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Golden Disc Awards
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| Golden Disc Awards | |
|---|---|
| Current: 40th Golden Disc Awards | |
 | |
| Awarded for | "Outstanding achievements of the K-pop industry" |
| Country | South Korea Japan Malaysia China Thailand Indonesia Taiwan |
| Presented by |
|
| Formerly called | Korea Visual and Records Grand Prize Award (1986–2000)
|
| First award | 1986 |
| Website | Golden Disc Awards |
| Television/radio coverage | |
| Network | JTBC, JTBC 2, JTBC 4 (South Korea) V Live (Worldwide) |
The Golden Disc Awards (Korean: 골든 디스크 시상식, formerly spelled the Golden Disk Awards before 2015) is an annual South Korean major music awards ceremony that honours achievements in the local music industry.[2] The awards ceremony was founded with the purpose to promote popular culture creativity, discover new artists, and contribute to the growth of the music industry. The first ceremony was held in 1986.[3] Later ceremonies have been held around Asia.
The 35th Golden Disc Awards was held on 9–10 January 2021 without a live audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[4]
History
[edit]From its inception in 1986, the event was called the Korea Visual and Records Grand Prize Award (Korean: 대한민국 영상음반대상) until 2001, when the event named was changed to the Golden Disk Awards.[5] The spelling was later changed to the Golden Disc Awards in 2015.[citation needed]
The awards ceremony was hosted in South Korea until 2012, when it was hosted in Osaka, Japan. The ceremony was also hosted internationally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2013, and in Beijing, China in 2015.[6]
The Golden Disc Awards trophies were designed by sculptor Kim Su-hyeon, a professor at Chungbuk National University. The trophy is in the shape of a woman playing a traditional Korean wind instrument.[7]
Ceremonies
[edit]| Edition | Year | Date of ceremony | Venue | Host city | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8th | 1993 | 12 December 1993 | Grand Walkerhill Hotel | Seoul | [8] |
| 9th | 1994 | 11 December 1994 | National Theater of Korea | [9] | |
| 10th | 1995 | 10 December 1995 | [10] | ||
| 11th | 1996 | 8 December 1996 | [11] | ||
| 12th | 1997 | 14 December 1997 | [12] | ||
| 13th | 1998 | 5 December 1998 | [13] | ||
| 14th | 1999 | 16 December 1999 | Sejong Center | [14] | |
| 15th | 2000 | 1 December 2000 | [5] | ||
| 16th | 2001 | 14 December 2001 | [15] | ||
| 17th | 2002 | 13 December 2002 | [16] | ||
| 18th | 2003 | 5 December 2003 | Kyung Hee University Grand Peace Palace | [17] | |
| 19th | 2004 | 2 December 2004 | Sejong Center | [18] | |
| 20th | 2005 | 7 December 2005 | [19] | ||
| 21st | 2006 | 14 December 2006 | Olympic Park | [20] | |
| 22nd | 2007 | 14 December 2007 | [21] | ||
| 23rd | 2008 | 10 December 2008 | [22] | ||
| 24th | 2009 | 10 December 2009 | [23] | ||
| 25th | 2010 | 9 December 2010 | Korea University Hwajung Gymnasium | [24] | |
| 26th | 2011 | 11–12 January 2012 | Osaka Dome | Osaka | [25] |
| 27th | 2012 | 15–16 January 2013 | Sepang International Circuit | Kuala Lumpur | [26] |
| 28th | 2013 | 16 January 2014 | Kyung Hee University Grand Peace Palace | Seoul | [27] |
| 29th | 2014 | 14–15 January 2015 | MasterCard Center | Beijing | [28] |
| 30th | 2015 | 20–21 January 2016 | Kyung Hee University Grand Peace Palace | Seoul | [29] |
| 31st | 2016 | 13–14 January 2017 | KINTEX | Goyang | [30] |
| 32nd | 2017 | 10–11 January 2018 | [31] | ||
| 33rd | 2018 | 5–6 January 2019 | Gocheok Sky Dome | Seoul | [32] |
| 34th | 2019 | 4–5 January 2020 | [33] | ||
| 35th | 2020 | 9–10 January 2021 | KINTEX | Goyang | [4] |
| 36th | 2021 | 8 January 2022 | Gocheok Sky Dome | Seoul | [34] |
| 37th | 2022 | 7 January 2023 | Rajamangala Stadium | Bangkok | [35] |
| 38th | 2023 | 6 January 2024 | Jakarta International Stadium | Jakarta | [36] |
| 39th | 2024 | 4–5 January 2025 | Mizuho PayPay Dome | Fukuoka | [37] |
| 40th | 2025 | 10 January 2026 | Taipei Dome | Taipei | [38] |
Award categories
[edit]As of the 40th Golden Disc Awards, there were three grand prizes: Album of the Year (also known as Album Daesang), Digital Song of the Year (also known as Digital Song Daesang), and Artist of the Year (also known as Artist Daesang). Main prizes (also known as Bonsang) are awarded to multiple artists in both the Album and Digital Song categories. The grand prize winners are chosen from the main prize winners.[2][39][40]
- Album of the Year (Grand prize)
- Song of the Year (Grand prize)
- Artist of the Year (Grand prize)
- Album Bonsang (Main prize)
- Digital Song Bonsang (Main prize)
- Rookie Artist Award
- Popularity Award
- Genre awards
- Special awards
- International Recognition Awards
- Special Recognition Golden Disc Awards
- Other awards
Grand prizes
[edit]All winners are adapted from the Golden Disc Awards website.[41]
Song of the Year (Digital Daesang)
[edit]| Year | Winner | Song |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | G-Dragon featuring Taeyang and Daesung | "Home Sweet Home" |
| 2024 | Aespa | "Supernova" |
| 2023 | NewJeans | "Ditto" |
| 2022 | Ive | "Love Dive" |
| 2021 | IU | "Celebrity" |
| 2020 | "Blueming" | |
| 2019 | BTS featuring Halsey | "Boy with Luv" |
| 2018 | iKon | "Love Scenario" |
| 2017 | IU | "Through the Night" |
| 2016 | Twice | "Cheer Up" |
| 2015 | Big Bang | "Loser" |
| 2014 | Taeyang | "Eyes, Nose, Lips" |
| 2013 | Psy | "Gentleman" |
| 2012 | "Gangnam Style" | |
| 2011 | Girls' Generation | "The Boys" |
| 2010 | 2AM | "Can't Let You Go Even If I Die" |
| 2009 | Girls' Generation | "Gee" |
| 2008 | Jewelry | "One More Time" |
| 2007 | Ivy | "If You're Gonna Be Like This" |
| 2006 | SG Wannabe | "Partner for Life" |
Album of the Year (Album Daesang)
[edit]Artist of the Year (Artist Daesang)
[edit]| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Jennie |
Main prizes
[edit]All winners are adapted from the Golden Disc Awards website.[41]
Album Bonsang
[edit]Winner 1986–2005
Digital Bonsang
[edit]Rookie of the Year Award
[edit]Winners are listed alphabetically by year.
