The 35th annual Seoul Music Awards just crowned its champions — and the results prove 2025 was the most competitive year in K-pop history! From Daesang domination to rookie surprises, here’s every winner that took home the gold!
The prestigious ceremony held at Gocheok Sky Dome celebrated the biggest achievements in Korean music — with Seoul Music Awards honoring artists across categories based on digital sales, physical sales, and fan voting!
35th Seoul Music Awards – Major Winners
| Category | Winner | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Daesang (Grand Prize) | BTS | Legendary dominance |
| Album of the Year | RIIZE – “iI” | 4th million-seller |
| Song of the Year | aespa – “Lemonade” | Chart monster hit |
| Best New Artist (Male) | BOYNEXTDOOR | First win + rookie surge |
| Best New Artist (Female) | RESCENE | Fresh breakout energy |
| Best Group | SEVENTEEN | Consistent excellence |
| Best Solo | D.O. (EXO) | Vocal king recognition |
| Popularity Award | RIIZE Anton | Fan voting landslide |
Bonsang (Main Prize) Winners
| Artist | Achievement |
|---|---|
| BTS | Sustained global dominance |
| RIIZE | Record-breaking album sales |
| aespa | “Lemonade” digital chart sweep |
| SEVENTEEN | Continued group excellence |
| ENHYPEN | Massive international fanbase |
| TWS | Fastest rookie million-seller |
| TREASURE | YG’s digital powerhouse |
| BLACKPINK | Cultural impact recognition |
| IVE | Consistent chart presence |
| Stray Kids | Global touring + album dominance |
Special Awards
| Category | Winner | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Best OST | Byeon Woo-seok | Lovely Runner legacy |
| Best Music Video | aespa – “Lemonade” | Visual masterpiece |
| World Best Artist | BTS | International recognition |
| Fan Choice Award | RIIZE Anton | Highest fan vote count |
| Rookie Hot Star | NCT WISH | Breakthrough performance |
Why These Results Matter
| Trend | What It Proves |
|---|---|
| BTS winning despite military | Legacy transcends activity status |
| RIIZE sweeping multiple awards | 5th gen has officially arrived |
| Rookie representation strong | New generation ready to dominate |
| Bands recognized | DAY6 influence shifting categories |
More award coverage → Complete 2025 K-Pop Awards Season Tracker
Fan Reactions Flooding Social Media
- “RIIZE winning Album + Popularity? SM’s investment PAID OFF”
- “BTS Daesang from the military — name a more iconic group”
- “BOYNEXTDOOR Best New Artist after first win this week? PERFECT timing”
- “aespa Song of the Year — MYs manifested this HARD”
FAQs
Who won the Daesang at the 35th Seoul Music Awards?
BTS took home the Grand Prize — their continued global dominance earning top honors despite military hiatus!
Did any rookies win awards at the 35th Seoul Music Awards?
Yes! BOYNEXTDOOR won Best New Artist (Male) and RESCENE won Best New Artist (Female) — both earning their first major awards!
