2026 TMA Held in Busan for the First Time Concludes Successfully… ATEEZ, NMIXX, RIIZE and CORTIS Take Home Grand Prizes

The 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (TMA) were held in Busan for the first time, creating a meaningful celebration with K-pop fans from Korea and around the world.

Held on the 19th at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, the ceremony marked the event’s return to Korea after three years, following stops in Japan and Macau. Hosted by The Fact and organized by FAN N STAR and UCW, the show featured 17 acts—including RIIZE, RESCENE, xikers, IDID, ILLIT, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, EVAN, ATEEZ, NMIXX, ALLDAY PROJECT, Lim Young Woong, Choi Ye Na, CORTIS, CLOSE YOUR EYES, KiiiKiii, TREASURE and tripleS—who filled Busan’s night with music and performances. Jun Hyun-moo and Seohyun served as co-hosts for the eighth time, delivering smooth hosting and witty chemistry.

The grand prizes went to ATEEZ, NMIXX, RIIZE and CORTIS. ATEEZ won Icon of the Year, NMIXX received Sound of the Year, RIIZE took home Muse of the Year, and CORTIS won Record of the Year. CORTIS particularly stood out by winning three awards: the grand prize, Artist of the Year and the rookie award Next Leader. They also became the first team in TMA history to win both a rookie award and a grand prize.

CORTIS performed “TNT” and the title track “REDRED” from their second mini album, GREENGREEN. Their powerful synchronized choreography and styling that highlighted the group’s unique identity energized the crowd. ATEEZ delivered intense performances of “Adrenaline,” the first live performance of “MAMACITA,” and “Bad,” earning their eighth grand prize with Icon of the Year.

Lim Young Woong received the TMA Popularity Award, chosen through fan voting. Actor Kim Soo-hyun, who attended as a presenter, personally handed him the trophy. Lim Young Woong then took the stage, showcasing delicate emotional expression and powerful vocals. The newly established MyStar Award went to BTS’s Jin and NMIXX’s Sullyoon, its inaugural recipients.

Special stages highlighting Busan’s local identity were also prepared. TREASURE’s Jihoon and KiiiKiii’s Jiyu, both from Busan, formed “Busanz” and performed Younha’s “Comet” as a duet. During their acceptance remarks, they also greeted fans in the Busan dialect. Cover stages, first-release performances, fresh arrangements and collaborations added to the ceremony’s richness. After reaching a new milestone in Busan, TMA concluded as a festival where the artists’ achievements and fans’ participation came together.