The Journey of The Fact Music Awards
Although The Fact Music Awards is younger than some of South Korea’s long-running music ceremonies, it has quickly become one of the country’s premier K-pop events. Since its launch in 2019, TMA has grown into an international festival that celebrates not only artists but also the fans who support them throughout the year. The organizers describe it as a festival created together by artists and fans, reflecting the community spirit that defines K-pop.
Unlike ceremonies focused only on industry recognition, TMA combines music achievements, professional evaluation, and fan participation, making every edition feel more interactive and globally connected.
A Look Back at Previous Editions
2019 – A New Beginning
The inaugural ceremony introduced a fresh concept that blended fan participation with artist recognition. Many of the industry’s biggest acts attended, helping establish TMA as a major event from its very first year.
Fans were particularly impressed by:
High-quality stage production
Live performances instead of prerecorded segments
Interactive fan-focused awards
Multiple “Artist of the Year” recognitions
The success of the debut edition demonstrated that there was room for another prestigious music awards ceremony in Korea.
2020 – Adapting to a Changing World
During a challenging period for live entertainment, TMA adapted while continuing to celebrate Korean music.
Although audience participation changed, online broadcasting reached even larger international audiences.
Global streaming became increasingly important, introducing TMA to millions of new viewers.
2021–2023 – Rapid International Growth
These editions saw:
Bigger stages
Improved production
More elaborate performances
Increased international media coverage
Growing fan participation
As K-pop expanded globally, so did TMA’s influence.
Fans from dozens of countries began participating in voting campaigns and live discussions throughout the ceremony.
2024 – A Truly International Event
By 2024, The Fact Music Awards had become one of the most recognized annual K-pop celebrations.
The event attracted artists representing different generations of K-pop, while millions followed the ceremony online through official broadcasts and social media.
2025 – Macau Hosts TMA
The eighth edition was held in Macau, further strengthening TMA’s international identity. The event demonstrated the ceremony’s ability to reach fans beyond South Korea while maintaining its focus on outstanding music and performances.
The Return to Korea in 2026
Following successful overseas editions, The Fact Music Awards 2026 returns to South Korea for its ninth ceremony.
Even more significantly, the event will be held in Busan for the first time, marking another milestone in the history of the awards. Organizers describe Busan as a city of passion and romance and see it as an ideal location for welcoming both Korean and international fans.
Busan Asiad Main Stadium
The Busan Asiad Main Stadium is one of South Korea’s largest multi-purpose stadiums.
Originally built for international sporting competitions, it has since become a venue capable of hosting:
Major concerts
Cultural festivals
International sporting events
National celebrations
Large-scale entertainment productions
Its spacious layout and advanced facilities make it an excellent choice for an event as visually ambitious as The Fact Music Awards.