‘The 34th Seoul Music Awards’ to Gather New and Established Icons… Could it Become a Symbolic Stage Showcasing the Flow of K-pop
The upcoming ‘The 34th Seoul Music Awards,’ scheduled for June, is generating even more anticipation with the announcement of a new lineup. The second lineup includes a dIVErse range of artists, from mid-level artists like (G)I-DLE, Young Tak, and BTOB, to rookie groups like SEI MAI, KICKFLIP, and HATSU TO HATSU. Their participation goes beyond a simple award ceremony, serving as a platform that connects the current flow of K-pop with the generation.
(G)I-DLE will step onto a major award show stage for the first time since their name change, marking a symbolic moment. Their discography, including ‘HWAA,’ ‘TOMBOY,’ and ‘Nxde,’ has symbolized the evolution of K-pop and the expansion of female narratIVEs. Their new release, ‘We are,’ further solidifies their identity, garnering positIVE responses from both fans and critics.
Representing the trot genre, Young Tak will take the stage once again this year, showcasing the genre’s strength. His activities transcending genre boundaries have secured fans across all age groups, maintaining a strong presence through consistent music releases and appearances on broadcasts. His performances represent the dIVErsity of K-pop, where tradition and modernity coexist.
BTOB, known for their vocals and emotions, will delight fans with their confirmed appearance at a major award show after a long time. With their comeback ‘BTODAY,’ they have once again proven their talent with unwavering vocal abilities and musicality. Their stage is expected to encapsulate the essence of K-pop ballads.
Rookie group SEI MAI, a girl group that includes former IZ*ONE member Honda Hitomi, has been rapidly gaining attention since their debut, showcasing actIVE activities between Japan and Korea and highlighting their global positioning.
The rookie boy group KICKFLIP from JYP has already demonstrated the potential of a major newcomer with just their first album. They are expected to firmly establish their performance and concept on this stage, as it comes before their comeback. This award show could serve as a significant turning point for them.
HATSU TO HATSU set a strong market response by selling 400,000 copies within three months of their debut. Their appearance at a large music festival in the United States symbolizes how quickly K-pop groups are expanding globally. The Seoul Music Awards also play a role as a platform to highlight the growth of these newcomers.
In addition, various artists such as TXT, 55:55, WAVE TO EARTH, and P1Harmony are also teasing their performances. The show will be hosted by actors Byun Woo-seok and Jung Eun-chae, adding to the viewers’ immersion. This lineup hints at the evolution of the award show into a well-rounded event that combines musicality, popularity, and visual completeness.
This year’s ‘Seoul Music Awards’ carries even more significance and weight as it coincides with the 40th annIVErsary of Sports Seoul. The event, taking place on June 21 at Incheon Inspire Arena, is likely to be recorded as an important cultural event that encapsulates the present state of K-pop and introduces new trends. It is a reason for both fans and industry insiders to pay attention.