[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] Kakao Entertainment announced on the 13th that it will introduce a new “Global Top 10” category, linked to the “Global-K Chart,” as part of the “2026 Melon Music Awards” (MMA2026) hosted by the music platform Melon.

The “Global-K Chart” is a chart launched by Melon last June in partnership with Tencent Music in China and LINE Music in Japan. It ranks artists based on their combined K-pop usage across the three companies’ music platforms.
The “Global Top 10” category selects 10 artist groups based on their cumulative scores on the “Global-K Chart.” A total of 30 groups will be shortlisted, and the final winners will be determined by combining chart scores (60%), judging (20%), and public voting (20%). Voting will take place via Melon in South Korea and the fan platform Berriz overseas.
Like the existing “Top 10” category, “Global Top 10” is classified as a “Main Award.” Detailed information on all award categories will be announced later via the official “MMA2026” page on Melon.
A Kakao Entertainment representative stated, “The ‘Global Top 10’ category was created to directly reflect the passion of K-pop fans, as measured by the ‘Global-K Chart,’ at the awards ceremony,” adding, “We will continue to explore various initiatives to ensure that the ‘MMA’ establishes itself as a global awards ceremony created not only by domestic fans but by fans around the world.”
“MMA 2026” will be held over two days, November 14–15, at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.