[Edaily Reporter Choi Hee-jae ] The 3rd Korea Grand Music Awards (2026 KGMA) will kick off on the 7th at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. Ahead of the main awards ceremony, news of pre-announced wins by major artists such as BTS and BLACKPINK is adding to the festive atmosphere.

“Artist Day,” the first day of the “2026 KGMA,” will take place at 5:00 p.m. today at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul. The organizers announced the winners of some categories ahead of the main awards ceremony.

BTS was selected as the “Best Artist” at the “2026 KGMA.” Additionally, their fifth studio album, “Arirang,” was named “Best-Selling Album,” earning them two awards.

In addition to BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, and Cortice each won the “Best Artist” award. TREASURE won “Best Hip-Hop,” and LUSSY won “Best Band,” proving themselves as genre leaders.

DAY6’s Young K took home the “Best O.S.T.” award for “The Season That Has Returned,” the original soundtrack for the SBS drama “Brave New World,” while the one-of-a-kind solo artist Dayoung was honored with the “Style Icon” award.

Additionally, in the K-Gung fan vote categories, NCT WISH’s Yoo-shi won the “Hallyu Popularity Award” thanks to the overwhelming support of his global fandom, while FLARE’s Yoo was selected as the winner in the “Trend of the Year Rookie” category.

Artists from various genres—including K-pop, rock, and trot—will take the stage at this year’s awards ceremony. On “Artist Day,” performers will include Nobelbright, Nueara, Dayoung, Lucy, Lisenne, Maydin, Miyao, Cykerus, I-DIT, Andable, Young K, All Day Project, Jang Min-ho, CRAVITY, Close Your Eyes, TUID, TREASURE, Triple S, P1Harmony, and Fifty Fifty will perform.

On “Music Day,” taking place on the 8th, NEXZ, RISE, Minho, Park Ji-hyun, BILLIE, Ahop, Alpha Drive One, A.N., ATEEZ, Wayzone V, Yuna, ITZY, Choi Ye-na, Kiss of Life, Kiki, Kickflip, Touched, TOURS, and Hearts to Hearts will take the stage.

In addition to the performances and awards ceremony, on-site programs will also be held. The event will feature “KGMA Star Road,” an offline program that reimagines the traditional red carpet format, and the “K-Beauty Festa,” featuring product exhibitions and hands-on experiences, will take place near Gocheok Sky Dome.

Audience members in the general admission (floor) section may enter starting at 2:00 p.m., while those with reserved seats may enter starting at 3:00 p.m.