By Miguel Luna 
The 40th edition of the Golden Disc Awards, one of the most prestigious events in Asian music, took place on January 10, 2026, at the Taipei Dome in Taipei, Taiwan, reaffirming its status as one of the most anticipated ceremonies in the K-pop and digital music calendar.
This year’s awards once again brought together the most influential artists in the industry, celebrating both established global stars and a new generation shaping the future of K-pop worldwide.
⭐ The Biggest Winners of the Night
The artist who truly stole the spotlight was Jennie, member of BLACKPINK, who broke records and emerged as one of the most outstanding figures of the ceremony.
💥 Jennie: The Undisputed Star
- Jennie received the Artist of the Year award, marking a historic achievement at the Golden Disc Awards.
- She also won the Global Impact Award and a Bonsang for Best Digital Song, thanks to the success of her album Like Jennie.
- These honors highlight not only her dominance in South Korea, but also her massive global influence on today’s music scene.
🎤 Performances and Unforgettable Moments
Beyond the awards themselves, the ceremony delivered a spectacular live show. The night featured performances from some of the biggest names in K-pop, including:
- Jennie (BLACKPINK), who delivered her first solo performance at the Golden Disc Awards following the release of her album Ruby.
- Stray Kids, ATEEZ, MONSTA X, and BOYNEXTDOOR, among others, who energized the audience with powerful choreography and high-impact stages.
These performances reinforced the Golden Disc Awards as not just a music awards show, but a global entertainment spectacle watched by fans around the world.
🏆 What Are the Golden Disc Awards?
Often referred to as the “Grammy Awards of K-pop,” the Golden Disc Awards honor outstanding achievements in both digital and physical music sales. Winners are selected based on commercial performance, popularity, and artistic merit.
The 40th edition stood out for:
- A wide range of categories, including Digital Song, Album Bonsang, and Rookie of the Year.
- An extremely competitive list of nominees, featuring artists from multiple generations of K-pop.
🧠 Why This Edition Was Historic
More than just a trophy ceremony, the 2026 Golden Disc Awards:
- Highlighted the global rise of Korean solo artists, especially those who have successfully transitioned beyond group activities.
- Cemented Jennie’s status as a powerful solo artist, marking a major milestone in her career.
- Showcased a strong balance between veteran performers and emerging acts, signaling a vibrant and dynamic future for K-pop in 2026.
📅 Event Details
- Date: January 10, 2026
- Venue: Taipei Dome, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hosts: Sung Si-kyung and Moon Ga-young
Hosting the event outside South Korea further emphasized the international expansion of K-pop and its ever-growing global audience.crecimiento internacional del K-pop y la música coreana en general, una tendencia que se intensifica año tras año.
🎧 Final Thoughts
The Golden Disc Awards 2026 not only celebrated the biggest musical achievements of the past year, but also marked a new chapter for artists who continue to break cultural and geographic boundaries. With Jennie’s historic wins and a lineup of unforgettable performances, this edition will be remembered as one of the most exciting in recent years.