Busan just hosted one of K-pop’s biggest nights of the year — and the trophies didn’t disappoint. The 2026 The Fact Music Awards (TMA) ceremony took place on September 19 in Busan, crowning ATEEZ, NMIXX, RIIZE, and CORTIS as this year’s Daesang (grand prize) winners, alongside a stacked list of category wins across the industry.
Table of Contents
The Daesang (Grand Prize) Winners
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Icon of the Year | ATEEZ |
| Sound of the Year | NMIXX |
| Muse of the Year | RIIZE |
| Record of the Year | CORTIS |
ATEEZ had a particularly strong night, taking home both Icon of the Year and an Artist of the Year nod, cementing their status as one of the genre’s most consistent performers this year. NMIXX matched that momentum with Sound of the Year, while member Sullyoon also picked up the FANSTAR MYSTAR award individually. RIIZE claimed Muse of the Year, and rookie group CORTIS walked away as one of the night’s biggest winners overall, sweeping Record of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Next Leader.
Full List of Winners
| Category | Winner(s) |
|---|---|
| World Best Performer | TREASURE |
| Artist of the Year | ATEEZ, TREASURE, NMIXX, RIIZE, ILLIT, RESCENE, KiiiKiii, ALLDAY PROJECT, CORTIS, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, Yena |
| World Best Wave | EVAN |
| Global Hot Trend | tripleS, CLOSE YOUR EYES |
| Next Leader | CORTIS, ALPHA DRIVE ONE |
| Hottest | xikers, IDID |
| TMA Popularity Award | Lim Young Woong |
| Today’s Choice | RESCENE |
| Special Jury Award | Lim Young Woong |
| FANNSTAR CHOICE (Group) | BTS |
| FANNSTAR CHOICE (Solo) | Lee Chan Won |
| Best Music – Spring | BTS |
| Best Music – Summer | BTS |
| Best Music – Autumn | PLAVE |
| Best Music – Winter | Lee Chan Won |
| Global Hot Star Awards | PLAVE |
| FANNSTAR MYSTAR (Male) | Jin |
| FANNSTAR MYSTAR (Female) | Sullyoon |
Why This Year’s Lineup Stands Out?
What’s notable about this year’s TMA is the mix of generations on stage together. BTS swept two seasonal Best Music categories despite the group’s ongoing individual activities, while member Jin picked up an individual FANNSTAR MYSTAR win — a reminder of how deeply embedded the group remains in the industry even amid solo pursuits. Meanwhile, newer acts like CORTIS and rookie-tier winners ALPHA DRIVE ONE and RESCENE show the awards actively spotlighting the next generation shaping K-pop’s future.
Trot veteran Lim Young Woong also had a strong showing, taking home both the TMA Popularity Award and the Special Jury Award, highlighting how the ceremony continues to celebrate artists across different genres within Korean music, not just idol groups tied strictly to K-pop.
For more K-pop award show coverage, winner lists, and music industry news, check out the latest updates on technosports.co.in.
FAQs
Q1: Who won Icon of the Year at the 2026 TMA?
ATEEZ took home Icon of the Year, along with an additional Artist of the Year award.
Q2: How many Daesang (grand prize) awards were given out at TMA 2026?
Four Daesang awards were given, won by ATEEZ, NMIXX, RIIZE, and CORTIS.
