TMA 2026 Returns to South Korea After Three Years
After two consecutive years overseas, The Fact Music Awards (TMA) 2026 is officially returning to South Korea, marking a significant milestone for one of K-pop’s premier award ceremonies. Scheduled for September 19, 2026, the ninth edition of the awards will take place at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, bringing the event back to its home country for the first time since 2023.
For fans, artists, and the Korean music industry, the return represents more than just a change of venue—it reflects the continued growth of The Fact Music Awards as a global event while reconnecting with its roots.
The Fact Music Awards Comes Back Home
Since its debut in 2019, The Fact Music Awards has become one of the most anticipated annual celebrations of K-pop. The event recognizes outstanding achievements in music while delivering memorable live performances featuring many of the industry’s biggest stars.
Following successful international editions in Osaka, Japan (2024) and Macau (2025), the organizers have announced that the 2026 ceremony will once again be hosted in South Korea. This year’s event will be held in Busan, one of the country’s largest and most vibrant cities.
The return to Korea is expected to attract thousands of domestic and international fans eager to experience one of K-pop’s biggest nights.
Why Busan?
Instead of returning to Seoul, the organizers selected Busan Asiad Main Stadium as the venue for TMA 2026.
Busan offers several advantages:
One of South Korea’s largest stadiums
Excellent transportation infrastructure
International airport with convenient global connections
Popular tourist attractions
World-class hotels and entertainment districts
Hosting the awards in Busan also supports the city’s growing reputation as a destination for major international cultural and entertainment events.
Looking Back: Recent TMA Host Cities
The Fact Music Awards has steadily expanded its international presence over the past few years.
Year Host City Country
- 2023 Incheon South Korea
- 2024 Osaka Japan
- 2025 Macau China (SAR)
- 2026 Busan South Korea
This rotation demonstrates the awards’ ambition to reach global audiences while maintaining strong ties to Korea’s music industry.
A Bigger Celebration in 2026
Organizers have indicated that the 2026 edition will feature enhanced production values and a larger-scale experience.
Fans can expect:
- Spectacular opening performances
- Exclusive collaboration stages
- Advanced lighting and visual effects
- Live performances from top K-pop artists
- Special award presentations
- Memorable acceptance speeches
With Busan’s spacious stadium, the ceremony has the potential to welcome one of the largest live audiences in TMA history.
Strong Artist Lineup
The return to South Korea is accompanied by an impressive lineup of performers announced across multiple waves.
Confirmed artists include:
ATEEZ
tripleS
ALLDAY PROJECT
IDID
CORTIS
KiiiKiii
RESCENE
xikers
ALPHA DRIVE ONE
EVAN
YENA
CLOSE YOUR EYES
RIIZE
ILLIT
NMIXX
TREASURE
Lim Young Woong
Additional performers may still be announced before the ceremony.
Familiar Faces Return as Hosts
Adding to the excitement, Jun Hyun-moo and Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun have been confirmed as the official hosts for TMA 2026.
The pair has become closely associated with The Fact Music Awards thanks to their professionalism, chemistry, and experience hosting previous editions.
A Boost for Busan Tourism
Hosting The Fact Music Awards is expected to provide a significant boost to Busan’s tourism and hospitality industries.
Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to the city for the event, benefiting:
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Local transportation
- Shopping districts
- Tourist attractions
For international fans, the ceremony offers an opportunity to combine a K-pop experience with exploring one of South Korea’s most scenic coastal cities.
What Fans Can Expect Next
Although many major announcements have already been made, several important updates are still expected before September 19, including:
- Official nominations
- Fan voting schedule
- Final performer announcements
- Presenter lineup
- Broadcast and live streaming information
- Event timetable
- Red carpet details
Fans should keep an eye on official TMA channels for the latest news.
Why the Return Matters
The return of The Fact Music Awards to South Korea is symbolic for both the organizers and K-pop fans. While recent overseas editions helped expand the awards’ international profile, hosting the event in Busan brings it back to the country where K-pop has its roots.
At the same time, choosing Busan instead of Seoul introduces a fresh setting and showcases another major Korean city to fans from around the world. Combined with a diverse artist lineup and the promise of exclusive performances, TMA 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions of the awards to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Fact Music Awards 2026?
The ceremony is scheduled for September 19, 2026.
Where will TMA 2026 be held?
The event will take place at Busan Asiad Main Stadium in Busan, South Korea.
Why is TMA 2026 considered a return to South Korea?
The awards were held outside South Korea in Osaka (2024) and Macau (2025). The 2026 edition marks the first time the ceremony has returned to South Korea since 2023.
Will international fans be able to attend?
Yes. The organizers are expected to welcome both domestic and international fans, with ticketing and travel information released through official channels.