The 40th Golden Disc Awards (GDA) has officially raised anticipation for its 2026 ceremony by unveiling its second performer lineup, adding even more global star power to an already explosive roster.
On November 27, organisers announced the second wave of artists set to take the stage at the prestigious event. The newly confirmed acts include ARrC, ATEEZ, BOYNEXTDOOR, CLOSE YOUR EYES, Jennie, KiiiKiii, MONSTA X, Stray Kids, and TWS. This is a mix of powerhouse idols, breakout rookies, and genre-defining performers who continue to shape the global K-pop landscape.
This announcement comes just a day after the awards revealed their first lineup on November 26, which featured an equally compelling list of performers. The initial artist line-up includes LE SSERAFIM, IVE, NCT WISH, ENHYPEN, ALLDAY PROJECT, izna, ZEROBASEONE, ZO ZAZZ, and CORTIS.
The Golden Disc Awards, known for celebrating excellence in both digital music and physical album sales, will mark its milestone 40th year with a grand celebration at the Taipei Dome on January 10, 2026. The event will be hosted by singer Sung Si Kyung and actress Mun Ka Young.
Together, the two lineups represent a blend of heavyweight performers and fast-rising talent. With the inclusion of acts like Jennie and Stray Kids alongside rising groups such as TWS and ALLDAY PROJECT, the ceremony will reflect the evolving diversity and global reach of K-pop.
Earlier, the organising committee also announced the shortlisted artists across three major divisions - Digital Song Bonsang, Album Bonsang, and Rookie Artist of the Year.
Eligible songs and albums were those released between early November 2024 and early November 2025. This year’s list reflects a strong mix of established powerhouses and rising stars.
The Digital Song Bonsang category features a diverse lineup of chart-topping hits and fan favourites. Contenders include aespa’s Dirty Work, BLACKPINK’s high-energy JUMP, IU’s emotional Never Ending Story, and G-Dragon’s star-studded track HOME SWEET HOME (feat. Taeyang, Daesung). Other notable nominees are Jennie with her solo hit like JENNIE, IVE’s REBEL HEART, Rosé’s toxic till the end, and SEVENTEEN’s electrifying THUNDER.
The album category is equally stacked, featuring major releases such as G-Dragon’s Übermensch, aespa’s Rich Man, SEVENTEEN’s HAPPY BURSTDAY, Stray Kids’ KARMA, and ZEROBASEONE’s NEVER SAY NEVER. Soloists like Baekhyun (Essence of Reverie), Jennie (Ruby), and Jin (Happy) also earned nods.
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