What an absolutely legendary Saturday for K-pop! If you weren’t tuned into MBC’s Show! Music Core on May 23, 2026, you missed a historic broadcast that perfectly blended the nostalgia of the past with the explosive power of the present. Between a record-breaking win for our favorite 5th-gen leaders and a reunion that brought us all to tears, the energy was through the roof.
The Big Win: CORTIS Dominates with “REDRED”
The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly CORTIS securing their 8th overall music show win for the hit track “REDRED.” The group’s digital stability and massive fan voting points pushed them past some serious competition. Their encore performance was a masterclass in live vocals, proving exactly why they are the most talked-about group of 2026.
Music Core May 23, 2026: Highlights & Winner
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Winner | CORTIS – “REDRED” (8th Win) |
| Broadcaster | MBC |
| Date | May 23, 2026 |
| Special Stages | I.O.I (10th Anniversary Reunion), Taeyang |
| Other Performers | NMIXX, ZEROBASEONE, NEXZ, and more |
| MCs | Sullyoon, Younghoon, and Lee Jung Ha |
A Night of Legends: I.O.I and Taeyang
1. The “Nation’s Girl Group” Returns Can you believe it’s been 10 years since Produce 101? To celebrate their a decade since debut, I.O.I reunited as a full group for a special performance. Seeing Jeon Somi, Kim Sejeong, and the rest of the members performing their iconic hits was the ultimate gift for long-time fans. The chemistry is still as vibrant as ever!
2. Taeyang’s King Energy BIGBANG legend Taeyang also graced the stage with his latest comeback. His performance was a reminder of why he is the “King of Soul” in the K-pop industry. With his signature groove and unmatched stage presence, he showed everyone that true talent only gets better with time.
3. The 5th Gen Takeover The episode also featured high-octane stages from NMIXX, fresh off their Music Bank double victory, and ZEROBASEONE, who continue to show why they are rookie monsters. The variety of sounds and styles on display today made it one of the best episodes of the year.
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Check out the latest K-pop news updates and comeback schedules or read more about CORTIS’s massive Billboard debut.
For a deeper look into the history of this iconic music program and its long list of legendary hosts, visit the official Show! Music Core Wikipedia page.
Whether you were there for the I.O.I tears or the CORTIS cheers, today was a pure celebration of everything we love about K-pop. Who are you rooting for on Inkigayo tomorrow?
