The red carpet was rolled out and the lights were dazzling at Korea University Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul on February 11, 2026, as the 2nd D Awards—one of South Korea’s most anticipated K-pop celebrations—brought together a constellation of music’s brightest stars. The event, officially titled the 2nd D Awards (D AWARDS with upick), kicked off at 6 PM and was broadcast live on Channel A Plus, with a delayed airing at midnight on Channel A, ensuring fans across the nation could join in the excitement.
Returning as master of ceremonies was actor Lee Jong-won, joined this year by rising star Shin Ye-eun and BOYNEXTDOOR’s Myung Jae-hyun. Their chemistry set a lively tone for the night, as they guided viewers and attendees through a packed schedule of performances, awards, and special appearances. According to Digital Daily, Lee Jong-won’s return as MC was highly anticipated, while Shin Ye-eun and Myung Jae-hyun’s addition brought fresh energy to the proceedings.
The lineup was nothing short of spectacular. Sixteen of the top domestic artists took the stage, including P1Harmony, ENHYPEN, FIFTYFIFTY, xikers, BOYNEXTDOOR, Hi-Fi Un!corn, ZEROBASEONE, 82MAJOR, QWER, NCT WISH, NEXZ, izna, KickFlip, AHOF, AxMxP, and Choi Rip-woo. Each act, in their own right, has captured the hearts of fans both in Korea and internationally, and their presence at the D Awards underscored the ceremony’s reputation as a true festival of K-pop stars. As Sports Hankook reported, the artists’ arrival on the red carpet was met with cheers and flashes from eager photographers, highlighting the event’s star power.
The presenters’ list was equally impressive, spanning a wide array of entertainment fields. Twenty-one celebrities—including Kangnam, Kim Da-som, Kim On-ah, Kim Hae-jun, Na Bo-ram, Moon Yu-gang, Mimimin, Park Seo-ham, Park Ji-yeon, Bae In-hyuk, Song Ah, Ahn Eun-jin, Ahn Hyo-seop, Oh Yeon-seo, Yoo Jae-pil, Lee Soo-ji, Lee Ju-an, Lim Soo-hyang, Jeon Yeo-bin, Choi Jin-hyuk, and Hong Jong-hyun—took turns announcing the winners, lending their own flair and gravitas to the occasion. According to Gukje News, this diverse group of presenters added to the night’s sense of unity across the entertainment industry.
The D Awards were structured into three main categories: Black Label, Blue Label, and Silver Label. The Black Label awards represented the top honors, including Artist of the Year, Album, Song, Performance, Record, Trend, Iconic, and Global awards. Blue Label encompassed the main and best awards, with some, such as the Best categories, pre-announced via official social media to maintain the ceremony’s brisk pace. The Silver Label was dedicated to spotlighting promising new artists expected to shape the future of K-pop.
In a nod to transparency and efficiency, the D Awards organizers revealed several of the Blue Label winners ahead of the main event. As reported by Gukje News, ENHYPEN took home the Best Tour award for their world tour “Walk the Line,” a testament to their global reach and the fervor of their fanbase. P1Harmony’s album “DUH!” and BOYNEXTDOOR’s “The Action” were both recognized for Best Recording, while NCT WISH’s “poppop” and izna’s “SIGN” shared honors for Best Song. NCT WISH also earned the inaugural Best Social Contents award, reflecting the group’s powerful online presence.
The Best Stage category saw xikers and NEXZ honored for their electrifying live performances, while the Best Group award went to ENHYPEN, BOYNEXTDOOR, ENMIX, and izna. ZEROBASEONE’s music video “ICONIK” was celebrated as Best Video, and members Matthew and Gunwook’s “Backpacker” from the “Study Group” soundtrack received the Best O.S.T award. FIFTYFIFTY’s “Pookie” was recognized for Best Choreography, and QWER, for the second year in a row, clinched the Best Band award. The Breakthrough Award was presented to 82MAJOR, and the Discovery Award, highlighting rising talent, went to Hi-Fi Un!corn, AHOF, AxMxP, and Choi Rip-woo.
Excitement built as the Black Label and Silver Label awards were handed out on stage, with the audience eager to see which artists would claim the iconic three-colored trophy—a symbol of D Awards prestige. One of the evening’s emotional highlights came when AHOF took the stage to deliver their acceptance speech. According to Sports Donga, the group’s heartfelt words resonated with fans and fellow artists alike, underscoring the sense of community that defines the K-pop industry.
The D Awards also made room for actors and broadcasters, with the Impact award celebrating those who made a particularly strong impression over the past year. This cross-industry recognition reflected the increasingly blurred lines between music, television, and digital content in South Korea’s entertainment landscape.
Of course, the red carpet was a show in itself. ENHYPEN, P1Harmony, and other groups arrived amid a flurry of camera flashes, their fashion choices and confident demeanors setting social media abuzz. As Star Today described, ENHYPEN’s appearance drew particular attention, with fans lining up to catch a glimpse of the group as they made their way into the venue.
The event’s partnership with global fandom platform upick added an interactive dimension, with eight popularity awards determined in collaboration with fans worldwide. This approach not only celebrated musical achievement but also acknowledged the vital role that fandoms play in shaping the K-pop industry’s trajectory.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the sense of anticipation for next year’s D Awards was already palpable. The 2026 edition had succeeded in bringing together established icons, rising stars, and passionate fans for a night that was as much about community as it was about competition. The D Awards’ blend of tradition, innovation, and inclusivity has firmly cemented its place as a highlight of the Korean music calendar, and if this year’s festivities are any indication, the future of K-pop looks brighter than ever.