| Year | Winner[41] |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Allday Project |
| Cortis | |
| 2024 | BabyMonster |
| Illit | |
| TWS | |
| NCT Wish | |
| 2023 | Fifty Fifty |
| Zerobaseone | |
| 2022 | NewJeans |
| Ive | |
| Le Sserafim | |
| 2021 | STAYC |
| Aespa | |
| 2020 | Enhypen |
| Kim Ho-joong | |
| Treasure | |
| 2019 | Itzy |
| Tomorrow X Together | |
| 2018 | (G)I-dle |
| Stray Kids | |
| Iz*One | |
| 2017 | Wanna One |
| 2016 | Blackpink |
| Bolbbalgan4 | |
| I.O.I | |
| NCT 127 | |
| 2015 | GFriend |
| iKon | |
| Seventeen | |
| Twice | |
| 2014 | GOT7 |
| Red Velvet | |
| Winner | |
| 2013 | BTS |
| Crayon Pop | |
| Lim Kim | |
| Roy Kim | |
| 2012 | Exo |
| B.A.P | |
| Ailee | |
| Juniel | |
| Lee Hi | |
| 2011 | Apink |
| B1A4 | |
| Dal Shabet | |
| Boyfriend | |
| Huh Gak | |
| 2010 | Sistar |
| Secret | |
| Beast | |
| 2009 | 4Minute |
| T-ara | |
| 2008 | Shinee |
| Davichi | |
| 2007 | F.T. Island |
| Girls' Generation | |
| Younha | |
| 2006 | Gavy NJ |
| Super Junior | |
| SeeYa |
Winner 1986–2005
| Year | Winner | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Eru | IVY | Lim Jeong-hee |
| 2004 | SG Wannabe | Tei | — |
| 2003 | Big Mama | Seven | — |
| 2002 | Rain | Wheesung | — |
| 2001 | Jang Na-ra | Sung Si-kyung | — |
| 2000 | Chakra | Park Hyo-shin | Sky |
| 1999 | 1TYM | Lee Jung-hyun | — |
| 1998 | Fin.K.L | S.E.S | Taesaja |
| 1997 | Jinusean | Yangpa | — |
| 1996 | H.O.T | Idol | — |
| 1995 | Sung Jin-woo | — | — |
| 1994 | Two Two | — | — |
| 1991 | Shim Sin | Yoon Sang | — |
| 1990 | Kim Min-woo | Park Sung-shin | — |
| 1989 | Jo Gap-Gyeong | Park Hak-gi | — |
| 1988 | Byun Ji-sub | Lee Tzsche | — |
| 1987 | Lee Jung-suk | Moon Hee-ok | — |
| 1986 | Kim Seung-jin | Kim Wan-sun | — |
Popularity Award
[edit]| Year | Winner[41] |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Hearts2Hearts |
| Jin | |
| 2024 | Le Sserafim |
| Plave | |
| 2023 | Jisoo |
| Lim Young-woong | |
| 2022 | BTS |
| 2021 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2017 | Exo |
| 2016 | Shinee |
| 2015 | Shinee |
Winner 1986–2014
| Year | Winners |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Beast |
| Taemin | |
| Girls' Generation | |
| Toheart | |
| 2013 | Beast |
| Shinee | |
| Girls' Generation | |
| Roy Kim | |
| 2012 | G-Dragon |
| Shinee | |
| 2011 | Super Junior |
| 2010 | Girls' Generation |
| Shinee | |
| 2009 | Super Junior |
| Shinee | |
| 2008 | Son Ho-young |
| F.T. Island | |
| Taeyeon | |
| TVXQ | |
| 2007 | Super Junior |
| F.T. Island | |
| Girls' Generation | |
| Wonder Girls | |
| 2006 | Baek Ji-young |
| Park Sang-min | |
| Eru | |
| 2005 | Jang Woo-hyuk |
| g.o.d | |
| 2004 | Park Sang-min |
| Kim Jong- kook | |
| 2003 | S |
| 2002 | Baby V.O.X |
| 2001 | Yoo Seung-jun |
| S.E.S | |
| 2000 | J |
| Country Kko Kko | |
| Shinhwa | |
| 1999 | Kim Kyung-ho |
| Roo'ra | |
| Clon | |
| 1998 | Kim Jung-min |
| Cool | |
| 1997 | Diva |
| Untitle | |
| 1996 | Kim Jong-hwan |
| 1995 | Seo Taiji and Boys |
| 1994 | Deux |
| Choi Yeon-je | |
| 1993 | Choi Yeon-je |
| 1992 | Hyun Jin-young |
| Lee Deok-jin | |
| 1991 | Shin Hae-chul |
| Kang Susie | |
| 1990 | Min Hae-kyung |
| 1989 | Kim Heung-gook |
| 1988 | Sobangcha |
| 1987 | Kim Soo-hee |
| Yoon Su-il | |
| 1986 | Cho Yong-pil |
Genre awards
[edit]All winners are adapted from the Golden Disc Awards website.[41]
Best R&B/Hip-Hop Award
[edit]| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Big Naughty |
| 2020 | Changmo |
| 2019 | Zico |
| 2015 | San E |
Best Trot Award
[edit]| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Lim Young-woong |
| 2019 | Song Ga In |
| 2014 | Hong Jin-young |
| 2008 | Jang Yoon-jeong |
| 2007 | |
| 2006 | |
| 2005 | |
| 2004 | Tae Jin-ah |
| 2003 | |
| 2002 | |
| 2001 | |
| 2000 | Seol Woon-do |
Best Ballad Award
[edit]| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Lee Seung-gi |
| 2018 | Im Chang-jung |
Best OST Award
[edit]| Year | Winner | Song | Drama |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Crush | "Love You with All My Heart" | Queen of Tears |
| 2020 | Jo Jung-suk | "Aloha" | Hospital Playlist |
| 2019 | Gummy | "Remember Me" | Hotel del Luna |
| 2018 | Paul Kim | "Every Day, Every Moment" | Should We Kiss First? |
| 2017 | Ailee | "I Will Go to You Like the First Snow" | Goblin |
| 2016 | Gummy | "You Are My Everything" | Descendants of the Sun |
Best Hip-Hop Award
[edit]| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Mino |
| 2014 | Epik High |
| 2013 | Baechigi |
| 2012 | Epik High |
| 2010 | Supreme Team |
| 2009 | Epik High |
| 2007 | Dynamic Duo |
| 2006 | MC Mong |
| 2005 | Epik High |
Best Rock Award
[edit]| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Hyukoh |
| 2015 | |
| 2011 | F.T. Island |
| 2010 | |
| 2009 | Kiha & The Faces |
| 2008 | Nell |
| 2004 | Jaurim |
| 2003 | Maya |
| 2002 | Jaurim |
| 2001 | Kim Jong-seo |
Best R&B/Soul Award
[edit]| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Suran |
| 2016 | Crush |
Special awards
[edit]All winners are adapted from the Golden Disc Awards website.[41]
Best Group Award
[edit]| Year | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Monsta X | |
| 2024 | Le Sserafim | |
| 2022 | Treasure | |
| 2021 | Brave Girls | |
| 2020 | Monsta X | |
| 2019 | Mamamoo | |
| 2018 | Male | Wanna One |
| Female | GFriend | |
| 2017 | Male | BtoB |
| Female | GFriend | |
Best Solo Artist Award
[edit]| Year | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Yuqi | |
| 2022 | Male | Be'O |
| Female | Younha | |
| 2021 | Lim Young-woong | |
| 2020 | Jessi | |
| 2019 | Hwasa | |
Performance Award
[edit]| Year | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | TWS | Izna |
| 2022 | Seventeen | |
| 2021 | The Boyz | Jeon Somi |
| 2020 | Stray Kids | (G)I-dle |
| 2019 | Astro | (G)I-dle |
| 2016 | Sechs Kies | Sistar |
| 2014 | Beast | Apink |
| 2012 | Infinite | Trouble Maker |
Artist of the Year Award
[edit]| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Psy |
| 2021 | Aespa |
Cosmopolitan Artist Award
[edit]| Year | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Ive | |
| 2024 | NewJeans | |
| 2021 | Seventeen | Aespa |
| 2020 | NCT 127 | |
| 2019 | Twice | NU'EST |
| 2018 | Blackpink | Wanna One |
| 2011 | F.T. Island | |
Next Generation Award
[edit]| Year | Winner | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | KiiiKiii | — | — |
| 2024 | Kiss of Life | — | — |
| 2023 | BoyNextDoor | — | — |
| 2020 | Loona | The Boyz | — |
| 2019 | Kim Jae-hwan | AB6IX | Ateez |
| 2015 | Monsta X | — | — |
| 2014 | Tasty | Bestie | — |
| 2012 | BtoB | — | — |
Producer Award
[edit]| Year | Winner | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Min Hee-jin | [42] |
| 2022 | Seo Hyun-joo | [43] |
| 2020 | Bang Si-hyuk | [44] |
| 2017 | [45] | |
| 2014 | Hong Seung-seong | [46] |
| 2011 | ||
| 2010 | ||
| 2009 | Lee Ho-yeon | [47] |
| 2008 | Lee Soo-man | [48] |
| 2007 | Park Jin-young | [49] |
International Recognition Awards
[edit]| Year | Winner | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Thai K-pop Artist | Seventeen | ||
| 2020 | QQ Music Fans Choice K-Pop Artist | Exo | ||
| 2019 | NetEase Fans Choice K-Pop Star | BTS | ||
| 2018 | Global VLive Top 10 Best Artist Award | BTS | ||
| NetEase Music Global Star Popularity Award | ||||
| 2017 | Global Popularity Award | Exo | ||
| 2016 | Asia Popularity Award | Kim Jae Joong | ||
| Global K-Pop Artist Award | BTS | |||
| 2015 | Global Popularity Award | Exo | ||
| iQiyi Artist Award | Big Bang | Taeyeon | ||
| 2014 | China Good Will Star Award | Got7 | CNBLUE | |
| iQiyi Popularity Award | CNBLUE | |||
| 2012 | MSN International Award | Big Bang | ||
| 2011 | MSN International Award | Beast | ||
| MSN Japan Award | Super Junior | |||
| Best Asian Group Award | CNBLUE | |||
| Best Hallyu Star Award | Kara | |||
| Hallyu Icon Award | Infinite | Rainbow | Supernova | |
| ViVi Dream Award | CNBLUE | |||
| 2010 | MSN Asia Popularity Award | Super Junior | ||
Special Recognition Golden Disc Awards
[edit]| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2018 | SSAW |
| 2007 | Kim Ah-joong |
| 2003 | Kang Won-rae |
| 2002 | Park Kyung-lim |
Other awards
[edit]| Year | Award | Winners |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Global Impact Award | Jennie |
| Naver AI Choice | Boynextdoor | |
| Golden Choice | ARrC | |
| Close Your Eyes | ||
| 2022 | Most Popular Artist | Stray Kids |
| (G)I-dle | ||
| 2020 | Golden Choice | NU'EST |
| Trend of the Year | Zico | |
| 2016 | Best K-Pop Band Award | CNBLUE |
| 2015 | Best Vocal Award | BtoB |
| Jung Yong-hwa | ||
| 2014 | Trend of the Year | Soyou & Junggigo |
| Commission Special Award | Deulgukhwa | |
| 2013 | Goodwill Star Award | CNBLUE |
| 2012 | Samsung Galaxy Star Award | Sistar |
| Golden Single Award | Teen Top | |
| InStyle Fashionista Award | Hongki | |
| JTBC Best Artist Award | Beast | |
| 2008 | New Trend Award | Kim Jong-wook |
Discontinued awards
[edit]See Awards
Ceci Asia Icon Award
| Year | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Exo | Twice |
| 2016 | Exo | Red Velvet |
| 2014 | CNBLUE | |
| 2013 | Shinee | Sistar |
| 2011 | Beast | |
Achievement Award
| Year | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Park Chun-seok | — |
| 2009 | Song Chang-sik | — |
| 2008 | Kim Chang-wan | — |
| 2005 | Cho Yong-pil | — |
| 2004 | Patti Kim | — |
| 2003 | Yang Hee-eun | — |
| 2002 | Kim Serena | — |
| 2001 | Song Dae-kwan | Ha Chun-hwa |
| 2000 | Choi Yoo-na | Clon |
| 1999 | Tae Jin-ah | — |
| 1998 | Song Dae-kwan | — |
| 1997 | Hyun Sook | — |
| 1996 | Hyeon In | — |
| 1995 | Lee Mi-ja | — |
| 1994 | Gil Ok-yoon | — |
| 1993 | Shin Hong-gyun | — |
| 1992 | Shin Hong-gyun | — |
| 1991 | Lim Jeong-su | — |
Music Video Awards
| Year | Award | Winner | Music video |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Music Video Award | Cho PD | "My Style" |
| Popular Music Video Award | Lena Park | "In Dreams" | |
| Music Video Director's Award | Kim Nam-gyeong | "How Are You Doing?" by Hwayobi |
Producer Daesang
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Son Myeong-su – Apple Records |
| 1997 | Jang Yong-jin – SM Entertainment |
| 1996 | Park Nam-seong – Doremi Records |
| 1995 | Sa Maeng-seok – Line Sound |
| 1994 | Lee Seong-gyun – Dukyun Industries |
| 1993 | Lee Seong-gyun – Dukyun Industries |
| 1992 | Lee Seong-gyun – Dukyun Industries |
| 1991 | Jeon Gap-sin – Sorabel Records |
Encouragement Award
| Year | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Green Area | — |
| 1994 | Kim Min-gyo | — |
| 1993 | Choi Yoo-na | Park Jeong-un |
| 1992 | Kim Kook-hwan | Moon Hee-ok |
Other Technical awards
| Year | Award | Winner | Song |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Planning Award | Eom Yong-seop | Back To You Again by Byun Jin-sub |
| Lyricist Award | Park Joo-yeon | Back To You Again; and "It's Only Love'" by Kim Min-woo | |
| Composition Award | Ha Kwang-hoon | Back To You Again; and "It's Only Love'" |
Most awarded artists
[edit]Most grand prizes awarded
[edit]This list includes both Album of the Year (Album Daesang) and Digital Song of the Year (Digital Song Daesang) award winners.
