INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA – After an unprecedented five-month delay, the 34th Seoul Music Awards finally unfolded on June 21st, celebrating the significant achievements in Korean music from the 2024 calendar year. The prestigious event, held at the state-of-the-art Inspire Arena in Incheon, South Korea, saw top artists recognized for their contributions, highlighted by a historic Grand Prize win and multiple major accolades for leading groups.
A Historic Grand Prize for I-DLE
The evening’s most anticipated honor, the Daesang, or Grand Prize, was awarded to the popular girl group I-DLE. This momentous win marks I-DLE’s first-ever Daesang in their career, solidifying their position among the industry’s elite. Their victory is particularly significant as they became the first girl group to clinch the top award at the Seoul Music Awards in a remarkable 14 years, breaking a long-standing streak predominantly held by male acts or solo artists. The achievement underscores I-DLE’s growing influence and the impact of their recent musical releases on the industry and fans alike.
TXT Secures Multiple Key Honors
Boy band TXT continued to demonstrate their formidable presence in the K-pop landscape, securing three major awards during the ceremony. The group was honored with the coveted Best Album award, a testament to the critical and commercial success of their latest full-length project. Their hit single, “Déjà vu,” earned them the Best Song award, recognizing its popularity and artistic merit. Adding to their impressive haul, TXT also received a Bonsang, or Main Prize, further acknowledging their overall performance and contribution to the music scene throughout the qualifying period for the 2024 awards.
Notable Artists Recognized
The 34th Seoul Music Awards also celebrated a diverse array of talent across various categories. Among the notable artists who received recognition were the dynamic group ENHYPEN, the iconic artist G-DRAGON, and the globally acclaimed girl group BLACKPINK. While the specific categories for ENHYPEN and G-DRAGON were not detailed, their inclusion among the honorees signifies their continued relevance and impact within the industry. BLACKPINK’s mention hints at the group’s overall success and popularity, setting the stage for individual member achievements highlighted later in the ceremony.
Jimin Awarded Korean Wave Honor
In a nod to the immense global impact of Korean culture, BTS member Jimin was awarded the Korean Wave Award. This award specifically recognizes artists who have significantly contributed to the spread and popularity of the Hallyu wave internationally. Jimin’s solo work and his integral role within the globally successful group BTS have played a crucial part in expanding the reach of Korean music and culture worldwide, making him a fitting recipient of this special honor.
Rosé Makes Solo History
BLACKPINK member Rosé also made history at the 34th Seoul Music Awards. She became the first female solo artist ever to win a Bonsang at the event, a significant personal achievement that highlights her success independent of her group activities. Furthermore, Rosé was presented with the World Best Artist Award, specifically acknowledging her latest album, titled “Rosie.” This dual recognition underscores Rosé’s powerful presence as a solo artist and her global popularity, affirming the strength of her individual musical endeavors following her successful career with BLACKPINK.
Ceremony Reflects 2024 Musical Landscape
The 34th Seoul Music Awards ceremony, despite its unusual delay, served as a vital platform to acknowledge and celebrate the standout musical achievements of 2024. The event at the Inspire Arena brought together artists, industry professionals, and fans to honor the creativity, innovation, and success that defined the year in Korean music. From historic firsts for groups like I-DLE to continued dominance by acts like TXT and significant solo milestones achieved by artists such as BLACKPINK’s Rosé and BTS’s Jimin, the awards provided a comprehensive overview of the vibrant and ever-evolving K-pop industry.
