BUMZU makes history at KOMCA Awards, sweeping all popular music categories

Music producer and singer-songwriter BUMZU has made history by sweeping all categories in the popular music division at the KOMCA Copyright Awards.

On February 25, the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) announced that at the 11th KOMCA Copyright Awards, BUMZU won the grand prize in all three categories: lyrics, composition, and arrangement in the popular music sector.

The KOMCA Copyright Awards is the only copyright-based music awards ceremony in Korea, granting the grand prize to the lyricists, composers, and arrangers who earned the highest copyright royalties in the past year. Having won the grand prize in the lyrics and composition categories last year, BUMZU expanded his achievement this year by also winning in the arrangement category, claiming the highest honor across all sections of the popular music division.

Known for his work on major songs by Pledis Entertainment artists such as Seventeen and NU’EST, BUMZU expressed his gratitude, stating, "I sincerely thank everyone who loves K-pop. I also have deep respect for all my fellow artists, both senior and junior, who continue to create music."

In the children's music category, composer Lee Sang Hee set a new record by winning the grand prize for the fifth consecutive year. His work, which combines warm emotions with educational elements, has been highly regarded for contributing to the development of children's music.

For the classical music category, world-renowned pianist and composer Yiruma won the grand prize for the fourth consecutive year. With his signature melodic sensitivity and lyrical performances, he continues to popularize classical and new-age music both domestically and internationally.

The 'Song of the Year' award went to Lim Young Woong's "Do or Die," which generated the highest copyright royalties from streaming last year. Lim Young Woong, who wrote the lyrics, and songwriter Cha Ri (Cha Ah Rin) were honored with the award.

Legendary folk musician Song Chang Sik was inducted into the 'KOMCA Hall of Fame' in recognition of his timeless music and numerous hit songs. Since debuting in the late 1960s, he has led the Korean folk music scene with his distinctive vocal style, poetic lyrics, and sophisticated melodies, leaving behind classics such as "Whale Hunting," "Why Calling," and "Tabacoo Shop Girl."

The Non-Popular Music Contribution Award was presented to composers who have made significant contributions in various genres, including pure music, traditional Korean music, children's music, and religious music. This year's recipients were Lee Young Jo (pure music), Jeon In Pyeong (traditional Korean music), Kim Jong Sang (children's music), and Park Min Woo (religious music), recognized for their dedication to the advancement of non-popular music culture.

The Music Culture Development Award, given to individuals who have contributed to the advancement of music and popular culture, was awarded to Choi Nam Jin, an audio engineer who has improved the sound quality of popular music, and Lee Sang Ki, a manager who has supported various artists' careers.

In the broadcasting category, Park Seung Hwa of CBS’s 'Into Gayo' and Kim Hye Young of MBC’s 'Singlbungl Show,' and KBS’s 'AM Plaza' were honored. Meanwhile, in the live performance category, Korea’s renowned guitarist Ham Chun Ho received the award.

Additionally, KOMCA has set the 2025 budget for music copyright collection at 450.9 billion KRW (314.5 million USD) and the distribution budget at 426.3 billion KRW (~297.4 million USD).