| Awards | Artist |
|---|---|
| 7 | BTS |
| 4 | Exo |
| 3 | Girls' Generation |
| Jo Sung-mo | |
| Kim Gun-mo | |
| SG Wannabe | |
| Super Junior | |
| IU | |
| 2 | Byeon Jin-seob |
| Psy | |
| Seventeen | |
| Shin Seung-hun | |
| TVXQ |
Most awarded overall
[edit]| Awards | Artist |
|---|---|
| 31 | BTS |
| 20 | Super Junior |
| 18 | Exo |
| 16 | Seventeen |
| 15 | Girls' Generation |
| CNBLUE | |
| 13 | Shinee |
| 12 | Beast |
| Shin Seung-hun | |
| Twice |
References
[edit]- ^ a b "중앙일보S 매체 인수 설명회에 회장 직접 참석한 KG그룹" [KG Group Chairman [Kwak Jae-sun] personally attends JoongAng Ilbo S Media Acquisition Briefing Session]. Media Today via Naver (in Korean). 8 April 2022. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
- ^ a b Jin, Min-ji (13 January 2018). "BTS and IU cap off 'unbelievable' year: Exo, Wanna One and more were big winners at the 32nd Golden Disc Awards". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on 12 January 2018. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
- ^ Ahn, Jin-yong (4 December 2020). "35회 골든디스크 어워즈, 내년 1월 9일 10일 개최". Munhwa Ilbo (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on 31 January 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
- ^ a b "'35회 골든디스크 어워즈', 내년 1월 9일·10일 개최 확정[공식입장]". Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020 – via Naver.
- ^ a b "골든디스크 '누구품에 안길까'". The Korea Times (in Korean). 27 November 2000. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ "Manila to host K-Pop's Golden Disc Awards". Manila Standard. 19 November 2017. Archived from the original on 20 November 2017. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
- ^ "골든 디스크 상 트로피" [Golden Disc Awards Trophy]. Golden Disc Awards (in Korean). 2009. Archived from the original on 16 February 2009. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
- ^ "93골든디스크 대상/신승훈 「사랑하니까」/어제 영상음반 시상식". Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). 13 December 1993. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- ^ "「94 영상음반대상」 시상식/일간스포츠·음반협회 주최" ['94 Video and Music Awards' ceremony / hosted by Daily Sports and Record Association]. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). 12 December 1994. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- ^ "95 대한민국 영상음반대상 (골든디스크)" [95 Korea Video and Music Awards (Golden Disc)]. The Seo Taiji Archive (in Korean). 13 March 2021. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- ^ "올해의 골든디스크 대상에 김건모의 [스피드]" [Golden Disk of the Year Grand Prize for Kim Gun-mo's [Speed]]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Naver. 8 December 1996. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- ^ "97 대한민국 영상음반대상 수상자 발표" [97 Korea Video and Music Awards Winners Announcement]. ETNews (in Korean). 15 December 1997. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- ^ "「아무도 ...」 영상음반대상 골든비디오대상 수상" [「Nobody...」 Awarded the Golden Video Award at the Video and Music Awards]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Naver. 5 December 1998. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ "[99 영상음반대상] 조성모, 골든디스크상 대상" [[99 Video and Recording Awards] Jo Sung-mo, Golden Disc Award]. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). 25 February 2002. Archived from the original on 26 March 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ "god 골든디스크 '대상'" [god wins Golden Disk 'daesang']. The Korea Times. 14 December 2001. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
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External links
[edit]- Golden Disc Awards official website
Golden Disc Awards
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Establishment
The Golden Disc Awards were established in 1986 by Ilgan Sports, a prominent sports newspaper affiliated with the JoongAng Ilbo group, as an annual ceremony to recognize and honor popular music that had garnered significant attention and sales in the previous year.[9][10] The event aimed to promote creativity in Korean popular music, discover emerging talent, and support the overall growth of the music industry by highlighting achievements based on verifiable market performance.[1] Originally named the Korea Visual and Records Grand Prize Award, it was designed to foster a fair and objective evaluation process, drawing on sales figures to celebrate both established artists and newcomers.[11] The first ceremony took place in December 1986 in Seoul, South Korea, marking the inception of what would become one of the nation's most prestigious music accolades.[12] Ilgan Sports played a central role in administering the event, collecting sales data directly from music distributors to ensure transparency and accuracy in determining recipients.[9] Highlights included the presentation of Bonsang awards for top albums, with Deulgukhwa receiving the Album Bonsang for their work March, underscoring the ceremony's emphasis on rewarding commercial success in the nascent stages of Korea's recorded music market. In its early years, the awards' criteria were strictly limited to physical album sales, certified through aggregated data from industry distributors, without any consideration for digital or streaming metrics that would emerge later.[13] This sales-focused approach allowed Ilgan Sports to position the Golden Disc Awards as a reliable barometer of the music industry's vitality, prioritizing quantitative achievements to promote sustainable development and talent recognition.[1]Evolution and Milestones
The Golden Disc Awards have undergone substantial evolution since the late 1980s, adapting to technological shifts and the expanding K-pop landscape while maintaining a focus on fairness through data-driven criteria. Initially centered on physical album sales and visual media, the awards incorporated digital categories in the mid-2000s to address the surge in online music consumption via platforms like mp3 downloads and early streaming services. By the 25th ceremony in 2010, the digital music division explicitly accounted for 60% of judgments based on download volumes during the release period, alongside BGM usage and other metrics, marking a pivotal recognition of digital formats' growing dominance.[14] Judging criteria continued to refine in the 2010s, blending quantitative sales data with qualitative input; for instance, grand prize selections by the 32nd ceremony in 2018 relied on 80% sales figures and 20% expert evaluations, ensuring objectivity amid rising digital sales. Entering the 2020s, the process emphasized hybrid metrics incorporating global streaming data, with winners determined via the CIRCLE Music Chart that aggregates streams from domestic platforms like Melon and international ones such as Spotify, reflecting K-pop's borderless consumption patterns. In 2022, following the sale of Ilgan Sports to KG Group, the JoongAng Group became the primary organizer starting with the 37th ceremony.