Bts, Blackpink, G-dragon And ‘kpop Demon Hunters’ Win At Music Awards Japan 2026

Korean music made a strong showing at Music Awards Japan 2026, with BTS, BLACKPINK, G-Dragon, and the hit ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ soundtrack all earning major recognition.

According to the official Music Awards Japan website on June 15, several Korean artists and K-pop-related releases were named winners at this year’s ceremony, highlighting the continued influence of Korean music in Japan and across Asia.

Music Awards Japan is a large-scale Japanese popular music awards event organized through cooperation between major local music organizations, including the Recording Industry Association of Japan, and related government bodies. Winners are selected through voting by thousands of music industry professionals.

BTS posing in grey suits / BTS Instagram

BTS Named Best K-Pop Artist

BTS won Best K-Pop Artist, reaffirming the group’s lasting popularity in Japan.

The award reflects BTS’s continued influence even as the members have balanced solo activities, military service schedules, and preparations for future group projects. Their recognition at a Japanese music awards ceremony once again shows the group’s strong position in one of K-pop’s most important overseas markets.

BLACKPINK’s ‘JUMP’ Wins Best K-Pop Song in Japan

BLACKPINK also earned a major award, with ‘JUMP’ selected as Best K-Pop Song in Japan.

The win adds another achievement to BLACKPINK’s long record of international success. Known for their powerful performance style and global fanbase, the group continues to maintain strong visibility in Japan’s music market.

BLACKPINK posing for the JUMP photo concept / BLACKPINK Instagram

BTS Jin Wins Listener’s Choice Award

BTS member Jin also received individual recognition.

His solo song ‘Don’t Say You Love Me’ won Best of Listener’s Choice: International Song powered by Spotify. The award is notable because it reflects listener engagement and streaming-driven popularity, showing Jin’s strong presence as a solo artist.

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ OST ‘Golden’ Recognized in Asia Category

The global popularity of Netflix’s animated project ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ also reached Music Awards Japan.

Its original soundtrack song ‘Golden’ was named Best Song Asia, adding to the song’s growing reputation as one of the most talked-about K-pop-related tracks of the year.

The win shows how Korean pop music is expanding beyond traditional idol releases and reaching audiences through animation, streaming platforms, and global entertainment content.

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS HUNTR/X / KPOP DEMON HUNTERS Instagram

G-Dragon’s ‘POWER’ Receives Special Award

G-Dragon also received recognition at the ceremony.

His song ‘POWER’ was awarded the Korean Popular Music Special Award, further confirming his influence as one of the defining figures in Korean music.

As both a solo artist and a member of BIGBANG, G-Dragon has long been viewed as a trendsetter in K-pop, fashion, and performance. The award reflects his continued cultural presence in the Asian music scene.

G-Dragon posing making finger hearts / News 1

Korean Music Continues to Stand Out in Japan

The results of Music Awards Japan 2026 show the wide reach of Korean music.

From BTS and BLACKPINK to G-Dragon and the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ soundtrack, the winners represent different sides of Korean pop culture: global idol groups, solo artists, animation soundtracks, and cross-platform entertainment.

The awards also underline how deeply K-pop has become connected to Japan’s mainstream music market. Korean artists are no longer seen only as overseas acts, but as major players shaping the wider Asian music industry.

With multiple wins across artist, song, listener choice, soundtrack, and special award categories, Korean music once again proved its influence at one of Japan’s major music award events.