2025 Korea Grand Music Awards Day 2: Full Winners List Revealed – BTS V, Jimin Dominate Solo Honors & Breakthrough Artists
The Night of Triumphs: 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards Day 2 Crowns New Legends
SEOUL, KOREA – The curtains have officially closed on the 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA), but the echoes of the spectacular two-day event will reverberate across the K-pop landscape for months to come. Day 2, held at the majestic Gocheok Sky Dome, was a rollercoaster of high-octane performances, heartfelt acceptance speeches, and, most importantly, the confirmation of the industry’s biggest winners.
While Day 1 focused on global popularity and new-generation awards, Day 2 delivered the heavy-hitters, including the highly coveted Daesangs (Grand Prizes) and the specialist categories. The anticipation was palpable, particularly among the global ARMY, as the event was poised to recognize the immense solo achievements of two BTS members: V and Jimin. True to predictions, the two solo powerhouses walked away with prestigious honors, cementing their status as top-tier solo artists in the fiercely competitive K-pop world. The night also saw established titans like SEVENTEEN and the perennial chart-toppers NewJeans claim the biggest trophies of the evening, marking a pivotal moment in the 2024-2025 music cycle. The complete list is now officially revealed: Who is winning what, and what does this mean for the future of K-pop?
Solo Supremacy: V and Jimin Bag Major Honors
The most talked-about narrative of the evening was the staggering success of BTS’s V and Jimin, who have masterfully transitioned their group synergy into compelling, award-winning solo careers. Their wins were not just acknowledgments of their star power, but tangible proof of the quality and reach of their individual musicality.
BTS V: The Best Male Solo Artist
V, the ‘Winter Bear’ vocalist, was crowned the ‘Best Male Solo Artist’ for his critically acclaimed album, ‘Clarity’. The album, known for its deep, soulful, and jazzy undertones, saw V co-write and co-produce all tracks, pushing the boundaries of the typical K-pop idol release. His acceptance speech was characteristically humble yet warm.
“I honestly never imagined standing here for an award like this,” V said, accepting the award to a thunderous roar from the audience. “My music is a reflection of my inner self, and to have that accepted and loved by so many people globally is the biggest prize. Thank you to the fans, ARMY, who are always my strength. I will continue to make music that speaks to the soul.”
BTS Jimin: The Digital Chart Dominator
Jimin, known for his ethereal vocals and distinct musical style, secured the prestigious ‘Best Digital Single’ award for his mesmerizing single, ‘Echoes of the Night’. The song, a blend of contemporary R&B and Korean traditional instrumentation, dominated the charts for weeks and showcased his evolution as a songwriter and producer. His win underscored the immense streaming power and enduring appeal of his solo work.
“This award is for everyone who finds comfort and peace in music,” Jimin stated during his speech. “‘Echoes of the Night’ was a song about vulnerability and healing. I am so grateful to the KGMA committee, and to our ARMY, for sharing this journey with me. This encourages me to work harder and share even more sincere music with the world. Thank you.”
The Grand Trophies: Daesang Winners of Day 2
Day 2 of the KGMA is where the most significant Grand Prizes are traditionally distributed, celebrating the year’s best-selling album and the most impactful record. This year’s winners represent the absolute peak of K-pop’s global influence and production quality.
Album of the Year (Daesang): SEVENTEEN
The ‘Album of the Year’ Daesang was rightfully claimed by the self-producing powerhouse group SEVENTEEN for their monumental eleventh mini-album, ‘FML’. The album not only shattered their own sales records but also set a new standard for K-pop album production and performance concept. The 13 members shared an emotional moment on stage, highlighting their decade-long journey.
Record of the Year (Daesang): NewJeans
Continuing their streak of unparalleled success, NewJeans secured the ‘Record of the Year’ Daesang for their groundbreaking work on their second EP, ‘Get Up’. This award recognizes the overall quality, artistic direction, and impact of a single musical work, and ‘Get Up’ was a cultural phenomenon that resonated far beyond the K-pop sphere, influencing fashion, production trends, and global charts. Their win solidifies their position as the leading girl group of the current generation.
A New Era: Rookie and Group Accolades
The KGMA also shone a bright spotlight on the new generation, recognizing the talent that will shape the industry in the coming years. The future of K-pop is demonstrably bright, as evidenced by these wins.
Stray Kids were rightfully awarded ‘Best Male Group’ for their global touring success and their innovative blend of EDM and aggressive hip-hop, exemplified by their 2024 releases. Their global footprint was undeniable.
aespa took home the ‘Best Female Group’ award, celebrating their mastery of the ‘Savage’ concept and their continued exploration of the ‘Metaverse’ narrative, backed by stellar vocal performances and unique stage presence.
The ‘Rookie of the Year’ titles were split between two highly promising groups: TWS (Male) and ILLIT (Female), both demonstrating exceptional musicality and immediate public appeal in their debut years. Their performances were among the most talked-about of the night, showcasing the vibrant future of the industry.
Complete KGMA Day 2 Winners List
| Category | Winner | Winning Work/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Album of the Year (Daesang) | SEVENTEEN | ‘FML’ (11th Mini Album) |
| Record of the Year (Daesang) | NewJeans | ‘Get Up’ (2nd EP) |
| Best Male Solo Artist | V (BTS) | ‘Clarity’ (Solo Album) |
| Best Digital Single | Jimin (BTS) | ‘Echoes of the Night’ (Digital Single) |
| Best Male Group | Stray Kids | Global Tours & Chart Performance |
| Best Female Group | aespa | Continued High-Quality Releases |
| Rookie of the Year (Male) | TWS | Exceptional Debut Performance |
| Rookie of the Year (Female) | ILLIT | Immediate Public & Chart Success |
| Global K-Pop Star | TXT (Tomorrow X Together) | Dominance on International Charts |
| Best Vocal Performance | Taeyeon (Girls’ Generation) | ‘To the Moon’ (Single) |
| Best Hip-Hop/Urban | Zico | Producer & Solo Artist Work |
| Best Band Performance | DAY6 | ‘The Book of Us: Entropy’ (Latest Tour) |
| Best Collaboration | Jungkook (BTS) & The Kid LAROI | ‘Too Much’ (Global Collaboration) |
| Producer of the Year | Teddy (The Black Label) | Consistent Chart Success & New Group Launch |
| Best R&B/Soul | BIBI | Diverse & Unique Musical Output |
| K-Wave Icon Award | SEVENTEEN | Global Influence & Cultural Impact |
Looking Ahead: The Significance of the 2025 KGMA
The 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards Day 2 was a powerful testament to the diversity and resilience of the K-pop industry. The wins by V and Jimin prove that even amidst mandatory military service pauses or long-term group hiatuses, the quality of an artist’s work can transcend all barriers and earn the highest accolades. Their success provides a blueprint for other soloists within the industry.
Meanwhile, the Daesangs claimed by SEVENTEEN and NewJeans signal the ongoing shift in the industry’s landscape. SEVENTEEN’s ‘Album of the Year’ win reinforces the value of physical sales and cohesive album production in an increasingly digital world, while NewJeans’ ‘Record of the Year’ win highlights the power of viral, high-quality digital singles and their pervasive cultural reach.
The KGMA has not just honored the year’s best; it has set the stage for the intense competition and artistic innovation expected in the year to come. The industry is healthier, more diverse, and more global than ever before, and these winners are the proof. Fans can now eagerly look forward to what these artists will bring to the table in 2025.
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