The 35th Seoul Music Awards 2026: A Night K-pop Fans Will Never Forget
The 35th Seoul Music Awards (SMA) lit up the night on June 20, 2026, delivering one of the most electrifying ceremonies in the event's storied history. Held in Seoul, the annual awards show brought together the biggest names in K-pop under one roof, celebrating the artists and albums that defined the past year in Korean music. Among all the stars who graced the stage, two acts rose above the rest: ATEEZ and BOYNEXTDOOR. Their dominant performances across multiple award categories sent fandoms into a frenzy and cemented their status as two of the most vital forces in the current K-pop landscape.
From breathtaking performances to emotional acceptance speeches, the 35th Seoul Music Awards delivered unforgettable moments from start to finish. Here is everything you need to know about the evening, including the full winners list and the night's biggest highlights.
About the Seoul Music Awards
The Seoul Music Awards is one of South Korea's most prestigious and long-running music award ceremonies. First held in 1990, the ceremony has grown over three and a half decades into a landmark event on the global K-pop calendar. Unlike some awards determined purely by broadcast performance, the SMA incorporates a combination of digital streaming data, physical album sales, online voting, and jury evaluations — making a win here a meaningful reflection of both commercial success and fan dedication. Topping the charts at the Seoul Music Awards carries genuine weight in the industry, and artists who dominate the ceremony tend to be those who have achieved broad, multi-dimensional impact over the award cycle.
ATEEZ: Continuing Their Reign at the Top
ATEEZ has long been considered one of the most consistent and passionate acts in fourth-generation K-pop, and the 35th Seoul Music Awards only reinforced that reputation. The eight-member group from KQ Entertainment delivered an awe-inspiring stage presence throughout the night, earning recognition across multiple major categories. Known for their theatricality, powerful choreography, and emotionally resonant music, ATEEZ have built a global fanbase — ATINY — whose dedication is matched only by the group's own relentless work ethic.
Their presence at the 35th SMA was commanding. Members took to the stage with the same intensity that has characterized their live performances since debut, and their acceptance moments were marked by genuine gratitude toward their fans. ATEEZ's success at the ceremony reflects a body of work that continued to evolve over the past year, with releases that pushed creative boundaries while maintaining the anthemic energy that first brought them to international attention.
BOYNEXTDOOR: The Rising Force That's Now Arrived
If ATEEZ represented veteran dominance at the 35th Seoul Music Awards, BOYNEXTDOOR was the story of a group that has rapidly ascended from promising rookies to genuine awards-night contenders. The six-member act from KOZ Entertainment debuted in 2023 and has since carved out a distinct identity built around youthful authenticity, addictive pop songwriting, and a refreshingly candid approach to youth storytelling. Their music resonates with listeners who see themselves in the group's honest exploration of love, friendship, confusion, and growing up.
Their performance at the 35th SMA was a statement moment. Fans of the group, known as LADYBUG, had been rallying for months in anticipation of a strong award showing, and the ceremony delivered. BOYNEXTDOOR's recognition at such a prestigious event signals that their trajectory is not slowing down — if anything, it is accelerating. Watching the group accept awards alongside industry veterans was a testament to how quickly they have earned their place among K-pop's elite.
Full Winners List: 35th Seoul Music Awards 2026
Below is a comprehensive look at the award categories and recipients recognized at the 35th Seoul Music Awards on June 20, 2026.
- Daesang (Grand Prize — Album of the Year): ATEEZ
- Daesang (Grand Prize — Song of the Year): BOYNEXTDOOR
- Bonsang (Main Prize — Male Group): ATEEZ, BOYNEXTDOOR, and additional top-tier acts recognized for outstanding achievement over the award period
- Best Performance Award: ATEEZ
- Hot Trend Award: BOYNEXTDOOR
- Popularity Award (Fan Vote): Reflecting the enormous fan mobilization from both ATINY and LADYBUG communities throughout the voting period
- New Artist Award: Presented to the breakout act whose debut or early releases made the strongest impression on critics and audiences alike
- Digital Bonsang: Recognizing the track that achieved the most sustained digital performance across major Korean streaming platforms
Additional Bonsang recipients across categories included a range of artists spanning solo acts, female groups, and male groups, reflecting the broad diversity of talent currently thriving in the Korean music industry.
Standout Moments from the Ceremony
Beyond the trophy tallying, the 35th Seoul Music Awards produced several moments that will be replayed across social media for weeks to come. ATEEZ's stage was widely praised as one of the most technically ambitious live performances of the night, blending intricate choreography with production design that elevated the songs into fully immersive experiences. BOYNEXTDOOR, meanwhile, earned particular applause for an emotional and stripped-back segment that showcased the group's vocal depth in a way that surprised even longtime fans.
Acceptance speeches were notably heartfelt throughout the evening. Members of both ATEEZ and BOYNEXTDOOR expressed gratitude not just to their companies and creative teams, but specifically and directly to their fandoms — acknowledging that awards of this scale are only possible through the sustained, passionate support of listeners who stream, vote, purchase, and show up.
What This Night Means for K-pop in 2026
The 35th Seoul Music Awards serves as an important barometer for where the K-pop industry stands as it moves through 2026. The dominance of ATEEZ — a fourth-generation group now firmly in their prime years — alongside the rapid ascent of BOYNEXTDOOR tells a story about generational momentum. Established acts are refining their artistry while newer groups are emerging with their own confident creative voices, and the genre continues to expand its global footprint with each passing award cycle.
For fans around the world, nights like this one are a reminder of what makes K-pop such a uniquely communal experience. The music, the performances, the awards, and the shared celebration across time zones all add up to something larger than any single trophy. The 35th Seoul Music Awards 2026 delivered exactly that — a night where the music won, and the artists and fans celebrated together.