[15][1] Notable milestones underscore the awards' maturation, including the first international hosting at the 26th ceremony in Osaka, Japan, in 2012, which broadened its appeal beyond South Korea. The 30th edition in 2016 highlighted logistical ambitions with initial plans for Shenzhen, China, though ultimately held in Seoul, signaling early efforts toward global staging. The 39th Golden Disc Awards in 2025 returned to Japan at the Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka for a two-day event on January 4–5, reinforcing the ceremony's international prestige as the sixth overseas iteration.[16][17] Format innovations have enhanced accessibility and spectacle, with the shift to two-day events beginning at the 33rd ceremony in 2019 to separate digital song and physical album divisions, enabling extended performances and broader artist participation. Fan-voting elements, present since at least the early 2010s through dedicated popularity awards comprising up to 20% of certain category scores, further integrated audience input in the 2010s, fostering greater engagement amid K-pop's fan-driven culture.[18][14] These developments have cemented the Golden Disc Awards' significance in K-pop's globalization, serving as a benchmark for international success; winners frequently propel artists onto global platforms like Billboard charts, as evidenced by BTS securing both grand prizes in 2020, which amplified their worldwide visibility and industry influence.[3]Ceremonies
List of Ceremonies
The Golden Disc Awards have been held annually since the inaugural ceremony in 1986, totaling 40 editions by 2026, with minor delays in some years due to scheduling or external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] Initially broadcast on networks like MBC and KBS, the ceremonies shifted broadcasters over time, with JTBC serving as the primary network from the 2010s onward, often accompanied by international streaming platforms.[11] Venues were predominantly in Seoul, South Korea, until international expansion began in 2012. The following table provides a chronological overview of all ceremonies, including edition number, year of the ceremony, date(s), venue, host city, and notable hosts where documented.| Edition | Year | Date(s) | Venue | Host City | Notable Hosts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1986 | Unknown | Unknown | Seoul, South Korea | Unknown |
| 2nd | 1987 | Unknown | Unknown | Seoul, South Korea | Unknown |
| 3rd | 1988 | Unknown | Unknown | Seoul, South Korea | Unknown |
| 4th | 1989 | Unknown | Unknown | Seoul, South Korea | Unknown |
| 5th | 1990 | Unknown | Unknown | Seoul, South Korea | Unknown |
| 6th | 1991 | Unknown | Unknown | Seoul, South Korea | Unknown |
| 7th | 1992 | Unknown | Unknown | Seoul, South Korea | Unknown |
| 8th | 1993 | December 12 | Grand Walkerhill Hotel | Seoul, South Korea | Unknown |
| 9th | 1994 | December 11 | National Theater of Korea | Seoul, South Korea | Unknown |
| 10th | 1995 | December 10 | National Theater of Korea | Seoul, South Korea | Unknown |
| 11th | 1996 | December 8 | National Theater of Korea | Seoul, South Korea | Unknown |
| 12th | 1997 | December 14 | National Theater of Korea | Seoul, South Korea | Han Seon-gyo, Lee Seung-yeon |
| 13th | 1998 | December 5 | National Theater of Korea | Seoul, South Korea | Shin Dong-ho, Kim Hee-sun |
| 14th | 1999 | December 19 | Sejong Center | Seoul, South Korea | Shin Dong-ho, Song Yun-ah |
| 15th | 2000 | December 1 | Sejong Center | Seoul, South Korea | Shin Dong-ho, Hwang Su-jeong |
| 16th | 2001 | December 14 | Sejong Center | Seoul, South Korea | Shin Dong-ho, Kim Hyun-joo |
| 17th | 2002 | December 13 | Sejong Center | Seoul, South Korea | Shin Dong-ho, Song Yun-ah |
| 18th | 2003 | December 5 | Grand Peace Palace, Kyung Hee University | Seoul, South Korea | Seo Kyung-seok, Ha Ji-won |
| 19th | 2004 | December 2 | Sejong Center | Seoul, South Korea | Yoo Jeong-hyeon, Sung Yu-ri |
| 20th | 2005 | December 7 | Unknown | Unknown | Tak Jae-hoon, Jeong Ji-young |
| 21st | 2006 | December 14 | Olympic Hall | Seoul, South Korea | Ryu Si-won, Kang Su-jeong |
| 22nd | 2007 | December 14 | Olympic Hall | Seoul, South Korea | Ryu Si-won, Kim Ah-joong |
| 23rd | 2008 | December 10 | Olympic Hall | Seoul, South Korea | Shin Dong-yup, Park Ji-yoon |
| 24th | 2009 | December 10 | Hwajeong Gymnasium, Korea University | Seoul, South Korea | Kim Seong-joo, Park Ji-yoon |
| 25th | 2010 | December 9 | Hwajeong Gymnasium, Korea University | Seoul, South Korea | Tak Jae-hoon, Choi Song-hyun |
| 26th | 2012 | January 11–12 | Kyocera Dome Osaka | Osaka, Japan | Leeteuk, Park Gyu-ri, Lee Hong-gi, Bae Suzy |
| 27th | 2013 | January 15–16 | Sepang International Circuit | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Nicole Jung, Jung Yong-hwa, Kim Da-som, Lee Hong-gi |
| 28th | 2014 | January 16 | Grand Peace Palace, Kyung Hee University | Seoul, South Korea | Minho, Jung Yong-hwa, Yoon Doo-joon, Taeyeon, Tiffany, Oh Sang-jin |
| 29th | 2015 | January 14–15 | MasterCard Center | Beijing, China | Kim Sung-joo, Kim Jong-kook, Fei, Jun Hyun-moo, Leeteuk, Tiffany |
| 30th | 2016 | January 20–21 | Grand Peace Palace, Kyung Hee University | Seoul, South Korea | Jun Hyun-moo, Kim Jong-kook, Seohyun, Krystal, Leeteuk |
| 31st | 2017 | January 13–14 | Korea International Exhibition Center | Goyang, South Korea | Hwang Chi-yeul, Seohyun, Jung Yong-hwa, Kang So-ra, Sung Si-kyung |
| 32nd | 2018 | January 10–11 | Korea International Exhibition Center | Goyang, South Korea | Lee Seung-gi, Lee Sung-kyung, Kang So-ra, Sung Si-kyung |
| 33rd | 2019 | January 5–6 | Gocheok Sky Dome | Seoul, South Korea | Lee Seung-gi, Park Min-young, Kang So-ra, Sung Si-kyung |
| 34th | 2020 | January 4–5 | Gocheok Sky Dome | Seoul, South Korea | Lee Seung-gi, Park So-dam, Lee Da-hee, Sung Si-kyung |
| 35th | 2021 | January 9–10 | Korea International Exhibition Center | Goyang, South Korea | Unknown (held without live audience due to COVID-19) |
| 36th | 2022 | January 8 | Gocheok Sky Dome | Seoul, South Korea | Lee Seung-gi, Lee Da-hee, Sung Si-kyung |
| 37th | 2023 | January 7 | Rajamangala Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Sung Si-kyung, Lee Da-hee, Nichkhun, Park So-dam[19] |
| 38th | 2024 | January 6 | Jakarta International Stadium | Jakarta, Indonesia | Sung Si-kyung, Cha Eun-woo[20] |
| 39th | 2025 | January 4–5 | Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka | Fukuoka, Japan | Sung Si-kyung, Cha Eun-woo, Moon Ga-young[21] |
