35th Seoul Music Awards Set for June 20, 2026, at Inspire Arena

The 35th Seoul Music Awards (SMA), boasting the highest authority and a sparkling 35-year history in popular music awards, is set to open its grand ceremony on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Inspire Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon.

The Seoul Music Awards Organizing Committee, hosted by Sports Seoul, officially announced on the 17th, "The Seoul Music Awards, which has led K-pop trends, will celebrate its 35th edition, building on last year's successful experience by confirming its June schedule and state-of-the-art venue. We will prepare a festival stage to witness a historic moment in K-pop."

The Seoul Music Awards is a living history that has led the growth of K-pop for 35 years. It is particularly renowned for the value and weight of its Grand Prize, awarded to 'only one artist,' with unmatched prestige.

Since its inception in 1990, the Seoul Music Awards has established itself as Korea's premier music festival, growing alongside K-pop. Throughout its 35-year history, top artists of each era, starting with Byun Jin-sub in the 1st ceremony, followed by Tae Jin-ah and Seo Taiji and Boys, have received the prestigious Grand Prize.

The awards are considered an indicator of the year's K-pop trends. At the 34th Seoul Music Awards, held on June 21st last year at the Inspire Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, (G)I-DLE took home the Grand Prize, solidifying their position as 'Queens of K-pop.'

Tomorrow X Together won the Best Digital Single award, while Tomorrow X Together and ZEROBASEONE shared the Best Album award. Rosé and aespa were selected as the recipients of the World Best Artist award. The ceremony was successfully hosted by Kang Seung-yoon of WINNER, Miyeon of (G)I-DLE, and Soobin of Tomorrow X Together.

Previously held in January or February, the Seoul Music Awards transitioned to a June ceremony starting last year to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Sports Seoul, marking a successful change. The 35th edition will also be held on June 20th, aiming to capture the essence of K-pop at a time when trends are most dynamic, rather than at the end of the year.

This year's ceremony, held at the state-of-the-art Inspire Arena, is expected to serve as a platform for award-winning teams to solidify their global activities. The organizing committee plans to present spectacular performances by about 20 top K-pop artists, enhanced by impressive visual production.

Anticipation is already high regarding who will be crowned the Grand Prize winner of the 35th Seoul Music Awards, an honor bestowed upon 'only one artist.' Especially after (G)I-DLE made history by winning the Grand Prize last year, all eyes are on who will achieve this honor this time.

The Seoul Music Awards Organizing Committee stated, "The 35th Seoul Music Awards will be a meaningful opportunity for all K-pop fans to witness their stars receiving awards firsthand," and expressed confidence, "We plan to deliver a special experience to the audience with brilliant stage productions that cannot be seen elsewhere."

Netizens are expressing excitement, with comments like "Already so thrilled!", "Wondering which artist will win the Grand Prize this time?", and "Holding it in June is great, and I'm looking forward to the venue too."