The 2025 Korean Music Awards (KMA) brought a night of glitz, glamour, and musical triumphs, showcasing the finest talent from South Korea’s vibrant music scene. The prestigious ceremony, held on February 27, celebrated both K-pop stars and indie acts, with aespa leading the charge with three major wins. G-Dragon, one of K-pop’s enduring icons, earned accolades for his hip-hop contributions, while rising stars like BIBI also took home top honors.
aespa’s Unstoppable Run at the 2025 KMAs
SM Entertainment’s powerful girl group, aespa, left a mark at the 22nd Korean Music Awards, sweeping the biggest categories of the night. The group clinched the coveted Song of the Year with their hit track “Supernova,” setting a new benchmark for K-pop success. aespa also claimed the Best K-pop Album award for “Armageddon” and the Best K-pop Song for “Supernova.” Their dominant performance at the KMAs reflected their growing influence in the global music scene.
aespa’s victory came in a highly competitive field, with notable contenders like BLACKPINK’s Rose & Bruno Mars and BIBI. Despite strong competition, aespa’s consistent hit-making ability and unique style prevailed, marking a historic moment for the group. The success of “Supernova” also reflects aespa’s influence in shaping the future of K-pop.
G-Dragon and BIBI Dominate Hip-Hop and Pop Categories
While aespa dazzled with their K-pop wins, other K-pop legends also earned well-deserved recognition. BIGBANG’s G-Dragon took home the award for Best Rap & Hip-Hop Song with his track “POWER.” Known for his innovative approach to music and fashion, G-Dragon continues to solidify his status as a trailblazer in the K-pop and hip-hop realms.
BIBI also earned accolades, taking home the Best Pop Song award for “Bam Yang Gang.” With her signature blend of bold lyrics and unique sound, BIBI has established herself as one of the leading voices in the Korean music industry. Her win at the 2025 KMAs reaffirms her place as a dominant force in both pop and R&B genres.
Full List of 2025 Korean Music Awards Winners
The 2025 KMAs were not just about the mainstream K-pop idols. The ceremony also highlighted the diverse array of musical genres in South Korea. Here is the full list of the genre-specific and Daesang winners:
Genre-Specific Awards:
- Best Rock Album: “Fire & Light” by Noise emission
- Best Rock Song: “Anthems of Defiance” by Lee Seung Yoon
- Best Modern Rock Album: “Hail to the Music” by Danpyunsun and the Moments Ensemble
- Best Metal & Hardcore Album: “2” by Seaweed Mustache
- Best Pop Album: “PSST” by John Park
- Best K-pop Album: “Armageddon” by aespa
- Best Rap & Hip-Hop Song: “POWER” by G-Dragon
- Best R&B & Soul Song: “Blame” by Jung In, Mild Beats
- Best Folk Song: “Anyone But Me” by Kang Asol
Daesang (Major Awards) Winners:
- Song of the Year: “Supernova” by aespa
- Album of the Year: “Hail to the Music” by Danpyunsun and the Moments Ensemble
- Rookie of the Year: Sanmanhan
- Artist of the Year: Lee Seung Yoon
The Impact of the 2025 Korean Music Awards
The 2025 Korean Music Awards solidified aespa’s dominance in the K-pop world and recognized both established and rising stars across various genres. From aespa’s K-pop supremacy to G-Dragon’s hip-hop victory, the night highlighted the incredible diversity and innovation within South Korea’s music scene. These awards not only honor talent but also provide a glimpse into the future of K-pop and beyond.
As the Korean music industry continues to evolve, these prestigious awards set the stage for even greater success stories. With a mix of new faces and veteran legends, the 2025 KMAs have shown that South Korean music will continue to influence the global stage.
