[Edaily Reporter KIM HYUNSIK ] The Japanese band Novelbright was awarded the “Special Prize for Asian Cultural Exchange” at the “2026 Korea Grand Music Awards” (2026 KGMA).

Nobelbright was named the recipient of the “Special Award for Asian Cultural Exchange” during “Artist Day,” the first day of the “2026 KGMA,” held on the 7th at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul.
The “Special Award for Asian Cultural Exchange” is presented to international artists who have connected different countries and cultures through popular music and contributed to the promotion of Asian pop culture exchange.
They greeted the audience in Korean, saying, “Hello, we are Nobelbright,” and added, “We are so happy to receive this award.” They continued, “We will work hard to make Nobelbright better known to the people of Korea,” and concluded by saying, “See you again.”
The ‘KGMA’ is an awards ceremony newly established in 2024 by Ilgan Sports (Edaily M)—which is celebrating 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 Creatorling.
The awards ceremony takes place over two days, the 7th and 8th. On the first day, designated as “Artist Day,” performers included 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.