TUIDE Wins IS Rising Star Award at 2026 KGMA, Marks Major Milestone at First Major Award Ceremony
Rookie K-pop group TUIDE has achieved an important milestone in its budding career after winning the IS Rising Star award at the 2026 Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA). The group received the recognition during the opening day of the two-day music extravaganza, held at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome on Nov. 7.
The achievement was particularly meaningful for the newcomers, as the 2026 KGMA marked their first appearance at a major award ceremony. Following the announcement, the members posed with their newly received trophy during a commemorative photo session, proudly celebrating a moment that could become a defining chapter in their journey as K-pop artists.
Their win also comes at a time when the group is gradually expanding its presence through domestic broadcast appearances and educational audio content initiatives. With the recognition, TUIDE has added another significant achievement to its growing list of accomplishments as one of the emerging rookie acts of 2026.
TUIDE Celebrates First Major Award With IS Rising Star Win
The IS Rising Star award recognizes TUIDE‘s growing presence in the competitive K-pop landscape. The members appeared visibly delighted as they posed with the trophy, expressing their gratitude for receiving recognition at such an early stage of their careers.
The award ceremony also gave the group an opportunity to perform on the same major stage as established names in the Korean music industry. Their live performance at the Gocheok Sky Dome added another highlight to their first major award show appearance.
For a rookie act, receiving recognition at an industry event of this scale represents an important opportunity to introduce its music and performance abilities to a wider audience. TUIDE’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as the group continues working toward establishing a stronger identity among the latest generation of K-pop performers.
2026 KGMA Begins With Star-Studded Artist Day in Seoul
The third edition of the Korea Grand Music Awards officially began on Nov. 7, bringing together popular artists, industry representatives, and fans at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul’s Guro District.
The opening-day ceremony, titled Artist Day, was hosted by RESCENE member Woni and actress Nam Ji Hyun. The event marked the beginning of a two-day celebration dedicated to recognizing achievements across the Korean music industry.
The Korea Grand Music Awards was established in 2024 by South Korean media outlet Ilgan Sports, operated by EDaily M. Its creation coincided with the publication’s 57th anniversary and aimed to introduce a new award platform reflecting the changing landscape of K-pop and the wider music industry.
The 2026 ceremony was jointly organized by the official KGMA Organizing Committee and Creator Ring. With performances and award presentations taking place at one of Seoul’s prominent indoor entertainment venues, the event attracted thousands of spectators.
How Did 2026 KGMA Determine Its Award Winners?
The 2026 KGMA incorporated multiple evaluation criteria to recognize musical achievements, taking into account physical album sales and digital streaming performance.
The evaluation process included data from major South Korean music platforms and industry sources, including Hanteo Chart, Genie Music, FLO, and Bugs. These metrics formed an important part of the assessment process for the awards.
Global fan participation was another significant component of the ceremony. International fans were able to support their favorite artists through the dedicated Kugung mobile application during the official pre-ceremony voting period.
This combination of industry data and fan participation reflected the international reach of K-pop and the growing importance of global audiences in the success of Korean music acts.
The ceremony was also made accessible to viewers across different regions through multiple broadcasting platforms. South Korean audiences could watch the event live on ENA, while viewers in Japan had access through Hulu Japan. International audiences outside China and Japan could follow the celebrations through TikTok Live.
KGMA 2026 Continues With More Performances on Nov. 8
While the opening day celebrated several musical achievements, the excitement surrounding the 2026 KGMA is set to continue with another star-studded event on Nov. 8.
The second day will feature additional performances and award presentations, with IVE member Liz and actor Kim Jae Won serving as hosts. The continuation of the ceremony is expected to bring together more prominent names from the Korean entertainment industry.
For TUIDE, however, the opening-day victory has already made the 2026 KGMA an unforgettable experience. Winning the IS Rising Star award and performing at the Gocheok Sky Dome have given the rookie group an opportunity to celebrate its progress while gaining greater visibility among K-pop audiences.
As the group continues to build its career through music, performances, and other content initiatives, the recognition marks an encouraging development in its journey. The award also places TUIDE among the emerging acts attracting attention during a competitive year for K-pop newcomers.
