Lim Young-woong Wins 2026 TMA Popularity Award, Tops Fan Voting

Singer Lim Young-woong has been confirmed as the winner of the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (TMA) Popularity Award, following the conclusion of fan voting on September 7.

According to the official FANNSTAR voting information, Lim Young-woong finished first in the Popularity Award vote and will receive the 2026 TMA Popularity Award trophy.

The voting period ran from August 18 at noon to September 7 at noon KST. Fans participated through the FANNSTAR app and website, with the final result determined from Regular Star, Rainbow Star and video votes.

The Popularity Award was open to artists included in the 2026 TMA lineup. Lim Young-woong ultimately recorded the highest level of fan support among the eligible artists.

Lim Young-woong to receive the trophy at TMA 2026

Lim Young-woong is also part of the official performer lineup for this year’s ceremony.

The 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS will take place on September 19 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium. The red carpet is scheduled for 4 p.m. KST, with the main ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. KST.

The Busan ceremony marks the ninth edition of TMA and the awards’ return to South Korea after events in Japan in 2024 and Macau in 2025.

Fan voting produces three early TMA winners

The 2026 TMA Popularity Award is one of several fan-voted awards decided ahead of the main ceremony.

According to FANNSTAR’s official results, BTS won the FANNSTAR Choice Award – Group, while Lee Chan-won won the FANNSTAR Choice Award – Solo. Lim Young-woong was named the winner of the TMA Popularity Award.

Lim Young-woong’s win adds another major fan-voted honor to his TMA history and sets the stage for his appearance at this year’s Busan ceremony.

With the awards ceremony now taking place on September 19, fans will be watching for Lim Young-woong’s trophy presentation and his scheduled performance at the ninth THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS.