On February 28, the 18th Korean Music Awards was streamed online through Naver NOW.

The band LEENALCHI took home three trophies: Artist of the Year, Best Modern Rock Song, and Best Crossover Album. LEENALCHI is known for their unique crossover between pansori, a traditional Korean form of musical storytelling, and pop music. The band went viral after teaming up with the Korea Tourism Organization to release promotional videos that promoted Korean tourism destinations.

BTS won two trophies at the event: Song of the Year and Best Pop Song. In a video message, Jungkook said, “I think that a lot of people have been touched by our sincerity through ‘Dynamite.’ We will work hard to repay the gift of such a valuable award with even better music.”

Check out the full list of winners below!

Album of the Year: “ChungPa Sonata” (Jeongmilla)

Song of the Year: “Dynamite” (BTS)

Artist of the Year: LEENALCHI

Rookie of the Year: Meaningful Stone

Best Rock Album: “Daydream” (ABTB)

Best Rock Song: “Daydream” (feat. YoonChul Shin) (ABTB)

Best Modern Rock Album: “Blue Pillow” (Jo Dongik)

Best Modern Rock Song: “Tiger Is Coming” (LEENALCHI)

Best Metal and Hardcore Album: “All the Wounded and Broken” (Remnants of the Fallen)

Best Pop Album: “Every letter I sent you.” (Baek Yerin)

Best Pop Song: “Dynamite” (BTS)

Best Dance and Electronic Album: “Open Mind” (Mogwaa)

Best Dance and Electronic Song: “Bye Bye Summer” (Aseul)

Best Rap and Hip Hop Album: “GAROSAWK” (Khundi Panda)

Best Rap and Hip Hop Song: “Mama Lisa” (Swervy)

Best R&B and Soul Album: “Serenade” (Sunwoo JungA)

Best R&B and Soul Song: “Ritual Dance” (Chudahye Chagis)

Best Folk Album: “ChungPa Sonata” (Jeongmilla)

Best Folk Song: “Departing from Seoul Station” (Jeongmilla)

Best Jazz Album: “Song Changsik Song Book” (MALO)

Best Crossover Album: “SUGUNGGA” (LEENALCHI)

Best Jazz and Crossover Performance: “Colorist” (Soojin Suh)

Special Achievement Award: Deulgukhwa

Special Committee Award: “Earkey Project”

The Korean Music Awards places greater importance on albums and songs rather than the artists. Instead of sales, musical achievement is the key criteria in their choice of winners. The awards ceremony aims to aid the advancement of Korean music without setting barriers between mainstream and non-mainstream music.

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