The Golden Disc Awards, a prestigious event in the K-pop industry, celebrated its 36th edition in 2022. This year's ceremony recognized the outstanding achievements and contributions of artists and groups who have significantly impacted the music scene. For K-pop enthusiasts, the Golden Disc Awards is more than just an award show; it's a reflection of a year's worth of hard work, dedication, and musical innovation. Knowing who the winners are provides a snapshot of the prevailing trends and the most beloved artists of the year. It’s a chance to celebrate the artists' accomplishments and reflect on the music that has moved us.

Daesang (Grand Prize) Winners

The Daesang, or Grand Prize, is the most coveted award at the Golden Disc Awards, recognizing the ultimate achievement in music. In 2022, two Daesangs were awarded, one for Album of the Year and one for Digital Song of the Year, representing the pinnacle of success in both physical and digital releases. The Album of the Year Daesang is awarded to the artist or group with the most outstanding full-length album or mini-album of the year, considering both sales and critical acclaim. The Digital Song of the Year Daesang is awarded to the artist or group with the most outstanding digital single or track of the year, based on digital sales, streaming numbers, and overall impact. The recipients of these awards are not just recognized for their commercial success but also for their artistic merit and influence on the music industry.

Album of the Year: BTS

BTS took home the Album of the Year Daesang for their album "BE". This award is a testament to BTS's incredible influence and global popularity. "BE" explored themes of hope, healing, and self-reflection during the pandemic, resonating deeply with fans worldwide. The album showcased the group's musical versatility and emotional depth, solidifying their status as global icons. This win marked another milestone in BTS's illustrious career, adding to their already impressive collection of accolades. The impact of "BE" extended beyond just sales numbers; it became a cultural phenomenon, sparking conversations and providing comfort during a challenging time. The album's success can be attributed to its relatable themes, heartfelt lyrics, and the group's genuine connection with their audience. BTS's ability to consistently deliver high-quality music that resonates with listeners on a personal level is what sets them apart and continues to propel them to new heights. This award further cements their legacy as one of the most influential and beloved groups in music history. This win serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists worldwide, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and a genuine connection with fans, anything is possible.

Digital Song of the Year: IU

IU won the Digital Song of the Year Daesang for her song "Celebrity". This win underscored IU's dominance in the digital music realm and her ability to consistently produce chart-topping hits. "Celebrity" is a vibrant and uplifting track that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance, resonating with listeners of all ages. IU's unique vocal style and heartfelt delivery made the song an instant success, topping charts and earning critical acclaim. This award further solidified IU's status as one of the most respected and influential solo artists in the K-pop industry. The song's success can be attributed to its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and IU's ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. "Celebrity" became an anthem for self-love and empowerment, inspiring fans to embrace their individuality and celebrate their unique qualities. IU's consistent ability to deliver high-quality music that resonates with listeners on a personal level is what sets her apart and continues to propel her to new heights. This award further cements her legacy as one of the most influential and beloved solo artists in the K-pop industry. This win serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists worldwide, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and a genuine connection with fans, anything is possible.

Bonsang (Main Award) Winners

The Bonsang, or Main Award, recognizes artists who have achieved significant success and contributed greatly to the music industry. These awards celebrate both established acts and rising stars, highlighting their impact on the music scene. Winning a Bonsang is a significant achievement, as it signifies recognition from both industry professionals and fans alike. The Bonsang awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the artists who receive them. The artists are selected based on a combination of factors, including album sales, digital downloads, streaming numbers, and expert evaluations. The Bonsang awards are a reflection of the diverse and vibrant music landscape of the K-pop industry, showcasing the wide range of talent and musical styles that have captured the hearts of fans around the world. The awards are a celebration of the artists' accomplishments and a recognition of their contributions to the industry. The Bonsang awards are a source of pride for the artists, their fans, and their management companies, and they serve as a motivation to continue striving for excellence in their music.

Album Division

• NCT DREAM
• TXT
• BTS
• SEVENTEEN
• Stray Kids
• IU
• BLACKPINK
• NCT 127
• ENHYPEN

These artists in the Album Division showcased their exceptional talent and captured the hearts of fans with their outstanding albums. Each group or soloist brought their unique style and musicality to the table, contributing to the diverse and vibrant landscape of the K-pop industry. NCT DREAM continued to impress with their youthful energy and catchy tunes, while TXT delivered a mature and sophisticated sound that resonated with listeners. BTS, as always, proved their global dominance with their chart-topping album, and SEVENTEEN showcased their impeccable choreography and synchronized performances. Stray Kids impressed with their powerful and intense tracks, while IU captivated audiences with her soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. BLACKPINK continued to break records with their catchy and visually stunning releases, and NCT 127 showcased their dynamic performances and experimental sound. ENHYPEN, as a rising force in the industry, impressed with their unique concept and captivating stage presence. These artists have not only achieved commercial success but have also made a significant impact on the music scene, earning them well-deserved recognition.

