The 2026 MAMA Awards nominations have been announced, with BTS and BIGBANG among the most recognised acts ahead of this year’s ceremony in Japan. The nominations, unveiled on October 12, 2026, highlight major names across the K-pop industry.
BTS earned five nominations, including Artist of the Year, Best Male Group, and Album of the Year for ARIRANG, according to reports of the nominations. The group also received recognition for its songs “SWIM” and “2.0.”
BIGBANG return to the spotlight
BIGBANG secured four group nominations, including Artist of the Year and Best Male Group. Members G-Dragon and Taeyang also received individual recognition for their solo work and collaborations, according to the reports.
Other nominated artists include BLACKPINK, aespa, Stray Kids, IVE, ENHYPEN and TXT, reflecting a mix of established performers and newer generations of K-pop talent. The breadth of the list shows an industry in rude health, with veterans and newcomers sharing the spotlight.
MAMA also listed BTS’ ARIRANG and BLACKPINK’s DEADLINE among Album of the Year contenders, according to Particle’s report, while noting that Album of the Year requires at least one million physical sales to qualify and is decided 60 percent by physical sales and 40 percent by judges.
Fan voting and the Osaka ceremony
The 2026 MAMA Awards are scheduled to take place on November 20 and 21 at Kyocera Dome Osaka, Japan. Fan voting opened on October 12, with the first round running through October 22, and a second voting round set for October 28 to November 18, according to the reports.
Artist of the Year is weighted 40 percent judges, 30 percent digital and 30 percent physical sales, giving fans clear power to shape winners alongside industry judges. Several headline acts have taken different award strategies this season, with BTS and Stray Kids not submitting for the Grammys’ new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, according to Particle.
A night K-pop fans are waiting for
The annual MAMA event celebrates achievements in Korean popular music, recognising artists, albums, songs and performances across multiple categories. For fans, the nominations are the starting gun for weeks of voting, campaigning and excitement.
With BTS and BIGBANG leading the race, and BLACKPINK, aespa, Stray Kids and more in the mix, the 2026 MAMA Awards promise to be a celebration of everything K-pop does best: spectacular performances, passionate fandoms and music that crosses every border.
