NewJeans and Silica Gel Win Triple Crowns at Korean Music Awards... Beenzino Named Album of the Year

Group NewJeans and band Silica Gel were honored with triple crowns at the Korean Music Awards (KMA).

Hyelin of NewJeans delivering an acceptance speech at the 21st Korean Popular Music Awards ceremony.
[Photo by Prism]

원본보기 아이콘

NewJeans took home trophies in three categories at the 21st Korean Music Awards ceremony held on the 29th at Prism Studio in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, including Song of the Year and Best K-pop Song for their hit "Ditto," as well as Best K-pop Album for "Get Up."

"Ditto" swept the top spot on last year's Melon annual chart. Additionally, their mini-album "Get Up," released in July last year, surpassed 2 million cumulative sales as of January this year, maintaining steady popularity.

Previously, NewJeans won three awards last year, including Rookie of the Year, Best K-pop Album, and Best K-pop Song, and they achieved a triple crown again this year.

Member Minji said, "It always feels like NewJeans is at a new beginning. We still have so much we don't know and so much to learn, but please look forward to what’s next for NewJeans."

Following, Hyein shared, "Because we always challenged ourselves, I was worried about how the public would receive us, but we moved forward with the goal of doing well, and I’m happy to receive such a meaningful award."

Band Silica Gel, who won Best Modern Rock Song in both 2022 and 2023 at the Korean Music Awards, swept the categories of Musician of the Year, Best Modern Rock Album, and Best Modern Rock Song this year, also achieving a triple crown.

They actively promoted last year with the song "Tik Tak Tok," featuring Hwang Soyoon of band Saesoyon, and expressed gratitude to the Korean Music Awards, with which they have had a connection since winning the Rookie Award in 2017.

Band Silica Gel delivering an acceptance speech at the 21st Korean Popular Music Awards ceremony.
[Photo by Prism]

원본보기 아이콘

Silica Gel member Kim Chunchu said, "It feels like we received an important award, so the sense of responsibility is great," adding, "We will continue to show activities and performances worthy of this award."

Member Kim Geonjae said, "When I come here, I feel respect thinking, 'So many musicians are still making music.' It can’t always be perfect, but I hope everyone can make music healthily, healing at their own pace without getting hurt," sharing his thoughts.

The Album of the Year went to Beenzino’s "NOWITZKI," marking the first hip-hop album win in eight years. He also won Best Rap & Hip Hop Album, making him a double winner.

Beenzino said, "I released the album amid overlapping anxious and happy days, and the diverse feedback made it a fulfilling time. This award is too much of an honor."

Yeoyu and Seolbin, who swept Best Folk Album and Best Folk Song, were praised for presenting music that reaffirms the true genre meaning of folk.

Best Electronic Album went to Yetsuby, Best R&B & Soul Album to jerd, and Best Jazz Instrumental Album to Lee Soojeong.

The Special Jury Award was given to Hakjeon Small Theater in Daehangno, symbolizing Korea’s small theater culture. Hakjeon Small Theater is scheduled to close on the 15th of next month. Hong Sejon, representative of Club Evans and last year’s recipient, said, "The cultural community says it owes a debt to Hakjeon, and this award is a respectful gesture toward that."

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Kang Taehwan, known as one of the world’s top three free jazz saxophonists. He has been highly regarded overseas through active work since the 1970s.

The Korean Music Awards is a ceremony that selects winners based on musicality, with 55 judges including Chairman Kim Kwanghyun and popular music critics overseeing the evaluation this year.

This year’s ceremony was exclusively broadcast live by retail media platform Prism and streamed in real time on its website.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.