| 40th | 2026 | January 10 | Taipei Dome | Taipei, Taiwan | Sung Si-kyung, Moon Ga-young; ENHYPEN performed 'Intro + Bad Desire (With or Without You) + Daydream + Outside' and won the Best Album (Bonsang) for DESIRE: UNLEASH; ATEEZ performed 'Intro + Ice On My Teeth + In Your Fantasy' and won the Best Album (Bonsang) for GOLDEN HOUR : Part.2, featuring a notable dance break by San and Yunho with jacket removal and intense choreography; Stray Kids performed a medley of "DIVINE," "Do It (Turbo Version)," and "CEREMONY (KARMA Version)" and won Album of the Year (Daesang); the performances attracted over 3.1 million live viewers; BTS member Jin won the Upbit Most Popular Male Artist Award with 19.7 million votes out of nearly 47.7 million total votes in the combined male and female categories[22][23][24][25][8][26][27][26][28] |
International Expansion
The Golden Disc Awards began its international expansion in 2012 with the 26th ceremony held at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, marking the first time the event was hosted outside South Korea to capitalize on the growing popularity of K-pop in Asia.[29] This move was followed by the 27th edition in 2013 at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the 29th in 2015 at the MasterCard Center in Beijing, China, further extending the awards' reach into key Asian markets amid the rising Hallyu wave.[30] After returning to domestic venues, such as the 31st ceremony in 2017 at the Korea International Exhibition Center in Goyang, South Korea, the awards resumed international hosting with the 37th edition in 2023 at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The decision to hold ceremonies abroad aligns with efforts to enhance global visibility for Korean music and foster partnerships with local promoters and sponsors, as seen in collaborations like the 38th edition in 2024 at Jakarta International Stadium in Indonesia, supported by Bank Mandiri.[29] These choices reflect the broader globalization of K-pop, allowing the awards to attract international fans directly and integrate with the Hallyu phenomenon, which promotes Korean cultural exports across Asia.[31] Subsequent events continued this trend, including the 39th ceremony in 2025 at Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka, Japan.[16] The international shift has significantly amplified the awards' impact, drawing massive crowds and boosting K-pop's worldwide presence; for instance, the 2024 Jakarta event drew approximately 80,000 attendees, highlighting economic benefits such as increased tourism in host cities.[32] The 38th ceremony also saw reports of crowd disturbances outside the venue.[29] These ceremonies have facilitated cross-cultural exchanges, including performances that blend K-pop with local elements, and expanded streaming access to global audiences, contributing to collaborations between Korean artists and international talents.[29] The 40th Golden Disc Awards in 2026 at Taipei Dome in Taiwan continued this globalization strategy, underscoring the event's role in K-pop's ongoing international expansion.[33]Award Categories
Grand Prizes
The Grand Prizes, known as Daesang awards, represent the pinnacle of recognition at the Golden Disc Awards, honoring overall excellence in music releases. There are two primary categories: the Digital Song of the Year (Digital Daesang), which celebrates the top-performing digital track, and the Album of the Year (Album Daesang), which recognizes the most impactful album. These awards underscore the ceremony's dual focus on digital innovation and traditional physical media, reflecting the evolving landscape of the K-pop industry.[1] The Album Daesang has been awarded since the inaugural Golden Disc Awards in 1986, initially emphasizing physical album sales as a measure of commercial success and artistic influence. The Digital Daesang was introduced in 2009 to account for the rising prominence of digital music platforms, with the first recipients honoring tracks that dominated streaming and downloads. Both awards evaluate releases from the previous year, using data from the CIRCLE Chart, which tracks combined physical and digital metrics. For the Digital Daesang, the criteria prioritize streaming and download performance, while the Album Daesang considers overall sales volume, including physical units and digital equivalents.[3][1][34] Winners are selected from the Bonsang recipients in their respective divisions through a combined evaluation: 60% based on objective sales and streaming data, and 40% determined by an expert panel of industry professionals assessing artistic merit and cultural impact. Only one winner is chosen per category annually, ensuring exclusivity. This process, refined over decades, balances quantifiable popularity with qualitative judgment.[35] These Daesang awards hold immense prestige, often likened to the highest accolades in global entertainment for their role in defining yearly dominance in K-pop. Recipients, such as IU, who secured the Digital Daesang multiple times—including for "Through the Night" in 2018, "Blueming" in 2021, and "Celebrity" in 2021—exemplify sustained excellence and influence. In the 39th Golden Disc Awards held in 2025, aespa won the Digital Daesang for "Supernova," highlighting innovative digital hits, while SEVENTEEN claimed the Album Daesang for Spill the Feels, underscoring the enduring value of comprehensive album projects.[36][37][38]Bonsang Awards
The Bonsang Awards, also known as main prizes, recognize outstanding achievements in physical albums and digital songs, serving as the primary categories from which the Grand Prizes (Daesang) are selected. These awards highlight the top performers based on objective metrics, emphasizing commercial success in the Korean music industry. Typically, 10 recipients are honored in each category annually, reflecting the competitive landscape of K-pop and broader music releases.[1] The Album Bonsang, introduced in 1986 with the inaugural Golden Disc Awards, honors up to 10 albums with the highest sales records, primarily evaluated through physical album sales data from the CIRCLE Chart, with streaming metrics as a secondary factor. Criteria focus on releases from early November of the previous year to early November of the award year, considering the highest-selling album per artist if multiple qualify; repackaged albums are assessed separately. Winners are determined by aggregated sales figures up to late November, ensuring a data-driven selection process without public voting.[1][38] The Digital Song Bonsang, established in 2009 to adapt to the rise of online music consumption, similarly awards up to 10 top-performing tracks based on streaming and download metrics from major platforms such as Melon and Genie, compiled via the CIRCLE Digital Chart. Evaluation prioritizes unique listener counts and overall digital plays within the same annual period, again selecting the strongest entry per artist. This category underscores the shift toward digital dominance in music distribution.[1][34] Bonsang winners in both categories become eligible for their respective Daesang, with the ultimate grand prize recipient chosen from among them through a combination of sales data and expert review. Historically, early ceremonies emphasized rock and ballad albums from solo artists and bands, aligning with the dominant genres of the 1980s and 1990s. In the modern era, K-pop groups have increasingly dominated, driven by global fanbases and multifaceted releases. For instance, at the 39th Golden Disc Awards in 2025, (G)I-DLE received the Album Bonsang for their release 2, while NewJeans won in the Digital Song category for their track contributions.[1][39][37]New Artist Awards
