Seoul’s Premier K-pop Celebration Shines Bright
The 34th Seoul Music Awards lit up Incheon’s Inspire Arena on January 21, bringing together the brightest stars in K-pop for a night of unforgettable performances and meaningful accolades. Organized by Sports Seoul, this year’s ceremony was particularly special as it coincided with the outlet’s 40th anniversary, reinforcing the event’s reputation as one of Korea’s most prestigious K-pop award shows.
Top Honors for Fan Favorites
Leading the night, girl group (G)I-DLE earned the highest honor — the Grand Prize (Daesang), highlighting their remarkable achievement in 2023. Boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) dominated with three major wins, including Best Digital Song, Best Album, and a Main Prize (Bonsang), showing their global influence. Other multiple awardees included Zerobaseone, I’LL-IT, and NCT WISH for their group achievements, while solo stars like Rosé of BLACKPINK and trot singer Youngtak made impressive showings.
A Night of Debuts and Rising Stars
The event saluted new talent with Rookie of the Year Awards going to KIKI, Kickflip, and Hearts2Hearts. K-pop megastar RM of BTS was recognized in the R&B and Hip-Hop category, while ballad singer Hwang Garam and band Wave to Earth took home genre-specific honors. The K-pop Special Award also went to veteran group BTOB, underlining their continued presence in the industry.
Celebrity-Filled Ceremony
Actors Kim Seong-cheol, Ong Seong-wu, and Nam Gyuri graced the stage as presenters, adding further star power to a night hosted by (G)I-DLE’s Miyeon, WINNER’s Kang Seungyoon, and TXT’s Soobin. The trio’s witty banter and smooth delivery kept the energy high, proving their chemistry despite being first-time co-hosts.
More Than Just Awards
Beyond trophies, the ceremony featured high-energy performances across genres—from heartfelt ballads to show-stopping dance routines. Visual storytelling and top-tier stage effects elevated the entertainment, reinforcing Seoul Music Awards’ status as K-pop’s signature celebration.
A Glimpse into the Future
With fans already buzzing about next year’s edition, the 34th Seoul Music Awards served not only as a testament to K-pop excellence but also a teaser of the genre’s ever-evolving future. As one fan enthusiastically put it, “It felt like watching the future of global music unfold live on stage.”
2024 Seoul Music Awards – Major Winners
- Grand Prize (Daesang): (G)I-DLE
- Best Digital Song: TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)
- Best Album: Zerobaseone, TOMORROW X TOGETHER
- World Best Artist: Rosé, aespa
- K-pop World Choice (Group): BABYMONSTER
- K-pop World Choice (Solo): Youngtak
- Main Prize (Bonsang): Doyoung, Rosé, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, IVE, aespa, NCT DREAM, NCT WISH, ENHYPEN, G-DRAGON, P1Harmony, Plave, QWER, and more
- New Artist Award: KIKI, Kickflip, Hearts2Hearts
- R&B/Hip-hop Award: RM
- Ballad Award: Hwang Garam
- Trot & OST Awards: Youngtak
- Band Award: Wave to Earth
- Best Group Award: I’LL-IT, NCT WISH
- Best Soloist: Doyoung
- K-pop Special Award: BTOB
- Popular Star Award: Lee Chan-won
- Hallyu Special Award: Jimin (BTS)
- Rising Star Award: VVUP
[Image Courtesy of Seoul Music Awards Organizing Committee]