Nov. 12, SEOUL, KOREA – The 2026 Melon Music Awards (MMA2026), one of K-pop’s biggest annual music events, is giving fans a taste of what’s to come, unveiling special stage concepts from 26 K-pop acts set to perform at this year’s ceremony.
Kakao Entertainment has unveiled a series of one-of-a-kind stage concepts prepared exclusively for MMA2026, taking place Nov. 14–15 at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome. For the first time in its history, MMA will span two days under the main slogan, “K-POP CONNECT: The New Pulse.” Promising a spectacular fusion of sound, visuals, and artistry, the event will leverage Kakao Entertainment’s expertise in K-pop and large-scale live event production to deliver an immersive and memorable experience for fans worldwide.
The event will kick off each day with the red carpet at 5:00 p.m. (KST), followed by the main ceremony at 6:00 p.m. It will be broadcast live in Japan via U-NEXT and in Taiwan via TVBS42 and CATCHPLAY+. Fans in other regions around the world will be able to watch the ceremony live through 1theK and the official Melon YouTube channel.
DAY 1: aespa, ATEEZ, I.O.I, NCT DREAM, RESCENE
Fourteen acts will take the stage on the first day, each bringing a distinct concept and performance designed exclusively for MMA2026.
aespa will take fans by surprise with bold visual storytelling that defies expectations. ATEEZ, which has continued to push boundaries since its debut, will kick off a new chapter with a spectacular, larger-than-life performance infused with its daring energy. Dragon Pony will present “the passionate music of imperfect boys,” through a live performance that celebrates the brilliance of youth.
Japanese girl group HANA, making its MMA debut, will deliver a powerful performance featuring a special arrangement created exclusively for the occasion. Hearts2Hearts will blend its bubbly charm with an energetic sports-inspired concept.
One of the gems of the night will be I.O.I ’s return to MMA for the first time in a decade. Taking fans on an emotional journey through the past, present, and future, the group will showcase a performance unfolding like a cinema.
IDID and AEN will join forces for their first-ever collaborative performance. In a mission-inspired storyline, AEN will take on the role of “FINDER,” searching for a signal, while IDID will become “CATCHER,” capturing it.
Celebrating its 10th debut anniversary, NCT DREAM will host a special musical celebration with its fans, showcasing a more mature and evolved side of the group.
RESCENE, who has captivated audiences with its fantasy-inspired storytelling, will bring its own romantic fantasy drama to life through its performance. RIIZE will join forces with special guests to freely explore different musical genres and showcase the full breadth of its artistic range.
TUIDE is set to reveal its multifaceted appeal through a show that cannot be defined by a single color or concept. TWS will present a high-teen musical-style performance that opens with a heart-fluttering confession, featuring a musical-inspired arrangement of their hit track “OVERDRIVE.”
For YENA, one of the highlights will be her real-time style transformations, as she switches up her looks in the blink of an eye.
DAY 2: CORITS, ILLIT, IVE, KiiiKiii, PLAVE
Twelve acts will take over on the second day, keeping the energy at its peak.
82MAJOR will deliver a full-group cypher created exclusively for MMA2026, while ALPHA DRIVE ONE will bring an explosive, large-scale performance to the stage, joined by an expansive dance ensemble. AND2BLE will set the tone from the very first moment with an explosive performance that hits with the force of a storm.
Staying true to its creative instincts, CORTIS will craft a performance that breaks away from convention and showcase its unmistakable identity. hrtz.wav will captivate listeners with an extraordinary live performance in which different instruments come together to create one harmonious sound.
ILLIT is set to keep fans on their toes with a playful, anything-can-happen performance. The stage will kick off with a mysterious arrest operation centered on a person of interest, with a multi-talented male guest reportedly on standby to be taken into custody.
IVE has prepared a special setlist that reimagines the music that first introduced the group to the world. KiiiKiii, meanwhile, will transform Gocheok Sky Dome into one giant party with a stylish house-party concept featuring constantly shifting moods and atmospheres as time goes by.
Having made its debut-stage appearance at last year’s MMA, LNGSHOT will return just one year later to showcase how far it has come, sharing its growth story.
Also celebrating its 10th debut anniversary, NCT 127 will connect the different chapters of its musical journey over the past decade, while NCT WISH invites fans into “WISH LAND,” moving between refreshing youthful energy and dreamlike atmospheres.
Rounding out the excitement, PLAVE will combine cosmic-scale visuals and explosive energy, with a truly unexpected surprise awaiting fans at the very end of its performance.
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