The Rookie Artist of the Year award at the Golden Disc Awards recognizes emerging acts that have debuted within the previous one to two years, typically honoring the newcomer with the highest combined performance in album sales and digital streams during the eligibility period. Introduced in the 1990s as part of the ceremony's focus on discovering fresh talent, this accolade targets artists who release their debut works—such as singles, mini-albums with six or fewer tracks, or full albums—between early November of the prior year and early November of the award year, excluding soundtracks and project singles from television programs.[1][40] The selection process relies on quantitative data from the CIRCLE Music Chart, which tracks physical album sales and digital metrics like streams and downloads, often weighted alongside evaluations from a panel of industry experts to ensure a balanced assessment of artistic potential and commercial impact. In recent iterations, the award has seen variations to reflect the evolving music landscape, including splits by division: one for digital song achievements and another for physical album releases, presented across the two-day ceremony format. For instance, genre-specific newcomer honors may occasionally appear under broader category umbrellas, but the core Rookie Artist award remains a unified spotlight on K-pop debuts without routine gender-based divisions.[1][40] This award serves as a critical launchpad for careers in the competitive K-pop industry, propelling recipients toward mainstream success and international recognition; BTS, winners in 2014 for their 2013 debut, exemplify this trajectory, evolving from rookies to global phenomena following the honor. In the 39th Golden Disc Awards held in 2025, BABYMONSTER received the Rookie Artist of the Year for physical albums, sharing the category's prestige with other standout newcomers like NCT WISH on Day 2, while ILLIT and TWS were recognized on Day 1 for digital accomplishments.[41][38]Fan-Voted Awards
The Popularity Award, also known as the Golden Disc Most Popular Artist Award, is a fan-voted category introduced in the 2010s to recognize artists' public appeal through direct voting, separate from sales or expert evaluations.[14] It has been split into male and female divisions since its inception, with the top vote-getter in each category receiving the award based entirely on fan participation.[14] Often combined under the Most Popular Artist umbrella, the criteria emphasize 100% fan votes drawn from both domestic and international pools, highlighting artists' global fanbases.[39] The voting process typically opens one to two months before the ceremony, running for approximately 25 to 30 days to allow broad participation, and is conducted via dedicated mobile apps such as Mubeat, FandomChart, and My1P1ck, where users earn votes by completing daily tasks like watching ads.[42] Limits are imposed, such as a maximum of 15 to 20 votes per day per user in each gender category, to ensure fairness.[43] The organizing association verifies votes through app-based authentication to prevent bot activity and fraud, following past incidents that prompted stricter measures.[44] This award plays a key role in engaging global K-pop fans, with international voting options expanded in the 2020s via accessible apps and platforms like TikTok, fostering greater worldwide involvement and boosting artist-fan loyalty through interactive campaigns.[3] For instance, in the 39th Golden Disc Awards held in 2025, LE SSERAFIM won the female division and PLAVE the male division, reflecting their strong international support.[45] In the 40th Golden Disc Awards held in 2026, BTS member Jin won the Most Popular Male Artist Award with 19,736,251 votes out of 47,676,748 total votes in the combined male and female categories, underscoring the award's fan-driven nature.[25][46]Genre Awards
The Genre Awards at the Golden Disc Awards recognize outstanding achievements in specific music genres, expanding recognition beyond mainstream K-pop to encompass diverse styles such as R&B, hip-hop, trot, ballad, OST, rock, and soul. These categories include Best R&B/Hip-Hop (introduced in the 2010s), Best Trot, Best Ballad, Best OST, Best Hip-Hop, Best Rock, and Best R&B/Soul, with one winner selected per category.[39][47] Nominations for these awards are drawn from genre-specific sales and streaming data on platforms like the CIRCLE Chart, covering releases from early November of the previous year to early November of the award year. Winners are determined by a combined evaluation: 60% based on quantifiable metrics such as streams and downloads, and 40% from expert panel reviews assessing artistic merit and impact. This methodology ensures objectivity while highlighting genre-specific excellence.[1][48] Genre Awards were introduced in the 2000s as the ceremony evolved to support non-pop genres amid the growing dominance of idol music, reflecting the awards' commitment to broader Korean music diversity. The Best OST category, in particular, gained prominence due to the global rise of K-dramas, often honoring tracks that enhance narrative storytelling and achieve widespread popularity through drama tie-ins.[47][49] These awards play a key role in spotlighting indie and niche artists, providing visibility for underrepresented styles like trot, which celebrates veteran performers such as Na Hoon-a, known as the "Emperor of Trot" for his enduring contributions to the genre. While some genre winners may also qualify for broader Bonsang Awards based on commercial success, the Genre Awards emphasize stylistic innovation and cultural resonance within their domains. In a recent example, DAY6 won the Best Band Award—a rock variant—at the 39th Golden Disc Awards in 2025, underscoring the category's focus on band-driven rock performances.[6][50]Special Awards
