- I-DLE makes history as the first girl group in 14 years to win the Daesang at the Seoul Music Awards.
- TXT bags three major awards including Best Song, Best Album, and a Bonsang.
- BLACKPINK’s Rosé becomes the first female soloist to receive a Bonsang in Seoul Music Awards history.
The 34th Seoul Music Awards, held at INSPIRE Arena in Incheon, saw a night of groundbreaking wins and emotional milestones. Rising above the competition, I-DLE etched their name in K-pop history by securing the Daesang (Grand Prize)—a feat last achieved by a girl group in 2010.
Individual brilliance also stood out during the event. BLACKPINK’s Rosé became the first-ever female solo artist to clinch a Bonsang, adding to her momentous night with the World Best Artist Award for her solo album Rosie.
I-DLE Breaks Barriers as Girl Groups, Soloists, and BTS Members Shine at 2025 Seoul Music Awards
The ceremony also highlighted the dominance of established boy groups such as Stray Kids, Seventeen, NCT Dream, and ENHYPEN, all of whom took home Bonsangs. Their consistent performance over the past year—ranging from chart-topping comebacks to sold-out global tours—demonstrates the enduring popularity of boy groups in shaping the sound and culture of K-pop internationally.
New generation girl groups like Aespa and Illit also secured Bonsangs, indicating a strong balance between male and female representation in the K-pop industry. These wins are a testament to how 4th and 5th-generation groups are diversifying the genre with fresh concepts, digital-first fan engagement, and immersive performance artistry.
Another focal point of the event was the celebration of individuality within group identities. G-Dragon was honored for his sustained influence on both the music and fashion scenes, a nod to his enduring legacy. Meanwhile, Rosé’s dual win emphasized the increasing importance of solo projects as legitimate artistic milestones, not just side ventures.
Lastly, the Rookie of the Year award going to three different groups—Hearts2Hearts, KickFlip, and KiiiKiii—signals a refreshing variety in the next wave of idols. These acts have already garnered attention with their innovative concepts, social media virality, and dynamic stage presence, setting the tone for the future of K-pop fandom.
The 34th Seoul Music Awards was not just a celebration of commercial success, but a landmark moment for inclusion, innovation, and the evolving narrative of K-pop.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill.
This quote mirrors how groups like I-DLE and Rosé have broken barriers through persistence and reinvention.
