Founded in 1986, the Golden Disc Awards (GDA) — organized by the кσяєα Music Content Association and JoongAng Ilbo — is often referred to as the “кσяєαn Grammy Awards.” It stands out as one of the few award shows that base their evaluation on actual sales figures, rather than just votes or popularity, recognizing sustained musical achievements rather than fleeting fame.
This prestigious annual кσяєαn music award will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. To commemorate this milestone, the Golden Disc Awards announced the “Golden Disc Powerhouse 40”, honoring the most influential figures who have shaped the history of кσяєαn popular music over the past four decades.
The list was carefully selected by the Golden Disc Powerhouse Selection Committee, consisting of 50 music industry experts — including producers, composers, lyricists, media and content professionals, journalists, and critics — further enhancing the credibility and prestige of the awards.
The “Golden Disc Powerhouse 40” holds great significance as a comprehensive record of кσяєαn popular music history over four decades. It serves as an indicator that reflects the past, evaluates the present, and illuminates the future.
The list features a diverse range of figures — from legendary singers and artists to producers; from pioneers who opened up new musical genres and created era-defining songs to those who built the industry’s infrastructure and helped spread кσяєαn popular music culture worldwide.
Among the 40 renowned names, BTS stands out as one of the most celebrated. Dubbed the “21st-century pop icons,” BTS are recognized for elevating K-pop to the top of the global music market, setting records with consecutive major award wins, and becoming the first artists ever to win both the digital music and album categories simultaneously.
Beyond their unparalleled domestic and international achievements in music, BTS have also used their artistry to make a profound impact across culture, politics, economy, and diplomacy. By every measure, BTS truly deserve their place on this list!
Alongside BTS’s success, Bang Si Hyuk was also recognized for his outstanding contributions to the development of кσяєαn popular music.
Meanwhile, singers make up the majority of the list. In addition to BTS, iconic idol groups such as TVXQ, BLACKPINK, Girls’ Generation, g.o.d., and H.O.T., as well as beloved singers across all generations — including Na Hoon-a, Shin Seung-hoon, PSY, IU, Lim Young-woong, and Cho Yong-pil — were honored.
The list also includes songwriters who created legendary нιтs that defined their eras, such as Kim Min-ki, Yoo Young-jin, and Teddy.
A new “Powerhouse” section has been added to the official Golden Disc Awards website, while the 40th Golden Disc Awards ceremony will take place on January 10 next year at the Taipei Dome in Taiwan.
When BTS’s name was announced on the “Powerhouse 40” list, fans flooded social media to celebrate and express their pride:
- No one will be able to stop their constant growth. Congrats BTS
- BTS paved the way. and if they attend??? I miss seeing them at award shows tbh
- Another day of us winning. BTS is the legend
- Congratulations BTS. I'm so proud
- Sometimes I see headlines so obvious I can't even act amazed. Of course they'd be selected. No music act from that country is more known than them LOL
- And this is what IMPACT looks like! so proud of bts
- BTS is the only right answer. Waiting for the return of 7 kings in 2026
- Oh my babies I'm so proud of you, BTS. You made it big
- Ohhhh so is that like Golden Disc's Hall of Fame then. BTS should be the first to set foot in that hall of legends.
- BTS truly deserve this recognition! They’ve redefined what it means to be global artists while staying humble and inspiring millions.
- No one represents the power and influence of K-pop better than BTS. Their legacy will shine for generations to come!
- From breaking records to breaking boundaries — BTS have earned their place among legends. So proud of them!
- This honor is more than well-deserved. BTS didn’t just make history — they became history!
