Top K-pop Bands with the Most Award Wins and Nominations Globally
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| Top K-pop Bands with the Most Award Wins and Nominations Globally |
In recent years, K-pop has skyrocketed to international fame, with bands not only dominating the charts but also racking up countless awards both in South Korea and across the globe. These awards recognize their musical excellence, powerful performances, and ability to transcend cultural boundaries. From prestigious domestic accolades to global music honors, the following K-pop groups have cemented their legacy with record-breaking wins and nominations. This article explores the top K-pop bands that have earned the most awards and nominations, offering a deep dive into their rise to stardom and their influence on the global music scene.
1. BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan)
It’s impossible to discuss K-pop’s global success without starting with BTS. Often referred to as the “Kings of K-pop,” BTS has transformed the landscape of Korean music with their boundary-breaking achievements. Formed by BigHit Entertainment in 2013, the group’s meteoric rise has seen them accumulate more awards and nominations than any other K-pop band in history.
Key Awards and Nominations:
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): BTS has consistently dominated the MAMA awards, with numerous wins in categories like Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. They’ve secured over 60 awards from MAMA alone.
Melon Music Awards (MMA): At the Melon Music Awards, BTS holds the record for the most Daesangs (grand prizes), with major wins in categories like Best Song and Best Album.
Billboard Music Awards (BBMA): BTS became the first K-pop group to win a Billboard Music Award, claiming the Top Social Artist award in 2017. They’ve since gone on to win several Billboard awards, including Top Duo/Group.
Grammy Awards: Although BTS has been nominated for the Grammys multiple times, they are still on the quest for their first win. Despite not clinching the trophy yet, their Grammy nominations signify their global impact and recognition from Western music institutions.
American Music Awards (AMA): BTS made history by becoming the first Korean act to win Artist of the Year at the AMAs in 2021, alongside wins for Favorite Pop Duo/Group.
2. EXO
EXO, formed by SM Entertainment in 2012, is another powerhouse of K-pop. Known for their polished performances and strong vocals, EXO has made significant contributions to the industry, securing countless awards domestically and internationally. They’ve consistently maintained a top spot in the K-pop hierarchy, with their members also branching out into successful solo careers and acting.
Key Awards and Nominations:
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): EXO has long been a dominant force at the MAMA awards, winning over 30 awards, including multiple Artist of the Year and Best Male Group titles. Their continuous success in these categories has made them fan favorites.
Golden Disc Awards: Often referred to as the "Korean Grammys," EXO has won over 20 awards at the Golden Disc Awards, including Album of the Year and Popularity Awards.
Melon Music Awards (MMA): EXO has consistently been recognized at the MMA with Daesangs (grand prizes), and their hit songs such as "Growl" and "Love Shot" have garnered widespread acclaim.
World Music Awards: On the international stage, EXO has bagged several World Music Awards, cementing their global popularity with wins in categories like World’s Best Group and World’s Best Live Act.
MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA): EXO has been nominated for and won in various categories, including Best Korean Act and Best Asia Act.
3. BLACKPINK
As one of the most globally recognized female K-pop groups, BLACKPINK has not only broken records on YouTube but also in terms of award wins and nominations. Formed by YG Entertainment in 2016, BLACKPINK has been trailblazing their way through the global music industry, appealing to both K-pop enthusiasts and a wider international audience.
Key Awards and Nominations:
Melon Music Awards (MMA): BLACKPINK has secured several wins at the MMAs, with notable achievements in categories like Best Dance Performance for their hit tracks such as “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du.”
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): With their powerful performances and chart-topping hits, BLACKPINK has won multiple MAMAs, including Best Female Group and Worldwide Fans’ Choice.
Billboard Music Awards (BBMA): BLACKPINK made history by becoming the first female K-pop group to be nominated for a Billboard Music Award in 2019. They’ve since continued to break barriers with further nominations.
MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs): BLACKPINK has been recognized at the VMAs, with wins for Best K-pop and Best Choreography, showcasing their international appeal.
Teen Choice Awards: BLACKPINK has garnered several Teen Choice Awards nominations and wins, further proving their influence on younger audiences globally.
YouTube Awards: BLACKPINK’s dominance on YouTube is undeniable, as they’ve set records for the most-viewed music videos by a K-pop group, earning them YouTube accolades along the way.
4. TWICE
TWICE, often referred to as the "Nation’s Girl Group," was formed by JYP Entertainment in 2015 through the reality show Sixteen. Known for their catchy tunes and synchronized dance routines, TWICE has garnered massive success both domestically and internationally. Their fanbase, ONCE, is one of the most dedicated in K-pop, helping them secure a multitude of awards.
Key Awards and Nominations:
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): TWICE holds the record for most Best Female Group wins at MAMA, alongside wins in categories like Song of the Year for their iconic hits such as “Cheer Up” and “TT.”
Golden Disc Awards: TWICE has won several Golden Disc Awards, particularly in the Song Division category, reflecting the enduring popularity of their singles.
Melon Music Awards (MMA): TWICE has garnered major wins at the MMAs, securing Daesangs (grand prizes) and numerous fan-voted awards.
MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA): TWICE has been nominated for and won Best Korean Act at the EMAs, further proving their global impact.
Billboard Music Awards (BBMA): While TWICE has not yet won a Billboard Music Award, their nominations in categories such as Top Social Artist highlight their global fanbase’s strength.
5. SEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN, known for being a self-producing idol group, debuted under Pledis Entertainment in 2015. The group has 13 members divided into three sub-units (hip-hop, vocal, and performance), making them a versatile act that can dominate various musical genres. Their collaborative style and intricate choreography have earned them a legion of fans worldwide, resulting in significant award recognition.
Key Awards and Nominations:
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): SEVENTEEN has made a mark at MAMA, winning in categories such as Best Dance Performance and Best Male Group.
Golden Disc Awards: SEVENTEEN has consistently won awards at the Golden Disc Awards, particularly for their albums, reflecting their strong physical album sales.
Seoul Music Awards: SEVENTEEN has racked up numerous awards at the Seoul Music Awards, including the prestigious Bonsang award multiple times.
MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA): SEVENTEEN has been nominated for Best Korean Act at the EMAs, highlighting their international appeal.
6. GOT7
GOT7, formed by JYP Entertainment in 2014, quickly rose to fame due to their energetic performances and dynamic sound. Known for their mix of hip-hop, R&B, and K-pop, the group has amassed a large international following, earning them numerous awards both in South Korea and overseas.
Key Awards and Nominations:
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): GOT7 has won several MAMA awards, including Best Worldwide Act, showcasing their strong global presence.
Golden Disc Awards: GOT7 has secured multiple Bonsang (main prize) awards at the Golden Disc Awards, particularly for their hit albums and songs.
MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA): GOT7 has won Best Worldwide Act at the EMAs, cementing their status as an internationally recognized group.
iHeartRadio Music Awards: GOT7 has been nominated for and won Best Fan Army at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, a testament to the power of their global fanbase.
7. SUPER JUNIOR
One of the pioneers of K-pop’s global expansion, SUPER JUNIOR debuted under SM Entertainment in 2005. Known for their versatility and long-lasting career, SUPER JUNIOR has won numerous awards and continues to influence younger generations of K-pop idols.
Key Awards and Nominations:
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): SUPER JUNIOR has been a mainstay at the MAMA awards, with wins in categories like Best Male Group and Album of the Year.
Golden Disc Awards: SUPER JUNIOR has won countless Golden Disc Awards, reflecting their enduring popularity and influence in the industry.
MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA): SUPER JUNIOR has been nominated for and won several Best Worldwide Act awards at the EMAs, proving their international impact.
