22nd Korean Music Awards Nominations Revealed, Indie Band Danpyeonseon Sungandeul Leads with 6 Nominations

The nominees for each category in the 22nd Korean Music Awards were announced on February 6. A variety of artists who shaped South Korea’s pop music scene in 2024 made the shortlist, highlighting both the strength of the indie scene and the prominence of K-pop. The most notable nominee is the indie band Danpyeonseon Sungandeul. Formed in 2024 with new members after the breakup of Danpyeonseon and Seonwoneul, this band received the highest number of nominations at six categories, becoming the artist with the most submissions. Their album “Eumakmanse” and its tracks were nominated for “Album of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” “Musician of the Year,” “Best Modern Rock Album,” “Best Rock Song,” and “Best Modern Rock Song.” Selection committee member Shin Hyeon-tae explained his choice for “Eumakmanse” by stating, “This conceptual and abstract musical approach is filled with pure energy, along with powerful messages and a spirit of experimentation as a musical artisan.” In the K-pop category, aespa drew attention with five nominations. Their first full-length album “Armageddon” earned them nominations for “Album of the Year” and “Best K-pop Album,” while their hit song “Supernova” secured them spots in “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Song.” They also received a nomination for “Musician of the Year,” showcasing their new trajectory in 2024. Additionally, Lee Seung-yoon (album “Yeokseong”) and the project duo Sumin & Slom (album “MINISERIES 2”) each received four nominations. The band Silica Gel, which won three awards last year, was nominated in three categories. Rosé of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars’ collaboration “APT.” also received three nominations for “Song of the Year,” “Best Pop Song,” and “Musician of the Year.” The 22nd Korean Music Awards ceremony will be streamed online at 8 p.m. on February 27 via the Korean Music Awards YouTube channel and PRIZM LIVE.