The KMA 2026 is set to shine a spotlight on the artists who have illuminated the music industry over the past year.
The KM Chart Awards (KMA) 2026 will kick off on July 25 at 6:30 p.m. (Korean time) at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul’s Seongbuk district.
Organized by KM Chart and KM Chart World, with the KMA Organizing Committee and UPICK at the helm, KMA 2026 is both a music festival and an awards ceremony. It’s a tribute to the artists who’ve made waves in the K-pop scene and the fans who’ve stood by them. The event will honor K-pop artists across various categories, including the coveted Grand Prize, Main Awards, Rookie Awards, and Popularity Awards.
This year’s lineup boasts 15 acts, featuring a mix of global sensations and rising stars poised to shape K-pop’s future. Audiences can expect electrifying performances from Tomorrow X Together, P1Harmony, Hi-Fi Un!corn, ZEROBASEONE, 82 Major, UNIS, VVUP, KickFlip, Hearts2Hearts, New Beat, All Day Project, Cortis, Alpha Drive One, LNGSHOT, and MODYSSEY.
Taking the reins as master of ceremonies (MCs) are actors Kang Tae Oh and Won Ji An, marking their debut as hosts for a K-pop awards show. The duo is expected to bring a fresh energy and steady hand to the proceedings. Adding to the star power, actor Byun Woo Seok will grace the event as a presenter.
KMA 2026 is going global with a live broadcast that will reach fans worldwide. Viewers can tune in real-time via the Hello Live platform, while Japanese audiences can catch it live on ABEMA TV. For those who miss the live action, MBC M will offer a delayed broadcast.
The KM Chart Awards made its debut in 2024 under the moniker Universal Superstar Awards. Since its sophomore year in 2025, it has continued its run as the KM Chart Awards, cementing its place in the K-pop awards circuit.