The '2025 K-World Dream Awards,' a flagship celebration of Korean culture, concluded spectacularly, thrilling K-pop fans worldwide. The ceremony took place on the evening of August 21 at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul’s Songpa District, with hosts Jun Hyun Moo and comedian Jang Do Yeon delivering a flawless and energetic presentation.
Originating in 2017 as the 'Soribada Best K-Music Awards (SOBA)' this ceremony has evolved over nine years, retaining its mission to celebrate K-pop in its home city of Seoul while contributing to Korea’s cultural tourism. Despite its name changes, the event has remained a pivotal platform for both domestic and international K-pop stars.
Leading the awards with four trophies was IVE, demonstrating their continued dominance in the K-pop scene. The group took home Best Artist, Bonsang (Main Award), Group Popularity, and Solo Popularity for member Jang Wonyoung. Stray Kids, TXT, and NCT WISH each won three awards, highlighting a night of fierce competition and exceptional talent. Stray Kids were honored with Best Artist, Bonsang, and Group Popularity, while TXT received Global Music Artist, Bonsang, and World Class awards. NCT WISH claimed the Journalist Pick Artist Award, Bonsang, and Best Performance.
In their acceptance speeches, the winners expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans:
IVE’s Jang Wonyoung said, “Standing on global stages recently has made me feel the love we receive. We’ll continue to work hard to repay that love. Please look forward to our upcoming release.”
Stray Kids thanked their fanbase, STAY, and encouraged support for their new album Karma.
TXT noted their excitement to meet fans before their upcoming world tour.
NCT WISH expressed appreciation for fans’ support and teased their September comeback.
Rookie Band Award winner Dragon Pony shared, “Receiving this award on our first anniversary is an honor. We thank everyone who gives us the strength to keep performing.”
Xdinary Heroes, awarded Best Band Artist, and ILLIT, winner of Best Music Video, both acknowledged the pivotal role of their fans in their achievements. tripleS also dedicated their Best Music Video win to their supporters.
The ceremony was further elevated by appearances from actors including Lim Soo Hyang, Moon Ga Young, and Byun Woo Seok. Lim Soo Hyang commented on the global reach of K-pop, while Moon Ga Young praised the dedication of artists. Jun Hyun Moo and Jang Do Yeon showcased their chemistry as hosts for the third consecutive year, ensuring a seamless and entertaining evening.
Performances and appearances by groups and artists such as BTOB, CRAVITY, LE SSERAFIM, SEVENTEEN, aespa, Paul Kim, and Kang Daniel highlighted the diversity and talent of K-pop. For fans unable to attend, the ceremony was broadcast live via HelloLive worldwide and U-NEXT in Japan, expanding the global audience for the awards.
◆ Winners of the '2025 K-World Dream Awards'
▲ K-World Dream Best Artist Award = Stray Kids, IVE
▲ K-World Dream Journalist Pick Artist Award = NCT WISH, LE SSERAFIM
▲ K-World Class Award = Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, LE SSERAFIM, IVE
▲ K-World Dream Main Award (Bonsang) = QWER, tripleS, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ILLIT, NCT WISH, LE SSERAFIM, IVE, Stray Kids
▲ K-World Dream Rookie Band Award = DRAGON PONY
▲ K-World Dream New Vision Award = NEW BEAT, FIFTY FIFTY, Close Your Eyes
▲ K-World Dream Global Music Artist Award = TOMORROW X TOGETHER
▲ K-World Dream Super Rookie Award = AHOF, Kickflip, KiiiKiii, Hearts2Hearts
▲ K-World Dream Listener’s Choice Award = Paul Kim, BTOB
▲ K-World Dream Best Music Video Award = ILLIT, tripleS, YOUNG POSSE
▲ K-World Dream Best OST Award = Netflix ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’, HUNTRIX “GOLDEN”
▲ K-World Dream Best Band Artist Award = Xdinary Heroes, LUCY
▲ K-World Dream Solo Popularity Award = Park Ji Hyun, IVE Jang Wonyoung
▲ K-World Dream Group Popularity Award = Stray Kids
▲ K-World Dream Best Digital Song Award = G-DRAGON, IU, DAY6, ROSÉ
▲ K-World Dream Best Album Award = SEVENTEEN, NCT DREAM, ENHYPEN, aespa, PLAVE
▲ K-World Dream Best All-Around Musician Award = QWER, Kang Daniel
▲ K-World Dream Best Performance Award = NCT WISH, FIFTY FIFTY, CRAVITY
▲ K-World Dream Producer Award = Starship’s Director Seo Hyun Joo
▲ K-World Dream Best Trot Artist Award = Park Seo Jin, Park Ji Hyun
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