[Edaily Reporter YUN GI BACK ] Familiar classic songs were transformed into unique performances through new voices and staging. The “2026 KGMA” showcased its reputation as a “must-see event” with special performances that bridged generations and national borders. Junior artists added their own unique flair to senior artists’ signature songs, while vocalists from Korean and Japanese bands delivered a deeply moving rendition of “You Were Beautiful” together.

Held on the 7th and 8th at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, the “2026 KGMA” featured solo performances by Lisenne’s Won-i and IVE’s Liz, cover performances by groups such as iDIT and Close Your Eyes, and a collaborative stage by DAY6’s Young K and Nobelbright’s Yudai Takenaka, all of which enriched the awards ceremony.

◇ Won-i’s “Atlantis Girl” and Liz’s “INVU”… Adding New Charm to Senior Artists’ Classics

Lisenne Won-i and IVE’s Liz, who served as MCs for the first and second days, respectively, kicked off the awards ceremony with solo performances. They welcomed the audience by presenting BoA and Taeyeon’s signature songs with their own unique styles.

On the first day’s “Artist Day,” Won-i delivered a fresh and lively opening with BoA’s “Atlantis Girl.” Appearing in a stylish jumpsuit, she added her clear vocals and vibrant energy to the upbeat rhythm. Her solid vocals and free-spirited performance energized the crowd at Gocheok Dome.

Won-i explained her song choice, saying, “Since it’s ‘Artist Day,’ I thought it would be great to kick things off with a performance by BoA, a K-pop icon, so I prepared this.” She then asked, “Was my performance cool?” drawing a enthusiastic response from the audience.

On the second day, “Music Day,” Liz opened the show with Taeyeon’s “INVU.” With her clear and rich tone, she captured the dreamy atmosphere of the original song, and her solid high notes further amplified the song’s emotion. By showcasing both delicate expression and powerful vocals, she revealed the unique charm of a solo vocalist, distinct from her group performances.

iDIT brought a fresh, rookie-like vigor to NCT 127’s “Cherry Bomb.” Their precise, sharp choreography was the highlight. While executing powerful moves in sync with the intense beat, the members’ timing was flawless. They displayed bold confidence by seamlessly executing everything from restrained movements to powerful group choreography.

Close Your Eyes covered ENHYPEN’s “No Doubt,” and A.N. covered MONSTA X’s “Love Killer,” carrying on the legacy of their senior groups. WayV performed f(x)’s “4 Walls.” These performances, which reimagined familiar songs through the voices and movements of different groups, served as an opportunity to revisit the charm of the original tracks while highlighting the juniors’ unique personalities.

◇“You Were Beautiful” Fills Gocheok Dome… Young K and Yudai Share a Warm Hug After a Passionate Performance

Young K and Yoo Dai’s performance of “You Were Beautiful” filled the Gocheok Sky Dome with just their two voices. Young K conveyed the song’s wistful emotions with his deep, resonant tone, while Yoo Dai soared through the high notes with his powerful, resonant vocals. The combination of his deep resonance and Yoo Dai’s open, expansive vocal projection added a new charm to the familiar song.

During the sections where their voices blended together, their vocal power stood out, seeming as if it could pierce the ceiling of Gocheok Dome. Their vocal prowess, which never lost its strength even in the high registers, felt like witnessing a vocal challenge with no limits. Their harmonious delivery—which preserved their individual timbres while collectively elevating the song’s emotion—demonstrated the skill of these leading vocalists from Korea and Japan.

After finishing their performance, the two shared a heartfelt embrace. The sight of these two vocalists—who have pursued their careers in different languages—harmonizing through music and sharing a moment of friendship left an impression just as profound as their passionate performance.