What makes an award show truly unforgettable? Have you asked yourself that before? Is it the star-filled lineup, powerful performances, or perhaps the glamorous hosts who guide the night? Behaviorally unorthodox would occur, that is, if the whole list of stellar elements is under one roof.
That’s precisely what fans can expect from the 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards, returning for its second edition on November 14-15, 2025, at the Inspire Arena in Incheon. With its first edition in 2024 being truly one to remember, the KGMA quickly proceeded to cement itself amongst the most anticipated events in the Korean music calendar, celebrating not just K-pop but a plethora of pop music genres that are dearly loved by fans worldwide.
The excitement reached dizzying new heights with the announcement that Red Velvet’s Irene, K.I.F.’s Natty, and actress Nam Ji-hyun will be the official MCs-this collaboration combining star power, elegance, and professionalism!
2025 KGMA Event Details
The 2nd Korea Grand Music Awards will be held in Incheon at the stunning Inspire Arena on November 14 and 15, 2025. Its magnificent debut last year has only created indescribable anticipation among fans.
Chaired by Ilgan Sports, with the KGMA Organizing Committee, Creatoring, and DioD behind it, the event promises to be bigger and more refined than ever before. Official voting has started a few months leading to the show via the Fancast app so fans around the globe can help support their favorite K-pop artists.
Artist line-up, award categories, and judging criteria will be unleashed beginning September 2025, keeping the overwhelming excitement for what is turning out to be the biggest night in Korean music.
Irene (Red Velvet) – A Powerful K-pop Icon
One of the most admired and recognizable faces ever to hit K-pop since 2014 when Irene debuted with Red Velvet, she has given timeless hits to the group, such as “Ice Cream Cake,” “Red Flavor,” “Peek-A-Boo,” “Bad Boy,” “Queendom,” and “Feel My Rhythm.” With that, she has also immortalized the group in the mind of their audiences as one of the premier girl groups of this generation.
On the other side of the spectrum, Irene also proved her versatility by working with Seulgi as a duo, earning praise for her charisma and stage presence. In November 2024, finally, her long-anticipated solo debut came about, wherein she introduced her fans to a more private, and hence, a more unique, musical style, solidifying her artistry even further.
Also rightly known as the “Confident Center” due to her breathtaking visuals and intellectual aura, Irene is so much more than just an idol—a genuine K-pop icon recognized for her poise, talent, and longevity.
Natty (Kiss of Life) – Rising Global Star
Natty’s journey to K-pop has been nothing if not remarkable. She hails from Thailand, and the world first knew her through JYP’s survival show Sixteen. Even though she did not make her debut at that time, her love of music never faltered.
Finally, in July 2023, Nathaporn made her long anticipated debut with Kiss of Life, and she quickly distinguished herself as one of the most talented K-pop idols of her generation. Between her hits “Shh,” “Bad News,” “Midas Touch,” and “Sticky,” Natty established herself not only as a dancer and vocalist but she also established a stage presence and charisma that is undeniable.
These days, Natty is known for her soulful performances and contagious energy as she segues into a global star that exemplifies the next generation of K-pop artists.
Nam Ji-hyun – Talented Actress and Experienced MC
When it comes to talent, versatility and consistency, Nam Ji-hyun’s career is one for the books. She began her career back in 2004 as a child actor in Say You Love Me; now Nam Ji-hyun’s filmography spans various genres including; the romantic comedy Suspicious Partner, historical drama 100 Days My Prince and legal drama Good Partner, that got the highest ratings on SBS last summer.
Nam Ji-hyun’s journey is not yet done, fans are excited for her upcoming drama, My Secret Romance, airing January 2026. Nam Ji-hyun is not just an actress and has showcased her charm as an MC; not only did she do an amazing job co-hosting the 2024 KGMA, but she will return to do it in 2025, making it her second consecutive year as MC. Nam Ji-hyun is very stable, charming, and experienced, so it is expected that Nam Ji-hyun will bring absolute shine and warmth in however elegant a form with Irene and Natty.
Fans’ Anticipation & Significance of KGMA 2025
While the Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA) may be in its second year, it has already staked its claim as one of the most exciting events in the Korean music industry. With its grand scale, variety of categories, and inclusion of K-pop and popular music, the KGMA is quickly solidifying its place as an event to be seen.
This year seems to have even stronger buzz, especially with its massive lineup of hosts in Irene, Natty, and Nam Ji-hyun. Fans are excited to watch Irene, Natty and Nam Ji-hyun’s chemistry on stage with Irene’s grace, Nam Ji-hyun’s professionalism, while eager to see how Natty’s youth energy contributes to the ceremony.
Fan votes on the Fancast app have also put the buzz into the online atmosphere. Discussions, prediction, and hashtagging have begun on social media and its clear to see fans have invested themselves into this event.
With high expectations for show stopping performances, iconic moments, and a celebration that embodies the great facets of K-music, many people seem to think the 2025 KGMA will exceed its first edition and will be a moment that is remembered fondly in commercial music history.
Conclusion
The 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards is shaping up to be a district event. It’s the second edition of their return at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, existing not only to present awards to the best of the best in Korean Music but also to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences to unite fans with their favorite artists in an unforgettable manner.
Without a doubt, the highlight of the event is the lineup of award show MCs—Red Velvet’s Irene, Kiss of Life’s Natty, and actress Nam Ji-hyun. All three of them provide the perfect cocktail of experience, heartthrob, and freshness to provide a magic host experience for fans everywhere.
As the excitement builds with fan voting, social media hype, and lineup announcements and teaser trailers, all eyes are on November 14-15! KGMA 2025 will make the next development in this momentous period of time already occurring in the Korean Music industry. There is little doubt that with its expanding notoriety, anticipation for two days of dazzling performances, emotional wins, and defining moments of the year in K-Pop will only build on the success it has already experienced.
