Taipei, get ready. The 40th Golden Disc Awards is officially coming to your doorstep on January 10, 2026. This isn’t just another awards ceremony. It’s a historic return to Taiwan to celebrate four decades of K-pop excellence on a scale we’ve never seen before.
The venue is the massive Taipei Dome. It’s a brand-new indoor arena with 40,000 seats, and the energy there is going to be electric. For the ninth year in a row, the legendary “crooner” Sung Si Kyung returns to host. This time, he’s joined by actress Mun Ka Young. We already know their chemistry will be top-tier as they honor the best music released between November 2024 and November 2025.
GDA 2026 Lineup: A Legendary Roster
The GDA 2026 lineup is already looking like a “who’s who” of the industry. The first artist wave alone sent shockwaves through the fandom. It featured powerhouses like IVE, LE SSERAFIM, and ENHYPEN. They’ll be joined by rising stars NCT WISH, ZEROBASEONE, and the highly anticipated group izna.
Now, the second wave has pushed the hype to a fever pitch. Organizers confirmed that Stray Kids and BLACKPINK’s Jennie will be gracing the stage. ATEEZ, MONSTA X, and BOYNEXTDOOR are also locked in. Expect big things. Stray Kids are expected to deliver a massive stage after their global tour success. Meanwhile, Jennie is set to prove exactly why her solo presence is undeniable.
Heavyweights and Soloists: The Battle for the Daesang
The competition for these 40th-anniversary trophies is fierce. For “Best Album” and “Digital Song,” we’re looking at a clash of titans. SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, TWICE, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER are all leading the nominations. But the soloist categories might be the most watched of the night.
Jennie, EXO’s Baekhyun, and BTS’s Jin are all vying for top honors. It’s a rare moment to see these legends go head-to-head. Still, don’t sleep on the “monster rookies.” TWS and NCT WISH are the names to beat for Rookie of the Year. To mark forty years of music, GDA is also introducing a new Daesang (Grand Prize) structure and a redesigned trophy. This adds a whole new layer of prestige to every win.
Fashion Spotlight: Wonyoung and the Red Carpet
Beyond the performances, the IVE GDA fashion moment is already trending. IVE’s Wonyoung, often called the “Human Miu Miu,” is expected to own the red carpet. As a global brand ambassador, her look will likely set the tone for the 2026 Spring/Summer season.
And the boy groups aren’t falling behind. Stray Kids and ENHYPEN are heavily linked to luxury houses like Versace and Prada. They always bring “runway-ready” energy to these shows. The red carpet at the Taipei Dome is basically a preview of K-fashion’s global influence for the coming year.
How to Watch: Streaming and Tickets
Wondering where to watch GDA 2026? If you can’t make it to Taiwan, you can still catch the action live. The ceremony kicks off at 7:30 PM KST (5:30 AM ET / 2:30 AM PT).
- Digital Streaming: Global fans can stream the show via Naver.
- Television: Korean viewers can watch on JTBC, JTBC2, and JTBC4.
- Social Media: Check the official GDA X (Twitter) and Instagram for real-time clips.
If you’re trying to go in person, tickets are being sold through official Taiwanese platforms. Demand is huge because of the Taipei Dome’s massive capacity. Make sure to buy only through verified partners on the official Golden Disc Awards website. Stay safe and avoid unofficial resellers.
“The 40th anniversary is more than just an awards show; it’s a festival celebrating the global expansion of K-pop,” the organizing committee shared.
Quick Facts: 40th Golden Disc Awards Taipei
- Date: January 10, 2026
- Location: Taipei Dome, Taiwan
- Performers: 18 teams confirmed (so far)
- Hosts: Sung Si Kyung, Mun Ka Young
- Broadcasters: JTBC, Naver
- Eligibility: Releases from Nov 2024 – Nov 2025