The Special Awards at the Golden Disc Awards recognize exceptional contributions to K-pop beyond commercial metrics, focusing on artistic excellence, global influence, and pioneering impact. These non-competitive honors are selected by panels of industry experts, including producers, composers, and critics, emphasizing creative merit over sales or fan voting. Introduced in various forms since the 2010s, they highlight performers, creators, and visionaries who elevate the genre. Key categories include the Best Group Award, which honors outstanding ensemble performances and innovation among K-pop groups, as seen with LE SSERAFIM's win in 2025 for their dynamic stage presence and musical versatility. The Best Solo Artist Award, revived in 2024 after earlier iterations from 2019 to 2022, celebrates individual artistry, with Yuqi receiving the honor in 2025 for her distinctive vocal and performance style. Similarly, the Best Producer Award acknowledges behind-the-scenes innovators, such as Han Sung-soo from Pledis Entertainment in 2025, who shaped hit productions through songwriting and arrangement expertise. The Cosmopolitan Artist Award recognizes global cultural impact, awarded to NewJeans in 2025 for their international breakthrough and trendsetting appeal. The Next Generation Award spotlights rising talents with leadership potential, going to KISS OF LIFE in 2025 for their fresh sound and promising trajectory. The Artist of the Year Award salutes overall excellence, exemplified by PSY's 2023 recognition for his enduring influence and boundary-pushing work. A notable recent addition is the Powerhouse 40, announced in October 2025 as a milestone honor for the awards' 40th anniversary in 2026. This special recognition lists 40 influential figures who pioneered K-pop's evolution, selected by a committee of 50 experts including producers, lyricists, journalists, and critics; honorees include BTS and BLACKPINK for revolutionizing global fandom and genre fusion, alongside veterans like Seo Taiji and IU. These awards underscore lifetime achievements and cross-genre artistry, distinguishing them from sales-driven categories by prioritizing expert judgment on cultural significance.Other and Discontinued Awards
In addition to its core categories, the Golden Disc Awards have included miscellaneous honors that recognize broader contributions to the music industry, often presented sporadically to mark significant milestones or individual legacies. The Special Recognition Golden Disc serves as a lifetime achievement honor for veteran artists who have shaped Korean popular music over decades. This award acknowledges enduring impact beyond commercial metrics, with past recipients including broadcasters and performers like Park Kyung-lim in 2002 and Kim Ah-joong in 2007.[51] It underscores the ceremony's role in celebrating foundational figures, such as trot and pop pioneer Cho Yong-pil, whose innovations in the 1970s and 1980s laid groundwork for modern K-pop.[6] International Recognition Awards highlight artists' global sales achievements and overseas influence, aligning with K-pop's expansion beyond South Korea. These honors, introduced to reflect international market performance, have been awarded to acts demonstrating strong export success, contributing to the ceremony's shift toward worldwide acclaim since the 2010s.[52] Several categories and practices have been discontinued or reformed to streamline the event amid the rise of digital distribution and streaming. Prior to the 32nd ceremony in 2018, online fan voting factored into major prizes like the Grand Prize (Daesang) and Bonsang awards, but this was eliminated to prioritize objective data such as sales and chart performance from sources like the CIRCLE Chart, enhancing perceived fairness and reducing popularity-driven outcomes.[53][54] The Popularity Award, once partially judge-influenced, evolved into a fully fan-voted format post-2018, formalizing public engagement while separating it from sales-based honors. Early genre-specific categories, including variants of Best OST and Best Dance from the pre-2010s, were phased out in favor of unified Bonsang expansions, adapting to digital overlaps and broader genre blending in streaming eras; their last prominent uses occurred around the 2010s before integration.[53] These changes illustrate the awards' adaptation to industry shifts, with occasional revivals of special recognitions—like the 2025 Powerhouse 40 list honoring 40 influential K-pop figures for the 40th anniversary—to commemorate historical evolution without reinstating full categories.[47]Recipients and Records
Most Awarded Artists
IU holds the record as the most awarded artist at the Golden Disc Awards, with more than 25 wins accumulated by 2025, encompassing a combination of Daesang grand prizes and Bonsang main awards across her career spanning over a decade. Her consistent chart-topping releases and versatility in digital and album categories have solidified her dominance, particularly among solo artists, where longevity and critical acclaim play key roles in repeated recognition.[39] Among groups, BTS stands out with multiple Daesang wins, including a historic sweep of both the digital song and physical album grand prizes in 2020, contributing to their overall tally that emphasizes peak sales and global impact during their active years. SEVENTEEN follows as a leading contemporary group, surpassing 15 wins by 2025, driven by strong album performances and fan engagement. Big Bang exemplifies early 2010s dominance through innovative music and commercial success, with three Daesang awards.[55][39] Rising acts like aespa have quickly ascended, securing three wins at the 39th Golden Disc Awards in 2025 alone, including the Digital Song Daesang for "Supernova" and Bonsang in both digital and album divisions, marking their cumulative rise in recent years. Factors such as explosive sales peaks for groups like BTS and sustained output for solos like IU underscore the criteria of sales, streaming, and popularity that favor these leaders.[39][56][37][38]| Rank | Artist | Total Wins (as of 2025) | Notable Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IU | 25+ | Daesang (multiple), Bonsang (digital/album) |
| 2 | BTS | 20+ | Daesang (5), Bonsang (physical/digital) |
| 3 | SEVENTEEN | 15+ | Daesang (album, 2 consecutive), Bonsang |
| 4 | Big Bang | 15+ | Daesang (3), Bonsang |
| 5 | EXO | 14+ | Daesang (multiple), Bonsang |
| 6 | Super Junior | 12+ | Bonsang (multiple) |
| 7 | TWICE | 12+ | Daesang, Bonsang (digital) |
| 8 | aespa | 10+ | Daesang (digital), Bonsang |
| 9 | BLACKPINK | 9+ | Daesang, Bonsang |
| 10 | Girls' Generation | 8+ | Bonsang (multiple) |