The most regarded annual music festival in Korea has begun! And on its 32nd round, fans and artists have come together at Ilsan Kintex on January 10 to celebrate. On this event, achievements in the music industry of South Korea are acknowledged and awarded. Stars like the Bangtan Boys (BTS), IU, Suran, Wanna One, Heize, etc., were present.
For day 1, the spotlight falls on digital awards. Meanwhile, album releases will be recognized on the second day (January 11). Hosts for the first day’s event are Lee Seung Gi and Lee Sung Kyung.
Artists Give it their All
Popular girl bands like BLACKPINK gave out their sparkly performance singing their latest single “As If It’s Your Last” and a song from their most recent album in 2017: “Playing With Fire.” Along with them, are boy bands who also executed an impressive dance number with even more outstanding vocals. BTS for one, sang their rap rendition of “Outro: Her” and a throwback song from their 2016 album “Wings” called “Spring Day.” Even the newest boy band project Wanna One also performed in the program singing their lead single “Energetic,” and two more songs.
But of course, like these multi-membered groups, solo artists didn’t shy away from taking over the stage to share their music. Artists like Suran, Yoong Jong Shin, and IU serenaded the audience with their heartfelt lyrics. Fan favorites like Suran’s “Love Story,” and “Wine” were sung. As well as Yoong Jong Shin’s “Like it.”
Golden Disc Awards 2018 Winners: Day 1
1. Digital Daesang. Or the “Artist of the Year” award is probably the biggest award for the first day of the Golden Disc Awards. And for this year, the Digital Daesang goes to singer-songwriter IU for her song, “Through the Night.”
2. Digital Bonsang. The Digital Bonsang is an award recognizing the first 12 artists whose album and digital sales have garnered excellent attention and revenue. Along with online votes and a final judgment, the award goes to the following: BLACKPINK, Heize, Bolbbalgan4, Akdong Musician, TWICE, Big Bang, WINNER, Yoon Jong Shin, Red Velvet, IU, and BTS.
3. Best Rock Band. This award goes to none other than the indie band Hyukoh who performed “Tomboy” for the Golden Disc Awards.
4. Best New Artist. As mentioned, being the latest project from 2017, Wanna One grabs this award.
5. Best R&B/Soul. Suran receives this for her soft voice and jazzy beat.
6. Best Girl Group. G-Friend reigns victorious as the Best girl group– not so surprising after winning a few other awards like last year’s Golden Disc Award Song Division.
7. Best Boy Group. And of course, for making it this far since 2012, the Best Boy Group is BTOB.
IU’s speech reminisces on late SHINee’s Jonghyun, Red Velvet’s Yeri spotted crying
As South Korea’s Artist of the Year, IU had to give out a speech after receiving the award. In her speech, she opens up about someone who ‘was precious to her as a person.’
Just weeks before the end of 2017, news broke out about Jonghyun’s death by suicide. And fellow artists, as well as fans were all shocked to hear the news. In memory of him, IU opens up about the reality of their lives– being too busy to notice things that matter. She also mentions how the nature of their careers could prevent them from ‘dwelling in sadness’ and overall mourning. Before she concludes, she reminds artists to ‘get a good night’s sleep’ after the event for they all have worked hard for it.
During her speech though, Red Velvet member Yeri was caught shedding tears. It’s known that she’s had a close relationship with the late SHINee vocalist.
Netizens Call BTS, Wanna One fans ‘disrespectful’ during IU’s Speech
According to this article, netizens have claimed ‘not hearing’ IU’s speech for the Digital Daesang award. It says in the report that every time the camera would pan to BTS or Wanna One, fans from the live audience would squeal and scream– effectively blocking audio from IU.
One user said: “Seriously, why are they screaming when IU’s dedicating a speech to a late artist… They need to understand the situation before they act.”
In response to this, ARMY fans have recognized their mistakes and also posted their apologies for the noise.