The 2nd edition of the D Awards was held at 6 pm KST on February 11, 2026, at the Hwajeong Gymnasium at Korea University in Seoul. It was broadcast live on Channel A Plus, while a delayed run for the same was also planned on Channel A at midnight.
BOYNEXTDOOR’s leader Myung Jaehyun co-hosted this year’s event alongside MC Lee Jong Won, who hosted last year, and actress Shin Ye Eun. Local reports, including K-media outlet The Chosun Daily, revealed beforehand the 2026 D Awards would kick off with a 16-artist performing lineup and 21 presenters.
Inaugurated last year by Korean newspaper Sports Dong-A, this particular South Korean awards series seeks to honour excellence in the K-pop industry through the themes of “Delight” and “Dream.” While promising rookies are honoured through the “Dreamers” category, veteran stars earn their accolades through the “Delights” side.
The D Awards trophies are further differentiated through three symbolic signatures: Black for the Grand Prizes (Daesang), Blue for the Main Prize (Bonsang) and Silver for Emerging Artists.
2nd D Awards lineup
The star-studded performing lineup confirmed to illuminate the D Awards stage this year included: P1Harmony, ENHYPEN, NCT WISH, ZEROBASEONE, BOYNEXTDOOR, xikers, Hi-Fi Un!corn, FIFTY FIFTY, 82MAJOR, QWER, NEXZ, KickFlip, AHOF, AxMxP, Chuei Li Yu and izna.
K-celebs who stood out as award presenters were: Kim Da Som, Kim Hae Jun, Moon Yoo Kang, Park Ji Yeon, Bae In Hyuk, Ahn Eun Jin, Ahn Hyo Seop, Oh Yeon So, Lee Su Ji, Im Soo Hyang, Jeon Yeo Been, Hong Jong Hyun, Kim On Ah, Na Bo Ram, Park Seo Ham, Song Ah, Yoo Jae Pil, Lee Joo An, Mimmimnu and Kangnam.
2026 D Awards winners list
D Awards Breakthrough Award: 82MAJOR
D Awards Delights Blue Label (Bonsang / Main Prize)
- P1Harmony
- AHOF
- 82MAJOR
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- ENHYPEN
- FIFTY FIFTY
- izna
- NCT WISH
- KickFlip
- NEXZ
- QWER
- xikers
- ZEROBASEONE
D Awards Dreams Silver Label (dedicated to outstanding rookies)
- AHOF
- KickFlip
- CLOSE YOUR EYES
- CORTIS
- Hearts2Hearts
- ALLDAY PROJECT
UPICK Best Rising Star (Male): AHOF
UPICK Best Rising Star (Female): izna
D Awards Remark
- AxMxP
- Chuei Li Yu
- Hi-Fi Un!corn
Best Group (pre-announced)
- izna
- NMIXX
- ENHYPEN
- BOYNEXTDOOR
Best OST (pre-announced): “Back Packer” from Study Group K-drama, sung by ZEROBASEONE’s Matthew and Gunwook
Best Tour (pre-announced): ENHYPEN for “Walk the Line” world tour
Best Recording (pre-announced)
- “DUH!” by P1Harmony
- “The Action” by BOYNEXTDOOR
Best Song (pre-announced)
- “PopPop” by NCT WISH
- “SIGN” by izna
Best Social Content Award (pre-announced): NCT WISH
Best Stage (pre-announced)
- xikers
- NEXZ
Best Choreography (pre-announced): FIFTY FIFTY
Best Band (pre-announced): QWER
D AWARDS DISCOVERY: Discovery of the Year
- AHOF
- Hi-Fi Un!corn
- Chuei Li Yu
- AxMxP
Best Video: “ICONIK” by ZEROBASEONE
Best Solo Popularity (pre-announced)
- Chuei Li Yu
- BLACKPINK’s Jennie
Best Group Popularity (pre-announced)
- ENHYPEN
- BABYMONSTER
UPICK Global Choice (pre-announced)
- ENHYPEN’s Heeseung
- aespa’s Karina
D Awards Impact
- Jeon Yeo Been for Ms Incognito
- Ahn Hyo Seop for KPop Demon Hunters, Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy
- Lee Soo Ji
2026 D Awards Grand Prize / Daesang
- Artist of the Year: ENHYPEN
- Album of the Year: Stray Kids
- Song of the Year: BOYNEXTDOOR
- Performance of the Year: NCT WISH
- Record of the Year: RIIZE
- Trend of the Year: TWS
- D Awards Global: P1Harmony
- D Awards Iconic: ZEROBASEONE
