The Golden Disc Awards 2025, one of South Korea’s most prestigious music ceremonies, has announced significant changes to its 39th annual celebration planned for early January. Originally scheduled for a live broadcast from the magnificent Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka, Japan, on January 4th and 5th, the ceremony has been thoughtfully postponed in light of the somber atmosphere following the tragic Jeju Plane incident. This decision reflects the deep respect for national mourning while ensuring that the celebration of K-pop’s achievements will still take place in a modified format.

Golden Disc Awards (GDA) 2025: Is It Canceled?

The Golden Disc Awards organizing committee has confirmed that the 39th edition will proceed as a pre-recorded event rather than being canceled. The event that was supposed to air on January 4 and 5 will be broadcast at later dates.

The committee released a poignant statement expressing their condolences: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and bereaved families,” while announcing their decision to record the show for later broadcast. This approach allows the ceremony to maintain its traditional role in celebrating Korean popular music while respecting the period of national grief.

GDA 2025 Promises Star-Studded Lineup’s Unforgettable Performances

The 2025 Golden Disc Awards has assembled an extraordinary roster of performers showcasing the K-pop industry’s remarkable diversity and talent. The two-day event features a carefully curated mix of established superstars and rising talents. Day 1 brings together powerhouse girl groups like Aespa and Le Sserafim alongside innovative artists such as Bibi and the fresh faces of ILLIT. The lineup demonstrates the breadth of K-pop’s current landscape, from NewJeans’ fresh take on pop to DAY6’s rock-influenced sound.

Day 2 continues the spectacular showcase with performances from industry leaders SEVENTEEN, whose complex choreography and vocal harmonies have set new standards in K-pop. The day also features dynamic groups like Enhypen and Tomorrow X Together (TXT), whose global popularity continues to soar. A particular highlight is the inclusion of GFRIEND, making their highly anticipated return to the GDA stage as part of their 10th-anniversary celebrations.

Emotional Return: GFRIEND’s Special Anniversary Performance

Adding an extra layer of significance to the 2025 ceremony, GFRIEND’s appearance marks a sentimental occasion. The beloved group, previously disbanded, will reunite to perform selections from their 10th-anniversary album “Season of Memories.” This exceptional performance will be a teaser of their upcoming concerts happening on January 18th and 19th, where fans will have additional opportunities to witness their return at 6 p.m. and 5 p.m. KST respectively.

Nominees of Golden Disc Awards 2025

The 2025 Golden Disc Awards’ nominations reflect the remarkable achievements across the K-pop industry over the past year. The Rookie of the Year category showcases the impressive debut class 2024, including standout groups like BABYMONSTER, ILLIT, and TWS, each bringing fresh perspectives to the industry. Check out all the nominees below:

Rookie of the Year:

• ALL(H)OURS
• AMPERS&ONE
• BABYMONSTER
• ILLIT
• NCT WISH
• NEXZ
• NOWADAYS
• ONE PACT
• TWS
• UNIS

Digital Song Division Bonsang (Main Award)

1. aespa – “Supernova”
2. BABYMONSTER – “SHEESH”
3. BIBI – “Bam Yang Gang”
4. DAY6 – “Welcome to the Show”
5. (G)I-DLE – “fate”
6. ILLIT – “Magnetic”
7. IU – “Love wins all”
8. IVE – “HEYA”
9. KISS OF LIFE – “Sticky”
10. LE SSERAFIM – “EASY”
11. Lee Mu Jin – “Episode”
12. Lee Young Ji – “Small girl (feat. D.O.)”
13. Lim Jae Hyun – “Rhapsody of Sadness”
14. NewJeans – “How Sweet”
15. QWER – “T.B.H”
16. RIIZE – “Love 119”
17. Taeyeon – “To. X”
18. TWS – “plot twist”
19. VIVIZ – “MANIAC”
20. Zico – “SPOT! (feat. Jennie)”

Album Division Bonsang (Main Award)

Album Division Bonsang (Main Award)

• aespa – “Armageddon”
• ATEEZ – “THE WORLD EP.FIN : WILL”
• BABYMONSTER – “DRIP”
• Baekhyun – “Hello, World”
• BOYNEXTDOOR – “19.99”
• ENHYPEN – “ROMANCE : UNTOLD”
• (G)I-DLE – “2”
• IVE – “IVE SWITCH”
• NCT 127 – “WALK”
• NCT DREAM – “DREAM( )SCAPE”
• NCT WISH – “Steady”
• NMIXX – “Fe3O4: BREAK”
• PLAVE – “ASTERUM : 134-1”
• RIIZE – “RIIZING”
• SEVENTEEN – “SPILL THE FEELS”
• Stray Kids – “ATE”
• TWICE – “With YOU-th”
• TXT – “The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY”
• Yuqi – “YUQ1”
• ZEROBASEONE – “You had me at HELLO”