The competition is heating up! KM Chart is searching for the K-MUSIC stars of May among a powerhouse lineup including BTS, BLACKPINK, and Lim Young-woong.
The global standard K-pop chart, KM Chart, announced the nominees for six categories in the May 2026 monthly chart. Voting is now open until the 24th, featuring artists who perfectly balance musicality and popularity.
In the K-MUSIC (Digital) category, a total of 50 songs are in the running, including BTS’s “SWIM,” BLACKPINK’s “GO,” AKMU’s “Paradise of Rumors” and “Joy, Sorrow, Beautiful Heart,” LE SSERAFIM’s “SPAGHETTI,” SEVENTEEN’s “THUNDER,” Stray Kids’ “Do It,” IVE’s “BANG BANG,” BABYMONSTER’s “CHOOM,” and Hanroro’s “I Will Love You.”
The HOT CHOICE (Popularity) category is just as star-studded. The Male category features 30 nominees including V (BTS), Onew, Kang Daniel, Kim Sung-kyu, Park Ji-hoon, MONSTA X, THE BOYZ, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, TWS, and Young Tak. The Female category sees 30 nominees battling it out, including I.O.I, Suzy, Irene (Red Velvet), aespa, IVE, LE SSERAFIM, BABYMONSTER, ILLIT, QWER, and NMIXX.
Keep an eye on the ROOKIE category too! The Male category features 10 nominees: LNGSHOT, idntt, IDID, AHOF, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, AxMxP, AM8IC, CORTIS, KEYVITUP, and MODYSSEY. The Female category includes 10 nominees: Baby DONT Cry, iii, S2IT, AFuture, AtHeart, OWIS, ALLDAY PROJECT, ifeye, KiiiKiii, and HADES. Notably, ALLDAY PROJECT is a co-ed group but was placed in the female category as the majority of its members are women.
Meanwhile, the KMA (KM Chart Awards) 2026, a music festival and awards ceremony hosted by KM Chart, will take place on July 25 at the Korea University Hwajung Gymnasium in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.
KMA 2026 is a celebration dedicated to the artists who shone throughout the year and the fans who supported them. The ceremony will present trophies across various categories, including Daesangs (Grand Prizes) in four divisions, Main Awards, Rookie Awards, and Popularity Awards, honoring the biggest K-pop stars and encouraging the next generation of leaders in the industry.
