The 2025 Golden Disc Awards winners Day 1 were announced during the spectacular event that took place on January 4, 2025, in Fukuoka Mizuo PayPay Dome, Fukuoka, Japan. It was an event that showcased the finest that K-pop has to offer in the Digital Song Division with artists, their fans, as well as industry players.
The pair co-hosting this year’s 39th Golden Disc Awards (39th 골든 디스크 시상식) were handsome actor Cha Eun-woo and versatile actress Moon Ga-young, accompanied by experienced host Sung Si-kyung. They both the stars seemed at ease and even excited, which was good because that energy created a great vibe for the entire evening.
Out of respect for the victims of the Jeju Air plane tragedy, the Golden Disc Awards Secretariat announced the cancellation of the live broadcasts originally scheduled for January 4 and 5. Instead, the ceremonies were held as planned but pre-recorded for airing later. This decision enabled the nation to pay their week-long mourns while still they showcased the accomplishments of the music industry. Fans can catch the Day 1 broadcast on January 6 at midnight KST, with the Day 2 broadcast following on January 7 at 1:20 AM KST.
Cut the Day 1 of the 2025 Golden Disc Awards has proved to be rather spectacular, including the final four: aespa, DAY6, (G)I-DLE, LE SSERAFIM, New Jeans. New kids on the block ILLIT, KISS OF LIFE, and TWS also performed unto the world why hopes of K-pop should remain high in the coming years. Every act only added to the fun keeping people glued to their seats the entire night.
The first day of the awards made an offering to the Digital Song Division, where fruitful artists and newcomers performed. Here’s the complete list of the Day 1 winners of 2025 Golden Disc Awards.
2025 Golden Disc Awards winners Day 1
Rookie of the Year
ILLIT
TWS
Best Group Award
LE SSERAFIM
Best Digital Song (Bonsang)
Sticky by KISS OF LIFE
Welcome to the Show by DAY6
Supernova by aespa
Magnetic by ILLIT
Plot Twist by TWS
Fate by (G)I-DLE
How Sweet by NewJeans
Bam, Yang Gang by BIBI
Love Wins All by IU
To. X by Taeyeon
Best Band
DAY6
Most Popular Artist (Female)
LE SSERAFIM
Cosmopolitan Artist
NewJeans
Best OST
Love You With All My Heart by Crush (Queen of Tears OST)
The climax was aespa’s deserving receive of the said Song of the Year (Daesang) for their catchy song Supernova. Now they are inseparable they blend together making them still remain at the top list of K-pop groups because of their powerful performance and touching acceptance speech.
What would an awards night be without the glamorous presence of last year’s darling of the small screen, Park Eun-bin, grace the stage as she presented the ultimate award of the night, the Daesang. She only added to the theatricality of the night with her presence to what was a union of music and acting.
The winners of the recent 2025 Golden disc awards day 1 are true testament to how different and innovative the masses of K-pop stars and upcoming talents. Thanks to aespa’s victory and LE SSERAFIM’s domination in several categories and fresh talent like ILLIT and TWS debuted the event displayed the best of what the industry has to offer.
As the 39th Golden Disc Awards continue with Day 2, anticipation builds for the Album Division awards and more breathtaking performances. Stay tuned for the full winners list and highlights from this iconic event!
