The 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA) will be one of the biggest and most glamorous events of the K-pop and K-content year. This two-day affair recognizes not only the top stars of K-pop and Korean dramas, but also some of the new names in the industry that are emerging domestically and internationally.
The awards will take place at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, Korea on November 14-15. Featured events will include award presentations, live performances, and special interactions with fans. Host names will consist of actress Nam Ji Hyun leading the festivities, followed by special guests Red Velvet’s Irene on Day 1, and KISS OF LIFE’s Natty on Day 2. It can be expected that KGMA 2025 will be an extravagant display of the global entertainment power of Korea, from idols of the past to rising stars for the future.
Let’s take a moment to highlight Asia’s greatest stars coming together onto one stage!
The Official Presenter Lineup
The 2025 KGMA presenter list is overflowing with star power, featuring:
- Byun Woo Seok (Lovely Runner, Wife of a 21st Century Prince)
- Ahn Hyo Seop (Omniscient Reader, K-Pop Demon Hunters)
- Moon Chae Won (Gwish)
- Choi Sooyoung (Girls’ Generation, Please Take Care of My Week)
- Kang Tae Oh (Potato Research Institute)
- Uhm Tae Goo (Polaris)
- Lee Se Young (Completion of Marriage)
- Ong Seong Wu (Shakespeare in Love)
- Kim Yo Han (The Winning Try)
- Kim Do Yeon, Yeonwoo, Lee Joo Yeon, Seo Eun Soo, Park Se Wan, Kim Min Seok, Kim Do Hoon, Choo Young Woo, Gong Seung Yeon, Lee Seol, Lee Yeol Eum, Chae Seo An, Choi Yoon Ji, Bae Hyun Sung, Ha Young, and many more.
This lineup perfectly balances established veterans who shaped the Korean wave and new-generation stars who represent the future of Hallyu.
Spotlight on Key Presenters
Byun Woo Seok: The New Industry Trend
After the massive global success of Lovely Runner, Byun Woo Seok continues to ride his momentum. At KGMA 2025, he will reconnect with fans while filming his new drama Wife of a 21st Century Prince. His journey from modeling to acting has made him one of the most talked-about faces in K-drama.
Ahn Hyo Seop: Crossing Drama, Film, and Animation
Ahn Hyo Seop had a milestone year voicing Jin Woo in Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters and starring in Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy. His versatility as both a screen actor and voice actor proves his expanding influence, making him a perfect choice to present at KGMA.
Choi Sooyoung: Idol and Actress in One
A veteran idol from Girls’ Generation and a respected actress, Choi Sooyoung will appear as both a role model and peer to younger idols. With recent works like Please Take Care of My Week and upcoming Idol Child, she represents the ongoing evolution of idol-actors in the Korean entertainment world.
Moon Chae Won: Graceful Return
Loved for her elegance, Moon Chae Won returns after two years with the horror film Gwish. Her KGMA presence symbolizes her reentry into the spotlight, exciting both K-drama fans and K-pop audiences.
Kang Tae Oh: Post-Military Momentum
Following his military service, Kang Tae Oh returned with Potato Research Institute. His appearance as a KGMA presenter adds to his momentum as one of the most beloved “actordols.”
Uhm Tae Goo: Charisma That Captivates
Known for his deep voice and intense acting, Uhm Tae Goo has a unique charisma. His recent role in Disney Plus’s Polaris has earned him global recognition, making his KGMA appearance highly anticipated.
Significance of the Presenters
At KGMA, presenters are more than simply announcing the awards, they are symbolic within the industry. They embody the global reach of K-pop and K-content, demonstrating the reach of Korean entertainment globally.
The lineup includes veteran stars and newer stars who give a mix of experience and youth to the audience.
It’s evident that acting careers and their status as a K-Pop celebrity are intricately intertwined here, with a number of idols-turned-actors and actors with ties to musical prodigies highlighted.
The presenters are also part of supporting junior idols and new stars by being idols on this massive stage.
This connection makes the presenters an integral part of the KGMA experience.
Idol-Actors Strengthening the Bond Between K-Pop & K-Drama
A highlight of this year’s KGMA is the strong presence of idols who have successfully transitioned into acting.
