2026 D Awards Illuminate Seoul with Spectacular K-Pop Celebration
The vibrant world of K-pop gathered for a night of glamour and recognition as the second edition of the prestigious D Awards unfolded on February 11, 2026. The ceremony was held at the iconic Hwajeong Gymnasium located within Korea University in Seoul, commencing promptly at 6 pm Korea Standard Time. The event was masterfully hosted by a talented trio: Lee Jong-won, Shin Ye-eun, and Myung Jaehyun, who guided the evening under the inspiring dual themes of "Delight" and "Dream."
Award Structure and Symbolic Design
Launched by the renowned publication Sports Dong-A, the D Awards have quickly established themselves as a significant platform honoring both veteran stars and promising rookies within the K-pop industry. The awards are strategically divided into two primary segments: the "Delight" category, which celebrates established and accomplished acts, and the "Dream" category, dedicated to highlighting and encouraging emerging talent.
The trophies themselves are rich with symbolism, featuring three distinct colors that represent different levels of achievement:
- Black signifies the highest honor, awarded to Grand Prize (Daesang) winners.
- Blue marks the recipients of the Main Prize, recognizing exceptional performance in key categories.
- Silver is reserved for celebrating the achievements of new-generation artists, underscoring the awards' commitment to future stars.
Star-Studded Performances and Presenters
The stage at Hwajeong Gymnasium was set ablaze by an impressive lineup of sixteen performing artists, delivering electrifying acts that captivated the audience. The performance roster included powerhouse groups such as ENHYPEN, P1Harmony, NCT WISH, ZEROBASEONE, BOYNEXTDOOR, among other notable talents.
Adding further glamour and prestige to the proceedings, a distinguished array of actors and entertainers graced the stage as presenters. This illustrious list featured Jeon Yeo Been, Na Bo Ram, Park Ji Yeon, Bae In Hyuk, Hong Jong Hyun, Kangnam, Kim Hae Jun, and Ahn Hyo Seop, whose presence elevated the ceremony's profile and connected the worlds of music and acting.
Comprehensive Winners List
The night was defined by a series of prestigious awards, with the Grand Prize (Daesang) category recognizing the industry's leading figures:
- Artist of the Year: ENHYPEN
- Album of the Year: Stray Kids
- Song of the Year: BOYNEXTDOOR
- Performance of the Year: NCT WISH
- Record of the Year: RIIZE
- Trend of the Year: TWS
- D Awards Global: P1Harmony
- D Awards Iconic: ZEROBASEONE
The Blue Label, representing the Main Prize, honored standout acts including P1Harmony and AHOF. Key winners in major categories were:
- Best Song: "PopPop" by NCT WISH and "SIGN" by izna
- Best Recording: "DUH!" by P1Harmony and "The Action" by BOYNEXTDOOR
- Best Tour: ENHYPEN – "Walk the Line"
- Best OST: "Back Packer" from Study Group by ZEROBASEONE’s Matthew and Gunwook
- Best Choreography: FIFTY FIFTY
- Best Band: QWER
- Best Stage: xikers and NEXZ
- Best Social Content: NCT WISH
- Best Video: "ICONIK" by ZEROBASEONE
The Silver Label category shone a spotlight on rising artists, with winners such as AHOF, KickFlip, CLOSE YOUR EYES, and CORTIS. Additional honors celebrated various aspects of popularity and breakthrough achievements:
- Breakthrough Award: 82MAJOR
- Discovery of the Year: AHOF, Hi-Fi Un!corn, Chuei Li Yu, AxMxP
- Best Rising Star (Male): AHOF
- Best Rising Star (Female): izna
- Best Solo Popularity: (Boy) Chuei Li Yu, (Girl) Jennie
- Best Group Popularity: ENHYPEN, BABYMONSTER
- UPICK Global Choice: ENHYPEN’s Heeseung and aespa’s Karina
The 2026 D Awards successfully underscored K-pop's enduring global dominance while powerfully highlighting the burgeoning influence and potential of emerging talent within the industry. The ceremony served as a testament to the genre's dynamic evolution and its capacity to delight fans worldwide.
