'MMA 2026' Candidates Revealed… "From BTS to Aespa"

[Dispatch=Lee Myeong-joo] BTS, AKMU, IVE, and PLAVE are competing for the 'Melon Music Awards' trophy.

Melon announced on the 30th the nominees for each category of the 'Melon Music Awards' (hereinafter 'MMA 2026'). Awards will be presented across 12 categories, including 'Artist of the Year.'

A total of 7 teams have been nominated across all three major categories (Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Song of the Year). They are BTS, AKMU, I.O.I, IVE, ILLIT, KiiiKiii, and CORTIS.

BTS ranked first on Melon's 'Top 100' within one hour of release with 'SWIM,' the title track of their regular 5th album 'Arirang' released in March. All of the album's tracks also entered the upper rankings of the chart.

AKMU placed the title track 'Joy, Sadness, Beautiful Heart' and the b-side 'Paradise of Rumors' from their regular 4th album 'Flowering' at the top of the 'Top 100.'

I.O.I also performed well on the chart. With 'Suddenly,' the title track of their 3rd mini album released after regrouping after approximately 9 years, they achieved number one on both 'Top 100' and 'Hot 100.'

IVE took the top spot on the 'Top 100' and weekly chart with 'Bang Bang,' the title track of their regular 2nd album. KiiiKiii also held the daily chart number one for 12 consecutive days with '404,' the title track of their 2nd EP album.

CORTIS even created new terminology. Their b-side 'Young Creator Crew' from their 2nd mini album sparked the 'Young Creator Crew syndrome.' Their title track 'Red Red' remained in the top 3 of Melon's monthly chart for five consecutive months.

Additionally, aespa's 'Lemonade' and Choi Ye-na's 'Catch Catch' were nominated for 'Album of the Year' and 'Best Song of the Year,' respectively. Hearts2Hearts were nominated for 'Artist of the Year' and 'Best Song of the Year.'

A total of 5 teams were nominated for 'Rookie of the Year.' ALPHA DRIVE ONE, LNGSHOT, Tweed, System Seoul, and Hades made the list.

The nominees for 'Best Group Female' are aespa, IVE, ILLIT, KiiiKiii, and Hearts2Hearts. For 'Best Group Male,' the nominees are BTS, CORTIS, PLAVE, BOYNEXTDOOR, and NCT Wish.

The 'Best Solo Female' category features IU, Bol4, Taeyeon, Jennie, and Choi Ye-na competing, while 'Best Solo Male' features Lee Chang-sub, Young K, Lim Young-woong, Ji-hwan of Soonsoohee, and Big Naughty.

The nominees for 'Best OST' are Kim Min-suk's 'Language of Love,' Sung Si-kyung's 'On Some Days With Some Heart,' Triangle's 'Love Is,' PLAVE's 'It's Okay Because It's Love,' and Woo's 'EVERGLOW.'

The nominees for 'Best Pop Artist' are Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Charlie Puth, KATSEYE, and Tame Impala.

The newly established 'Global Top 10' this year will utilize data from music platforms in Korea, China, and Japan. Candidates were selected from 30 teams based on accumulated scores from the 'Global K Chart' unveiled by Melon, China's Tencent Music, and Japan's Line Music.

The final winners will be determined by combining 60% chart scores, 20% from judges, and 20% from voting. Melon and Beriz voting will be reflected on a one-to-one basis, with voting running until the 13th of next month.

Meanwhile, 'MMA 2026' will be held over two days for the first time in the awards show's history. It will take place on the 14th and 15th of next month at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul.