Seoul Music Awards Unveils 2nd Lineup with Young Tak, BTOB, and (G)I-DLE
The 34th Seoul Music Awards has amplified anticipation by revealing its highly-anticipated second lineup. Set to take place on June 21 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, South Korea, this year’s ceremony celebrates K-pop’s dynamic diversity with a roster that spans generations and genres.
Among the spotlighted artists is veteran singer Young Tak, who continues his successful run after winning two awards — the Main Award and Trot Award — at the previous edition of the event. Beloved for his mega-hits like “JinSiguar” and “Why Are You There,” Young Tak is set to charm fans once again.
BTOB, known for their polished ballads and emotional resonance, also makes a much-anticipated return to the Seoul Music Awards stage. The group recently made headlines with their album “BTO-day”, showcasing matured artistry and vocal strength that has kept them at the top of fans’ playlists over the years.
One of the most talked-about names on the list is global trendsetter (G)I-DLE. From chart-toppers like “Fire,” “Tomboy,” and “Nude” to their more recent hit “Queen Ka,” the group continues to redefine K-pop girl group aesthetics. Their latest mini-album “We Are” and its lead track “Good Thing” have reaffirmed their status on various music charts.
Joining the lineup are three highly buzzed 5th-gen rookies: Say My Name, Kickflip, and Hats to Hearts. Say My Name, which notably features former IZ*ONE member Hitomi, made waves with their second EP “My Name Is…” The group has already made a splash in Japan, performing at KCON Japan 2025 and holding a successful fan meeting despite not having made their official debut in the country.
Kickflip, the next-gen boy band under JYP Entertainment, earned instant attention with their debut mini-album “Flip It, Kick It!” hitting No. 1 on Hanteo and Circle charts. The boys are now preparing for their first comeback with “Kick Out, Flip Now!”, making their appearance at the awards a must-watch moment.
Rounding out the rookie entries is Hats to Hearts. Bursting onto the scene with their single “The Chase” in February, the group smashed expectations with 400,000 in initial sales. Their global appeal was validated when they performed at the star-studded iHeartRadio Wanggo Tango 2025 in the US.
The ceremony will not only showcase these top-notch performances but also feature appearances from leading actors like Byun Woo-seok, Jeong Eun-chae, Nam Gyu-ri, Ong Seong-wu, Park Ju-hyun, and Jang Gyu-ri.
Also scheduled to attend are artists such as TXT, QWER, P1Harmony, FIFTY FIFTY, Wave to Us, and Kiki, making it a true festival of K-pop excellence.
Tickets for the event are available through BIGC, with the first round on sale from May 21 at 8 PM and the second round opening on May 27. Sales will close on June 16 at 11:59 PM.
Organized by Sports Seoul and marking its 40th anniversary, this year’s Seoul Music Awards promises to be one of the most unforgettable celebrations in K-pop history for fans around the globe.
