The Best of Both Worlds at the KOREA GRAND MUSIC AWARDS
The 2nd annual KOREA GRAND MUSIC AWARDS (KGMA) is coming to Incheon’s Inspire Arena on November 14–15, and this year’s lineup is anything but predictable. From trot kings to indie rock heroes, this showcase celebrates the dazzling diversity of Korean music.
Who’s Taking the Stage?
The KGMA Organizing Committee has confirmed a genre-spanning lineup for the “Trot & Band” showcase. Set to perform are:
- Lee Chanwon – Returning to the KGMA for a second year, the beloved trot singer is back following the release of his second full album this October. He’s also a regular on Korean variety shows, proving his staying power across the board.
- Park Sojin – Dubbed the “Prince of Trot” and even the “God of Janggu” (a traditional Korean drum), Sojin fuses traditional instruments with modern trot. Expect him to deliver a stage that feels like history and hype collided.
- Jang Minho – The longtime “Trot Gentleman” rose to household fame after placing 6th on Mr. Trot in 2020. He now deftly bounces between trot, K-ballads, and dance music, and even moonlights as a top-rated MC.
- LUCY – Known for their violin-laced indie sound and festival headlining energy, LUCY continues to push what a Korean band can sound like. Their cross-cultural appeal was on full display during their successful Zepp Tour in Japan this summer.
- Xdinary Heroes – JYP’s resident rockers blend punchy visuals with sharp musicality. After owning their second “Beautiful Mind” world tour and rocking Lollapalooza Chicago, they’re bringing that same fire to the KGMA stage.
What Makes the KGMA Different?
This isn’t your typical glitzy K-pop award show. Launched by E-Daily M to reflect the full scope of Korea’s music scene, the KGMA acknowledges not just idols but rookies, band acts, and trot performers too. Last year’s inaugural show saw aespa, NewJeans, ATEEZ, and more scooping up the top Grand Trophy.
This year’s festival vibe is leveling up, with Red Velvet’s Irene and KISS OF LIFE’s Natty set to host each night. And yes—the charismatic Nam Ji-hyun will be returning again to lend her MC magic across both days.
Rookies and Big Names Alike
While powerhouses like Stray Kids, IVE, and BOYNEXTDOOR were announced in the event’s first rollout, the second wave highlights KGMA’s commitment to spotlighting all corners of the industry. From raw talent to veteran charm, the stage is shaping up to be anything but one-note.
Stay tuned—Phase three of lineup announcements and a few “special stages” are still under wraps, and something tells us this year’s KGMA is going to raise the bar for what a Korean music awards show can be.
Will 2024 Be the Year Trot and Rock Steal the Spotlight?
With names like Lee Chanwon and Xdinary Heroes sharing the same billing, KGMA 2024 is a collision of past and present. It’s not just about genres—it’s about generations. Who knows? The next viral performance might just involve a janggu solo and a guitar riff together.
