[Edaily Reporter YUN GI BACK ] The group RIIZE received the “Grand Performer Award,” one of the highest honors at the “2026 Korea Grand Music Awards” (2026 KGMA). This marks their second award of the night, following the “Best Music” award.

On the 8th, during “Music Day”—the second day of the “2026 KGMA” held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul—RIIZE was named the winner of the “Grand Performer” award, given to the group that delivered the best performance.
RISE has proven their mettle as global performing artists by touring major cities across Asia and North America. Seongchan said, “I never imagined I’d receive such a big award. I’m grateful to the fans who gave us this great honor of ‘Grand Performer.’” He added, “From last year through early this year, we toured with ‘Rising Loud’ and performed at various festivals and stages, and it’s only because of Breeze (our fan club) who helped create those stages with us that we were able to receive this award.”
He continued, “I sincerely thank everyone at SM, the performance director, the production team, my manager, and everyone else who helped create these stages with me.” He added, “I’m also grateful to the members for handling so many performances over the past year, sharing feedback with one another, and creating great stages together. I hope we can continue to create many more great stages together in the future.”
Shotaro said, “I put a lot of thought into what new aspects I could show you through our performances. I’m honored and grateful that so many people seem to recognize those efforts and hard work.” He continued, “The members also worked really hard this past year. I’ll do my best to show you a new side of us on our full-length album coming out next year. Please continue to support us, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to Breeze.”
Eun-seok said, “We’ll be making a comeback with a fresh look next year, so please give us your continued support.”
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.
On the second day, “Music Day,” NEXZ, RISE, Minho, Park Ji-hyun, BILLIE, Ahop, Alpha Drive One, A.N., ATEEZ, Wayation V, Yuna, ITZY, Choi Ye-na, Kiss of Life, KIKI, Kickflip, Touched, TOURS, and Hearts to Hearts will take the stage. Shenu from Shenu X Hyungwon will be absent due to health reasons, and Hyungwon along with some other members of MONSTA X will attend in his place. IVE’s Liz and actor Kim Jae-won will serve as MCs.
The “KGMA” digital and physical sales data is provided by Hanteo Chart, Genie Music, FLO, and Bugs, while the official fan voting will take place via the Kugung app. The event will be broadcast live on ENA. In Japan, it will be streamed live on Hulu Japan, and globally (excluding Japan and China), it will be streamed live on TikTok Live.