The 40th Golden Disc Awards took place in Taipei on January 10, 2026, celebrating the achievements of K-Pop artists over the past year. This prestigious event showcased the biggest names in the industry, with awards primarily determined by sales and streaming figures. Notably, the ceremony introduced a new Daesang category, named Artist of the Year, highlighting the growing impact of individual artists in the music scene.
This year’s Best Digital Song (Bonsang) award went to a range of popular tracks. BOYNEXTDOOR won for “If I Say, I Love You,” while other nominees included LE SSERAFIM with “Hot” and Rosé for “toxic till the end.” The category also featured songs from renowned groups such as BLACKPINK with “JUMP” and aespa with “Dirty Work.”
In the Best Album (Bonsang) category, the competition was fierce, with notable releases from various artists. NCT took home the award for their album “WISH – COLOR,” while Stray Kids won Album of the Year for “KARMA.” Other significant contenders included IVE with “IVE EMPATHY” and G-DRAGON with “Übermensch.”
Additional awards recognized emerging talents and established artists alike. The Golden Choice Award went to ARrC for “CLOSE YOUR EYES,” while the Next Generation Award was presented to KiiiKiii. The Rookie Artist of the Year title was claimed by CORTIS, showcasing the fresh talent entering the industry.
The increasingly influential Jennie received several accolades, including the Artist of the Year award, while G-DRAGON‘s collaboration “HOME SWEET HOME” earned him the Song of the Year title. The Global Impact Award was also awarded to Jennie, emphasizing her significant presence on the international stage.
The event concluded with the Best Group award going to MONSTA X, further solidifying their status as one of K-Pop’s leading acts.
The Golden Disc Awards continue to be a significant platform for recognizing the contributions and achievements of K-Pop artists, reflecting the genre’s growing global influence. With a mix of established stars and emerging talent, this year’s ceremony illustrated the vibrant and dynamic nature of the industry. As K-Pop continues to evolve, the awards will likely adapt, further highlighting the artistry and impact of its artists.
