Who will be in the spotlight this time?
The KM CHART will designate the main players who made K-MUSIC shine in July.
The global standard K-pop chart KM CHART has revealed the nominees in a total of 6 categories for its July 2026 monthly chart, and the voting will run until the 24th of this month. Many artists who have captured attention through diverse music and remarkable performances are among the nominees in the song, artist, popularity, and rookie categories.
In the K-MUSIC category, a total of 50 songs have been nominated, including “Swim” by BTS, “Paradise of rumors” and “Joy, sorrow, a beautiful heart” by AKMU, “Lemonade” and “Wda (Whole different animal)” (feat. G-DRAGON) by AESPA, “Bumpa” by BIBI, “What’s a girl to do” by DAYOUNG (WJSN), “Popcorn” by DOH KYUNGSOO (EXO), “오늘은 왠지” by LEE CHANWON and “잊혀진 계절” by LIM YOUNGWOONG.
In the K-MUSIC ARTIST category, a total of 30 artists (or groups) will compete, among which are TAEYEON (GIRLS’ GENERATION), LE SSERAFIM, BTS, BOYNEXTDOOR, BLACKPINK, SHINee, STRAY KIDS, DOH KYUNGSOO, IVE, ILLIT, AESPA, ATEEZ, RIIZE, NMIXX, HEARTS2HEARTS, ENHYPEN, YOUNG TAK, WOODZ, LEE CHANWON and LIM YOUNGWOONG.
In the male HOT CHOICE category, a total of 30 artists (or groups) have been selected as nominees, including TREASURE, KANG DANIEL, KIM SUNGKYU (INFINITE), PARK JIHOON, AHOF, RIIZE, KIHYUN (MONSTA X), V (BTS), TWS, SEVENTEEN, STRAY KIDS, ATEEZ, N.FLYING, SF9, BTOB, n.SSign, ENHYPEN, YEONJUN (TOMORROW X TOGETHER) and JAEHYUN (NCT).
For the female category, a total of 30 artists (or groups) have been nominated, announcing a fierce competition, with UAU, LE SSERAFIM, MOONBYUL (MAMAMOO), MEOVV, BABYMONSTER, VIVIZ, BILLLIE, I.O.I, KiiiKiii, IZNA, I-DLE (meaning (G)I-DLE), IVE, ILLIT, QWER, AESPA, CHOI YOOJUNG, X:IN, NMIXX and YENA.
In the male ROOKIE category, 10 artists (or groups) will face off for the title of best rookie: LNGSHOT, IDNTT, IDID, AND2BLE, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, AxMxP, AM8IC, CORTIS, KEYVITUP and MODYSSEY.
In the female category, 10 artists (or groups) have been nominated: DODREE, III, S2IT, AFuture, ATHEART, OWIS, H//PE Princess, LATENCY, UNCHILD and HADES.
The voting for the July monthly chart of the KM CHART is accessible via the applications “My 1Pick” and “Idolchamp.” The voting results from these two applications will be combined at 50% each. After the closing of the votes, the final ranking will be announced by combining the fan votes, the judge evaluation, and the KM CHART data.
The KM CHART, built with the fans, compiles and analyzes each month the data of K-MUSIC in 6 categories in order to provide reliable K-pop statistics.
Meanwhile, the “KMA 2026” event, hosted by KM CHART and KM CHART WORLD and organized by the organizing committee of the KMA and UPICK, will be held on July 25 at the Hwajeong Gymnasium of Korea University in the Seongbuk district of Seoul. Many popular K-pop artists will perform there to meet their international fans.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: KM CHART