- Kim Yo Han (WEi) impressed fans with his drama The Winning Try.
- Yeonwoo (ex-MOMOLAND) continues to build her acting career.
- Lee Joo Yeon (ex-After School) shows her versatility across TV and stage.
- Kim Do Yeon (ex-I.O.I) balances her idol roots with rising acting projects.
Their participation emphasizes KGMA’s unique position as a bridge between the two pillars of Korean entertainment: music and drama.
A Stage for Rising Stars
Beyond the veterans, the lineup also features promising actors who represent the next wave of Hallyu. Choo Young Woo (Mrs. Ok’s Exhibition), Seo Eun Soo (Made in Korea), Kim Do Hoon (My Perfect Secretary), Bae Hyun Sung (New President Project), Park Se Wan (Victory), and Yoon Ga Yi (SNL Korea) are among those making their presence felt at this year’s KGMA. Their inclusion shows the event’s commitment to spotlighting emerging talent alongside established names.
Performers Already Confirmed
The excitement doesn’t stop with presenters. The performer lineup already revealed includes:
- Stray Kids
- IVE
- ATEEZ
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- Kiss of Life
- FIFTY FIFTY
adding to the excitement of K-pop’s biggest global tours and recent contract renewals. In addition, rookie groups like Miyao, Nine, Close Your Eyes, and SMTR25 will perform, while trot singers such as Park Seo Jin, Jang Min Ho, and Lee Chan Won, along with bands like Xdinary Heroes, will add variety to the stage. Further lineup announcements are expected, with special stages promised for fans.
KGMA 2025 Event Details
The pinnacle of K-Pop show entertainment will take place during two full days of extraordinary performances, awards, and time for fans to be exposed to their stars.
- Dates: November 14-15, 2025
- Location: The Inspire Arena, Incheon
- Hosts & MCs: Nam Ji Hyun, Irene, and Natty will bring star power to the stage.
The show will also feature co-hosts, sponsorships, ticketing, and fan-voting systems that will allow fans everywhere to engage and participate in co-hosting, and support their favorite stars.
Why This Lineup Matters
The 2025 KGMA presenter list is not just a lineup — it’s a reflection of the current era of Korean entertainment. From globally recognized actors like Ahn Hyo Seop and Byun Woo Seok, to multi-talented idols like Choi Sooyoung and Kim Yo Han, to rising actors making their mark, the diversity represents how K-culture continues to evolve and expand globally.
The presenters embody the fusion of K-pop and K-content, showcasing how Korean entertainment is breaking boundaries, attracting not only domestic audiences but also millions of fans worldwide.
Performers & Additional Lineup
Performances are always a highlight of KGMA, and 2025 promises to continue that tradition.
- Main Performers: BoyNextDoor, Stray Kids, IVE, ATEEZ, Kiss of Life, Fifty Fifty
- Rookie Lineup: MEOVV, AHOF, ALLDAY PROJECT, Close Your Eyes, KiiiKiii, KickFlip, Hearts2Hearts, SMTR25
- Trot & Band Stage: Park Seo Jin, Lee Chan Won, Jang Min Ho, Lucy, Xdinary Heroes
Additionally, details on the fourth lineup and special performances have not yet been announced, leaving fans wondering when those details will come next.
Highlighted Moments & Anticipation
Fans will enjoy several key moments throughout the ceremony:
- An unexpected visit from Byun Woo Seok while filming his upcoming drama.
- Choi Sooyoung will see her junior idols again, which is always an inspiring generational moment.
- K-stars and K-content actors have a special synergy that creates unforgettable cross-genre moments.
- Fans overseas will engage, as members of the global audience tune in and get active engagement to interact with their favorite stars.
These moments will only make KGMA 2025 an unforgettable and can’t-miss celebration.
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Conclusion
With such a star-packed lineup of presenters, coupled with one of the strongest performer rosters in years, the 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards is shaping up to be a festival that celebrates more than just music. It will highlight the power of Korean entertainment — where actors, idols, and rising stars come together on one stage.
As November approaches, fans are eagerly waiting to see their favorite celebrities shine not only as performers but also as presenters who represent the future of Hallyu.
