The 2026 Golden Disc Awards highlighted the global strength of K-pop as Stray Kids, Jennie, and G-Dragon each secured a Daesang, marking one of the most competitive and internationally significant ceremonies in recent years.
Jennie was awarded Artist of the Year, recognizing a year defined by artistic growth, commercial success, and global influence. Her solo activities consistently topped international charts and expanded her presence beyond music, positioning her as one of the most impactful Korean artists on the world stage today.
260110 Congratulations to #JENNIE on winning “Artist Of The Year (Daesang)” at the 40th Golden Disc Awards. pic.twitter.com/2uOE2E6Jqc
— DC 제니 갤러리 (@JennieDCGallery) January 10, 2026
G-Dragon received Song of the Year for “Home Sweet Home,” a release widely praised for its emotional depth and refined production. The track reaffirmed G-Dragon’s reputation as a visionary artist whose work continues to resonate across generations, underscoring his enduring influence within the industry.
[แดซัง🏆] G-Dragon ได้รับรางวัล Digital Daesang (Song of the Year) บนเวที #GDA2026
— GDonTOP_TH (@gdontop_th) January 10, 2026
▪️ G-DRAGON - HOME SWEET HOME (feat. TAEYANG & DAESUNG)
▪️สร้างประวัติศาสตร์ศิลปินเดี่ยวชายคนแรกที่ได้รับ Grand Slam ทุกเวทีในปีเดียว ✨️❤️🔥#GDRAGON #GDRAGON2026 #GD #권지용 #지드래곤 #지디 pic.twitter.com/HjhlAiTYgL
The night’s Album of the Year honor went to Stray Kids for “KARMA,” a project that exemplifies the group’s distinctive musical identity and creative leadership. Known for their self-produced approach, Stray Kids delivered an album that combined innovative sound design with cohesive storytelling, earning strong critical response and impressive global chart performance.
KARMA stood out as a defining release of the year, reflecting Stray Kids’ ability to balance artistic ambition with broad international appeal. Their Daesang win further solidifies the group’s position as one of the leading forces shaping the current and future landscape of K-pop.
CONGRATULATIONS STRAY KIDS FOR WINNING ALBUM OF THE YEAR (DAESANG) AT THE 40TH GDA! pic.twitter.com/Vl7IS3Xk8I
— 비니 (@spearhyunnie) January 10, 2026
Together, the Daesang victories of Stray Kids, Jennie, and G-Dragon illustrate the diversity and global reach of today’s Korean music industry. Representing different eras and creative styles, the three acts collectively demonstrate how K-pop continues to thrive as a dominant presence in the international music market.
