The Taipei Dome was absolutely electric on January 10, 2026. For its landmark 40th anniversary, the Golden Disc Awards (GDA) didn’t just celebrate the year’s hits—it made history. We saw record-breaking crowds and streaming numbers that proved K-pop’s global grip is only getting tighter.
Hosted by the veteran charm of Sung Si Kyung and the elegant Mun Ka Young, the evening felt like a true prestige event. The red carpet alone was a movie, featuring A-list presenters like Song Joong Ki, Byeon Woo Seok, and Ahn Hyo Seop.
The night was defined by a “triple-threat” of Daesang (Grand Prize) winners. We saw the legendary return of G-Dragon, the record-shattering dominance of Jennie, and the emotional ascent of Stray Kids. The Golden Disc Awards 2026 winners list reflects an industry that is more diverse and global than ever. It wasn’t just about the awards; it was about who is leading the next era of Hallyu.
Jennie Makes History as the First ‘Artist of the Year’
Jennie just proved she’s in a league of her own. In a major shake-up, the 40th GDA introduced a brand-new Daesang category: Artist of the Year. Jennie became the first-ever recipient of this honor, officially cementing her status as the ultimate “it-girl” of the 2020s. This win capped off a “Triple Crown” night for her. She also took home the Global Impact Award and a Digital Song Bonsang.
Her win was fueled by the massive success of her 2025 solo project “Like Jennie.” The album dominated both domestic and international charts for weeks. Critics noted that Jennie’s ability to influence fashion, music, and culture globally made her the undisputed choice for this inaugural prize. During her speech, she thanked her fans for sticking by her through her solo journey. She promised even more boundary-pushing music is on the way.
G-Dragon’s Legendary Return with Taeyang and Daesung
The “King of K-Pop” officially reclaimed his throne. G-Dragon secured the Digital Daesang (Song of the Year) for his hit “HOME SWEET HOME.” The win follows the critical and commercial explosion of his album Übermensch, which saw him dominating digital charts for months. Still, the highlight of the night wasn’t the trophy itself. It was the “legendary” performance that followed.
Fans were moved to tears when Taeyang and Daesung joined G-Dragon on stage. This surprise BIGBANG reunion was something few actually expected to see in 2026. Their chemistry remains unmatched, and the performance quickly became the most-searched moment of the night. G-Dragon’s presence proved that even after a long hiatus, his impact on the industry is as potent as ever.
Stray Kids’ Emotional “KARMA” Daesang Win
Stray Kids are officially on a Daesang streak. They clinched the Album of the Year Daesang for their fourth studio album, KARMA. This marks the group’s second consecutive Album Daesang at the Golden Disc Awards. It is a massive feat that highlights their incredible growth and the massive purchasing power of STAY. Now, they are firmly cemented as the leaders of the “performance group” era.
“We never thought we would be standing here again for the second year in a row. This award belongs to STAY, who have been our strength through every high and low,” the group shared during their emotional acceptance speech.
Before taking the trophy, Stray Kids delivered a high-energy performance of “KARMA.” They utilized the full scale of the Taipei Dome, using intricate choreography and pyrotechnics that left the audience breathless. It was a reminder of why they are considered one of the best live acts in the world right now.
BTS’s Jin and Rookie Sensation Hearts2Hearts Lead Popularity
The fan-voted categories were a total battleground this year. BTS’s Jin proved the undying power of ARMY by clinching the Golden Disc Upbit Most Popular Artist Award (Male). Even with the members pursuing solo activities, the “Jin Popularity Award GDA” win showed his individual connection with fans is unbreakable. He continues to be a dominant force on the global stage.
In a surprising twist, the Female Popularity Award went to the rookie sensation Hearts2Hearts. The group managed to beat out several established veterans in the Upbit voting battle. This signals a major shift in the rookie landscape. Their win reflects a growing trend of “rookie power,” where new groups build massive, dedicated fandoms almost instantly after debut.
Full Winners List: Golden Disc Awards 2026
Grand Prize (Daesang)
- Artist of the Year: Jennie (BLACKPINK)
- Album of the Year: Stray Kids – KARMA
- Song of the Year (Digital Daesang): G-Dragon – “HOME SWEET HOME (feat. Taeyang & Daesung)”
Main Prize (Bonsang) – Best Album
- Stray Kids, G-Dragon, ATEEZ, IVE, NCT WISH, RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE, TXT, SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN
Main Prize (Bonsang) – Digital Song
- Jennie, G-Dragon, Rosé, aespa, IVE, BOYNEXTDOOR, LE SSERAFIM, ALLDAY PROJECT, BLACKPINK, ZO ZAZZ
Special Awards
- Rookie of the Year: ALLDAY PROJECT, CORTIS
- Golden Disc Upbit Popularity Award: Jin (Male), Hearts2Hearts (Female)
- Global Impact Award: Jennie
- Best Group: MONSTA X
- Best Performance: izna, TWS
- Next Generation Award: KiiiKiii
- Cosmopolitan Artist Award: IVE
- Golden Choice Award: ARrC, CLOSE YOUR EYES
- Naver AI Choice Award: TWS, BOYNEXTDOOR
Industry Impact and Global Fan Reactions
The 2026 GDA highlights a fascinating shift toward solo powerhouses. With Jennie and G-Dragon taking home two of the three Daesangs, it is clear that individual brand power is becoming as influential as group dynamics. Social media reflected this shift instantly. Hashtags like #StrayKidsKarmaDaesang and #JennieGDA2026 dominated X worldwide throughout the broadcast.
Fans have praised the inclusion of the “Artist of the Year” category. Many note that it provides a more holistic view of an artist’s impact beyond just sales numbers. As these winners prepare for their upcoming 2026 world tours, the GDA results serve as a definitive roadmap. These are the names that will be leading the Hallyu wave in the year to come.
