The 40th Golden Disc Awards concluded with a spectacular showcase in Taipei, Taiwan, marking a significant milestone for K-pop’s global expansion. This prestigious K-pop awards event, held at the Taipei Dome, celebrated the finest musical achievements from early November 2024 to early November 2025. The 40th Golden Disc Awards introduced a revamped structure with three major Daesang awards: the Album Daesang, Digital Song Daesang, and the newly established Artist Daesang. This Artist Daesang, awarded based on 60% quantitative data (streaming, album sales, global chart activity) and 40% judge evaluations, underscores the growing K-pop global impact and artist influence. The anticipation for the Golden Disc Awards ceremony was immense.
Jennie’s Triumphant Night at the Golden Disc Awards
BLACKPINK’s Jennie was a standout at the 40th Golden Disc Awards, clinching multiple accolades. As a soloist, Jennie earned a Digital Song Bonsang and another Digital Song Bonsang with BLACKPINK. Her achievements were further amplified by the prestigious Global Impact Award. Jennie conveyed her profound gratitude to her fans and fellow BLACKPINK members, highlighting the significance of these Golden Disc Awards for her career. The group’s enduring legacy was also acknowledged with their inclusion in the “Golden Disc Powerhouse 40” list, a testament to their historical influence.
Stray Kids’ Album Daesang and Other Notable Golden Disc Awards Wins
Stray Kids achieved a monumental victory at the Golden Disc Awards, securing the Album Division Bonsang for their acclaimed track “Karma.” This recognition highlights their exceptional performance in the album category. Other prominent winners included IVE, who received the Cosmopolitan Artist Award, celebrating their consistent achievement of over one million sales for seven consecutive albums. NCT WISH was honored for their album “Color,” while ATEEZ received an award for “Golden Hour: Part 2.” RIIZE also collected an Album Division Bonsang for “Odyssey.” The Digital Song Bonsang at the Golden Disc Awards was awarded to BOYNEXTDOOR and LE SSERAFIM, alongside individual wins for Rosé and ALLDAY PROJECT. Rookie Artists of the Year were recognized as ALLDAY PROJECT and CORTIS, showcasing emerging talent.
The Golden Disc Awards: Performances and Industry Significance
The 40th Golden Disc Awards, expertly hosted by Sung Si-kyung and Moon Ga-young, with presenters like Song Joong-ki and Ahn Hyo-seop, powerfully demonstrated the K-pop global impact. The eligibility period for the 40th Golden Disc Awards spanned music released from late 2024 to late 2025, with winners determined by a robust combination of sales data and expert critiques, ensuring a fair and credible selection process. The Golden Disc Awards continue to be a benchmark for excellence in the music industry. The event featured captivating performances from artists such as Le Sserafim and ENHYPEN. The special “Powerhouse 40” segment paid tribute to music legends. The outcomes from these Golden Disc Awards shed light on current trends and celebrated the artists who have shaped the year’s music landscape. The Taipei event solidified its reputation as a premier stage for K-pop, setting new benchmarks for the industry.