Teen Choice Awards: SUPER JUNIOR has also won Teen Choice Awards, further showcasing
their global appeal, especially among younger audiences outside of Korea. Their ability to adapt to changing musical trends while staying true to their roots has made SUPER JUNIOR an enduring force in K-pop.
8. Stray Kids
Stray Kids, another group under JYP Entertainment, debuted in 2018 and quickly gained traction for their unique sound, incorporating elements of hip-hop, electronic music, and EDM. Known for their self-produced tracks and high-energy performances, Stray Kids have rapidly climbed the ranks to become one of the most prominent fourth-generation K-pop groups, garnering numerous awards in a short span.
Key Awards and Nominations:
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): Stray Kids have won several prestigious awards at MAMA, including Best New Male Artist and Best Dance Performance. Their fierce choreography and hard-hitting music have resonated with fans, propelling them to success.
Golden Disc Awards: Stray Kids have been recognized at the Golden Disc Awards, securing Bonsang awards and showing their commercial and critical success.
MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA): Stray Kids have been nominated for Best Korean Act and have also won the Worldwide Fans' Choice award, a testament to their growing international fanbase.
Billboard Music Awards (BBMA): Stray Kids were nominated for Top Social Artist, a category that reflects the strength of their fan engagement and their expanding influence across global platforms.
9. NCT
NCT (Neo Culture Technology), under SM Entertainment, is an ambitious project with multiple sub-units such as NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV. The group is designed to have limitless members across different countries, making it one of the most unique and expansive K-pop acts. Since their debut, NCT has earned significant recognition both at home and abroad.
Key Awards and Nominations:
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): NCT and its sub-units have won multiple MAMA awards, including Best Group and Best Dance Performance for their cutting-edge choreography and futuristic concepts.
Golden Disc Awards: NCT has taken home several Bonsang awards at the Golden Disc Awards for their albums, showcasing their commercial success.
MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA): NCT has been nominated for and won Best Korean Act at the EMAs, further solidifying their position as a global K-pop powerhouse.
American Music Awards (AMA): NCT 127 became the first NCT unit to be nominated for an AMA in 2020, reflecting their growing popularity in the United States.
10. Red Velvet
Red Velvet, SM Entertainment’s powerhouse girl group, has carved out a unique niche in the K-pop world with their dual concepts of “Red” (bright, energetic) and “Velvet” (sultry, sophisticated). Since their debut in 2014, they have become known for their versatile music and powerful performances, earning numerous awards.
Key Awards and Nominations:
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): Red Velvet has won several MAMA awards, including Best Female Group and Best Dance Performance, showcasing their ability to dominate with both upbeat tracks like "Red Flavor" and sultrier hits like "Bad Boy."
Golden Disc Awards: Red Velvet has won several Bonsang awards at the Golden Disc Awards, further cementing their success in both album sales and digital performance.
Seoul Music Awards: Red Velvet has secured several awards at the Seoul Music Awards, including Daesangs and Bonsangs, proving their consistent popularity in South Korea.
MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA): Red Velvet has been nominated for and won Best Korean Act at the EMAs, emphasizing their growing influence on a global scale.
The K-pop industry continues to thrive, producing incredible talent that dominates both domestic and international music scenes. Bands like BTS, EXO, BLACKPINK, and TWICE have redefined what it means to be global superstars, amassing countless awards and nominations along the way. Their rise to stardom is a testament not only to their talent but also to the loyalty of their global fanbases, who have helped propel these groups to the top of the charts and into the history books.
From winning major awards at home in Korea to sweeping international honors like the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, and MTV Europe Music Awards, these groups have made an indelible mark on the global music landscape. As K-pop continues to grow and evolve, there’s no doubt that these bands will continue to break records and set new standards of excellence for generations to come. Their success is a reflection of not just musical prowess but also the powerful bond they share with their fans across the world.
The world is watching, and these K-pop bands are just getting started. With each award and nomination, they inch closer to legendary status, solidifying their place in both K-pop history and global pop culture.
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