Digital Song Division

• Lee Mujin
• STAYC
• IU
• Oh My Girl
• AKMU
• BTS
• Heize
• aespa

These artists in the Digital Song Division demonstrated their prowess in creating catchy and impactful tracks that dominated the digital charts. Each artist brought their unique flair and musicality to the table, contributing to the diverse and dynamic landscape of the K-pop industry. Lee Mujin captivated audiences with his soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, while STAYC impressed with their fresh and youthful energy. IU, as always, proved her dominance in the digital realm with her chart-topping hit, and Oh My Girl showcased their whimsical and enchanting sound. AKMU impressed with their unique harmonies and heartfelt storytelling, while BTS continued to break records with their global hit. Heize captivated audiences with her sultry vocals and introspective lyrics, and aespa impressed with their innovative concept and futuristic sound. These artists have not only achieved commercial success but have also made a significant impact on the music scene, earning them well-deserved recognition.

Rookie Artist of the Year

The Rookie Artist of the Year award recognizes the most promising new acts who have made a significant impact in their debut year. This award is a sign of great potential and a promising future in the music industry. The recipients of this award are often seen as the next big thing, and their success is closely watched by fans and industry professionals alike. This award is not just about commercial success; it also takes into account the artist's potential for growth and their ability to connect with audiences. The Rookie Artist of the Year award is a celebration of fresh talent and a recognition of the hard work and dedication it takes to break into the music industry. The winners of this award often go on to have successful careers, and their journey is followed with great interest by fans around the world. The Rookie Artist of the Year award is a source of inspiration for aspiring artists, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and talent, anything is possible.

Winners: STAYC, aespa

STAYC and aespa both earned the Rookie Artist of the Year award, marking their successful entry into the K-pop scene. STAYC, known for their catchy tunes and refreshing concepts, quickly gained attention for their unique sound and vibrant performances. Their debut single "So Bad" and subsequent releases showcased their potential and captured the hearts of fans. aespa, with their innovative concept of virtual avatars and a metaverse storyline, made a splash with their debut single "Black Mamba". Their futuristic sound and captivating visuals set them apart and garnered them a loyal following. Both groups demonstrated their talent, creativity, and potential, making them deserving recipients of the Rookie Artist of the Year award. Their success serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and a unique vision, anything is possible.

Other Notable Awards

In addition to the Daesang, Bonsang, and Rookie Artist awards, the Golden Disc Awards also recognizes artists in various other categories, highlighting different aspects of their work and contributions to the music industry. These awards celebrate the diverse talents and achievements of artists, from their musical abilities to their visual presentation and overall impact on the music scene. These awards recognize artists who have excelled in specific areas, such as their vocal performance, choreography, or music video production. They also acknowledge artists who have made significant contributions to the industry through their songwriting, producing, or other creative endeavors. The Golden Disc Awards is a celebration of the diverse talents and achievements of artists, and these awards recognize the many different ways in which artists can make a positive impact on the music scene. The awards are a source of pride for the artists, their fans, and their management companies, and they serve as a motivation to continue striving for excellence in their music.

Best Performance

• The Boyz
• Jeon Somi

Cosmopolitan Artist Award: SEVENTEEN

Seezn Most Popular Artist Award: BTS

Best Group: Brave Girls

Best Solo Artist: Lim Young Woong

Conclusion

The 36th Golden Disc Awards celebrated the best of K-pop in 2022, recognizing the outstanding achievements of artists and groups who have significantly impacted the music scene. From the Daesang winners BTS and IU to the Rookie Artists STAYC and aespa, the awards showcased the incredible talent and diversity of the K-pop industry. The Golden Disc Awards serves as a reminder of the power of music to connect people and inspire creativity. The awards are a celebration of the artists' accomplishments and a recognition of their contributions to the industry. The Golden Disc Awards is a source of pride for the artists, their fans, and their management companies, and they serve as a motivation to continue striving for excellence in their music. The awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the artists who have been recognized, and they serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists around the world.