Effie, NMIXX, Jennie and Lee Chanhyuk are the focus of the 2026 Korea Music Awards as they lead this year’s nominations in the show’s top categories.
The 23rd Korea Music Awards (KMA), often called Korea’s answer to the Grammys, unveiled the full list of nominations on February 5, 2026, highlighting a mix of mainstream K‑pop stars and cutting-edge indie acts. The ceremony will take place on February 26, 2026 and will be streamed online, giving local and international fans the chance to follow the results in real time.
Seoul-based electronic and hyperpop artist Effie is the most nominated act this year, earning six nominations spanning both genre and overall categories, according to Forbes.
Her accolades include key roles as Musician of the Year and Album of the Year, as well as nominations in the fields of electronic, rap and hip-hop, reflecting how critics see her as one of the most innovative voices in Korean music today.
Effie’s 2025 releases, including the electronic album “E” and a genre-blending EP, received strong praise from international outlets, which helped boost awards season momentum.
Close behind Effie are NMIXX, Jennie, Lee Chanhyuk and Woo Hee‑jun, each with five nominations. Their collective presence at the top of the list shows how KMA is balancing commercially successful idols with respected songwriters and band musicians.
JYP Entertainment’s NMIXX stands out in the K‑pop categories after a strong 2025 marked by their projects “Fe3O4: FORWARD” and “Blue Valentine.”
The group has earned numerous awards for Best K‑pop Album and Best K‑pop Song, and “Blue Valentine” is also up for Song of the Year, placing them among the most-watched idol groups this year.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie continues her successful solo career with five nominations tied to her debut album “Ruby” and hit single “Like JENNIE.”
He’s competing in major categories like Musician of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best K‑pop Album and Best K‑pop Song, highlighting his influence as a soloist beyond his group successes. mk reported.
AKMU’s Lee Chanhyuk also secured five nominations, thanks to his second solo album “EROS” and single “Endangered Love”. He was shortlisted for Musician of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Album and Best Pop Song, illustrating his growing profile as a versatile songwriter and conceptual artist.
In addition to the biggest names, KMA highlights a wide range of genres, with categories spanning pop, K‑pop, rock, metal and hardcore, rap and hip‑hop, R&B and soul, folk, jazz and global contemporary music.
Other notable nominees include BTS member J‑Hope, LE SSERAFIM, Hwasa, NCT’s Mark, TWICE’s Chaeyoung and co‑ed group ALLDAY PROJECT, reflecting how the awards look at artistic quality rather than just rankings.
As anticipation builds for February 26, all eyes are on whether Effie can convert her six nominations into multiple wins and whether NMIXX, Jennie and Lee Chanhyuk will turn their strong runoff performances into historic career moments, as per Central soap.
