[Edaily Reporter KIM HYUNSIK ] Young K of the band DAY6 was named the winner of the “Best Solo Artist” award at the “2026 Korea Grand Music Awards” (2026 KGMA).

Young K received the trophy for “Best Solo Artist (Male)” on the first day of the “2026 KGMA,” “Artist Day,” held on the 7th at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul.
Young K said, “Thank you for showing so much love to me as Young K of DAY6, and I’m grateful that you’re also showing love to me as a solo artist.” He continued, “A lot has happened this year. I’m grateful to the fans who walked this journey with me, sharing both tears and laughter.”
The “KGMA” is an awards ceremony newly established in 2024 by Ilgan Sports (Edaily M)—which celebrated its 57th anniversary this year—to present a new paradigm for the South Korean pop music industry. Now in its third year, this year’s ceremony was hosted by Ilgan Sports and co-organized by the KGMA Organizing Committee and Creatoring.
The awards ceremony took place over two days, the 7th and 8th. The first day, themed “Artist Day,” featured performances by Nobel Bright, Nueara, Dayoung, Lucy, Lisenne, Maydin, Miyao, Cykerus, iDIT, Andable, Young K, All Day Project, Jang Min-ho, CRAVITY, Close Your Eyes, TUID, TREASURE, Triple S, P1Harmony, and Fifty Fifty (listed in alphabetical order) were among the performers. Actors Nam Ji-hyun and Lisenne’s Won-i served as MCs.
Music and album data for the “2026 KGMA” was provided by Hanteo Chart, Genie Music, FLO, and Bugs, while the official fan vote was conducted via the Kugung app. The awards ceremony was broadcast live on ENA. In Japan, it was streamed live on Hulu Japan, and in regions outside of Japan and China, it was streamed live on TikTok Live.