Effie, NMIXX, Jennie, and Lee Chanhyuk are at the center of the Korean Music Awards 2026 as they lead this year's nominations across the show's biggest categories.
The 23rd Korean Music Awards (KMA), often called Korea's answer to the Grammys, unveiled its full nominations list on Feb. 5, 2026, highlighting a mix of mainstream K‑pop stars and boundary‑pushing indie acts. The ceremony will take place on February 26, 2026, and will be streamed online, giving local and international fans a chance to follow the results in real time.
Seoul‑based hyperpop and electronic artist Effie is the most‑nominated act this year, earning six nods that cut across both genre and general categories, according to Forbes.
Her recognition includes key slots such as Musician of the Year and Album of the Year, alongside nominations in electronic, rap, and hip‑hop fields, 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, drew strong praise from international outlets, which helped build momentum heading into awards season.
Right 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 the KMAs are balancing commercially successful idols with respected singer‑songwriters and band musicians.
NMIXX, from JYP Entertainment, stand out in the K‑pop categories after a strong 2025 marked by their projects "Fe3O4: FORWARD" and "Blue Valentine."
The group earned multiple nods for Best K‑pop Album and Best K‑pop Song, and "Blue Valentine" is also in contention for Song of the Year, placing them among this year's most closely watched idol groups.
Jennie of BLACKPINK continues her successful solo career with five nominations tied to her debut album "Ruby" and hit single "Like JENNIE."
She is competing in top categories like Musician of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best K‑pop Album, and Best K‑pop Song, underscoring her influence as a soloist beyond her group achievements, mk reported.
AKMU's Lee Chanhyuk also secured five nominations, driven by his second solo album "EROS" and the single "Endangered Love." He is 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.
Beyond the top names, the KMAs spotlight 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 breakout co‑ed group ALLDAY PROJECT, reflecting how the awards look at artistic quality rather than just chart rankings.
As anticipation builds for Feb. 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 showing on the ballot into landmark career moments, as per Soap Central.
