizing committee launch ceremony, affirming its commitment to making this year’s edition a major success.
The launch ceremony took place on September 1 in the main conference hall on the 13th floor of the KG Tower in Sunhwa-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. In the commemorative photo: judges Kang Taekyu and Shim Jae Geol, co-chairs Joo Young Hoon and Kwak Hye Eun, jury president Kim Hyung Seok, and judges Kang Jeong Hoon and Cha Woo Jin. (Photo: KGMA Organizing Committee)
The event gathered Kwak Hye Eun, Chair of the Organizing Committee and CEO of Edaily M, composer Joo Young Hoon (serving for the second year as both co-chair and judge), and producer Kim Hyung Seok, who returns as Head of the Jury. Additional jury members include composer Kang Jeong Hoon, lyricist Kang Taekyu, and pop music critics Shim Jae Geol and Cha Woo Jin. Also in attendance were Song Jang Heon (CEO of Creatoring), Yoon Yong Soo (Executive Director of Quick Win Studio), and Lee Sung Jae (Director at Edaily M). Although unable to attend due to personal reasons, Choo Ga Yeol (President of the Korea Music Copyright Association) and singer Tony An will also serve as jury members this year.
Kwak Hye Eun, Chair of the Organizing Committee, stated:
“A year has already flown by, and it’s time to kick off the 2025 KGMA. Everyone involved is putting in heartfelt effort day by day, each in their role, to create a meaningful and unforgettable awards ceremony. Ilgan Sports will continue doing its part to produce a ceremony that shines a positive light on the world.”
Joo Young Hoon, co-chair of the committee, shared:
“Last year’s first edition reminded me that K-pop is no longer just our own celebration. I hope the KGMA becomes a globally beloved awards ceremony that comes to mind every November and leaves a lasting impression through meaningful content.”
Kim Hyung Seok, head of the jury, added:
“There are many year-end awards shows, but I hope this one gains real prestige through fair judging—and becomes a launchpad for discovering new artists.”
The judges also voiced their dedication to conducting fair and meaningful evaluations. Shim Jae Geol, one of the judges, said:
“All awards shows likely use similar metrics, but I’ll do my best to uncover the deeper values that numbers alone can’t show. I hope to help make the KGMA a more thoughtful and distinguished event.”
The KGMA is a newly established awards ceremony created by Ilgan Sports to introduce a new paradigm to Korea’s popular music scene. The first edition was successfully held on November 16–17, 2024. Six groups, AESPA, NEWJEANS, DAY6, (G)I-DLE, ATEEZ, and ZEROBASEONE, received the highest honor, the 2024 Grand award.
The 2025 KGMA will once again bring together artists from a wide range of popular music genres, including K-pop, bands, trot, and more, who have achieved meaningful success both in South Korea and internationally throughout the year. The event aims to be a festival where artists and fans come together.
This year’s ceremony will take place over two days, November 14–15, at Inspire Arena in Incheon. IRENE (Red Velvet) and NATTY (KISS OF LIFE) will serve as MCs on the 14th and 15th, respectively, while actress NAM JI HYUN, who co-hosted last year—will return to co-host both days.
The KGMA is organized by Ilgan Sports (Edaily M), co-managed by the KGMA Organizing Committee, Creatoring, and DOD. Official fan voting is currently underway through the FanCast app. The full artist lineup, award categories, and judging criteria will be released gradually this month via the official website and FanCast app.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: KGMA
