The 2025 K-World Dream Awards took place on August 21, 2025 at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul. The annual event once again proved why K-pop remains one of the most powerful global music scenes. The hosts were Jun Hyun Moo and Jang Do Yeon, who carried the night with ease for the third year in a row.
Fans filled the venue as the blue carpet began at 4:30 PM KST. Idols walked in glamorous outfits, smiling for cameras, while the main ceremony started at 6:30 PM. The show was streamed live for international fans, proving how the K-pop fandom is no longer limited by borders.
The night was filled with performances, speeches, and a mix of both new rookies and veteran acts. Stray Kids stood out once again, taking home several big awards.
IVE matched their success, proving their hold on the fourth-generation scene is still strong. TXT, LE SSERAFIM, and NCT WISH were also among the heavy hitters, but the show also gave space to younger names like QWER, ILLIT, and Dragon Pony.
Below is a quick snippet for readers who want to see the 2025 K-World Dream Awards winners list at a glance.
2025 K-World Dream Awards Winners List
| Category | Winners |
|---|---|
| Best Artist Award | Stray Kids, IVE |
| Journalist Pick Artist Award | NCT WISH, LE SSERAFIM |
| World Class Award | Stray Kids, TXT, LE SSERAFIM, IVE |
| Main Awards (Bonsang) | QWER, tripleS, TXT, ILLIT, NCT WISH, LE SSERAFIM, IVE, Stray Kids |
| Best Performance Award | NCT WISH, FIFTY FIFTY, CRAVITY |
| Best Music Video Award | ILLIT, tripleS, YOUNG POSSE |
| Best Digital Music Award | G-DRAGON, IU, DAY6, Rosé |
| Best Album Award | SEVENTEEN, NCT DREAM, ENHYPEN, aespa, PLAVE |
| Best OST Award | HUNTR/X – “Golden” (KPop Demon Hunters OST) |
| Global Music Artist Award | TXT |
| Super Rookie Award | AHOF, KickFlip, KiiiKiii, Hearts2Hearts |
| Rookie Band Award | Dragon Pony |
| New Vision Award | NEWBEAT, FIFTY FIFTY, Close Your Eyes |
| Best Band Artist Award | Xdinary Heroes, LUCY |
| Best All-Rounder Musician Award | QWER, Kang Daniel |
| Best Trot Artist Award | Park Seo Jin, Park Ji Hyeon |
| Group Popularity Award | Stray Kids |
| Solo Popularity Award | Park Ji Hyeon, Jang Won Young (IVE) |
| Listener Choice Award | Paul Kim, BTOB |
| Producer Award | Seo Hyun Joo (Starship Entertainment) |
A Night of Music, Drama, and Surprises
The performances were just as important as the awards. Stray Kids, IVE, TXT, and LE SSERAFIM gave powerful stages. The crowd also cheered for NCT WISH, CRAVITY, BTOB, and Kang Daniel. On the other side, fresh groups like ILLIT, tripleS, YOUNG POSSE, and Dragon Pony grabbed attention with their energetic sets.
It was not just about idols. Park Seo Jin and Park Ji Hyeon brought trot to the stage, showing how the genre is still alive. LUCY and Xdinary Heroes added a live band flavor that contrasted with the polished idol acts. This blend of styles showed that the show was not only about popularity but also about diversity.
One of the biggest talking points came from the Best OST Award. Netflix’s animated project KPop Demon Hunters made history. Its theme song “Golden” by HUNTR/X, featuring EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, became a hit far beyond animation fans.
The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 and even achieved a rare perfect all-kill in Korea. For an OST, that kind of success felt almost unreal. This award showed how much influence Korean pop culture has outside traditional idol releases.
Celebrity presenters added to the star factor. Actors like Byeon Woo Seok, Lim Soo Hyang, and Moon Ga Young appeared on stage. Their presence reminded viewers of how K-pop and K-drama worlds often connect, making such award nights feel like cultural festivals more than just ceremonies.
Winners Who Stole the Spotlight
By the end of the night, Stray Kids walked away as the most awarded group. Their four wins included Best Artist, Bonsang, World Class, and the Group Popularity Award. IVE matched this energy with four trophies of their own. Jang Won Young’s Solo Popularity Award was another highlight that drew loud cheers.
TXT, LE SSERAFIM, and NCT WISH also ended with strong recognition. Each group scored three awards, keeping the competition tight. It was less about domination and more about shared spotlight across big names. The 2025 K-World Dream Awards winners list reflected how the industry is packed with multiple leaders rather than just one ruling act.
The ceremony also gave fair attention to rookies. Groups like Hearts2Hearts, KickFlip, and Dragon Pony got valuable recognition early in their careers. Awards like “New Vision” and “Super Rookie” showed that the event is not only about honoring success but also predicting the next big wave. Fans of smaller acts could sense that their favorites were finally being noticed.
Streaming access also mattered this year. The show was broadcast through HelloLive globally, with U-NEXT handling Japan. While not fully free, the paid model still pulled international attention. K-pop fans worldwide tuned in to celebrate, and social media buzz confirmed that the ceremony had global reach.
The 2025 K-World Dream Awards managed to strike a balance between celebrating established idols and spotlighting new names.
Stray Kids and IVE may have dominated the headlines, but the night will also be remembered for Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters entering the awards stage in a way no one expected. The winners list showed a competitive, fast-moving K-pop scene that continues to expand across borders, styles, and even media formats.
How Does this Article Make You Feel?
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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