2025 KGMA Set to Ignite K-Pop Festival with Special Stages and Star-Studded Presenter Lineup

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2025 KGMA Set to Ignite K-Pop Festival with Special Stages and Star-Studded Presenter Lineup

Jisoo Park · October 21, 2025 at 01:09

The '2025 Korea Grand Music Awards' (KGMA), hosted by Ilgan Sports, is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration of K-pop on November 14th and 15th at the Incheon Inspire Arena.

Under the theme 'LINK to K-POP,' this year's KGMA promises a diverse array of stages connecting the history and present of K-pop. Notably, the Music Day on November 15th will feature 16 teams preparing unique and captivating performances.

Stray Kids have already announced a never-before-seen stage, and all participating artists are set to deliver special performances exclusively for KGMA audiences, heightening anticipation.

IVE is expected to solidify their 'self-love' narrative with a performance encompassing hits like 'I AM' and 'Baddie,' potentially including solo stages. Kisser of Life's Natty, serving as an MC, will open the awards ceremony with a cover performance of a top solo female artist's hit, infusing it with her signature Y2K sensibility.

Representing the 5th generation, boy groups such as E'LAST, NINE.i, CLOSE YOUR EYES, and KICKFLIP will pay homage to K-pop history by covering iconic songs from legendary groups spanning from the 1st to 4th generation, fostering a sense of intergenerational unity within K-pop.

Meanwhile, actor Byun Woo-seok will grace the stage as a presenter on November 15th. Having recently gained immense popularity through the drama 'Lovely Runner,' Byun Woo-seok's presence is highly anticipated. All eyes will be on which artist he will present the prestigious trophy to.

With a total of 31 teams, including THE BOYZ, BTOB, SUHO (EXO), ATEEZ, and Cravity, participating, the 2025 KGMA is poised to offer fans an unforgettable K-pop experience. Actress Nam Ji-hyun will host for the second consecutive year, collaborating with Irene (Red Velvet) on the first day and Natty on the second.

Korean netizens are buzzing with excitement, with comments like "This lineup is seriously legendary!", "So excited for Natty's solo stage", and "It's already touching to think the 5th gen groups will sing先輩s' songs."

#Byun Woo-seok #IVE #Stray Kids #KISS OF LIFE #NATTY #Nam Ji-hyun #Irene