Ateez, ILLIT, Park Jihyun, Carmen win popularity at '2026 K World Dream Awards'

The '2026 K World Dream Awards' has officially revealed its popularity award winners, drawing attention from fans eager to see their favorites recognized. This year, Ateez, ILLIT, Park Jihyun, and Hearts2Hearts' Carmen each claim a popularity trophy, reflecting the strength of their fanbases and the excitement leading up to the event.

On August 20, the organizing committee announced the results of the 100% fan-voted popularity awards. Ateez took the male group popularity award, while ILLIT was selected as the top female group. In the solo categories, Park Jihyun secured the male solo popularity award, and Hearts2Hearts' Carmen was named the female solo winner.

The main ceremony will take place on August 27 at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Fans can expect a packed lineup of performances from a wide range of artists, including Ateez, P1Harmony, RIIZE, &TEAM, Kickflip, Xikers, NOWZ, 82MAJOR, AMPERS&ONE, AHOP, ALPHA:DRV1, IDIT, ANDW, SeeYa, LE SSERAFIM, QWER, MIYAO, ILLIT, LYCENNE, Hearts2Hearts, Kiki, JB, Seongri, Evan, Park Jihyun, X:LOVE, and Hi-Fi Unicorn.

Broadcast personality Jun Hyunmoo and comedian Jang Doyeon will return as hosts for the fourth year in a row, maintaining a familiar dynamic that audiences have come to enjoy. The pair's continued collaboration adds an element of anticipation to the live show.

In addition to the popularity awards, the ceremony will also honor major acts with the 'K World Dream Best Album Award' and 'K World Dream Best Digital Song Award'. According to the official announcement, recipients for the best album award include BTS, ENHYPEN, NCT WISH, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and BLACKPINK. For the best digital song award, the winners are AKMU, Hwasa, IOI, IVE, aespa, and Choi Yena.

With the full list of performers and winners now confirmed, fans are looking forward to the live event on August 27, which promises to be a major gathering of K-pop and K-entertainment talent at Kintex in Goyang.