SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, aespa, and More Win Big at 2025 Japan Gold Disc Awards

Several K-pop artists were recognized at the 39th Japan Gold Disc Awards, hosted by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). The awards ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements in music across various categories, with SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, aespa, and other groups taking home multiple honors.

SEVENTEEN emerged as one of the biggest winners, securing four awards. They claimed the Best Asian Artist title for the second consecutive year and won Album of the Year (Asia) for their compilation album 17 IS RIGHT HERE. Additionally, the album, along with SPILL THE FEELS, earned them two spots in the Best 3 Albums (Asia) category.

Rookie group ILLIT made a strong impression with their debut track Magnetic, which won Song of the Year by Streaming (Asia) and Song of the Year by Download (Asia). The song also secured a place in the Best 5 Songs by Streaming list.

Stray Kids added two awards to their collection, winning Best 3 Albums (Asia) for their Japanese album GIANT and Music Video of the Year (Asia) for their Stray Kids 2nd World Tour ‘MANIAC’ ENCORE in Japan concert film.

aespa, who debuted in Japan in 2024, was named New Artist of the Year (Asia). They were joined by BOYNEXTDOOR and ZEROBASEONE, who also earned spots in the Best 3 New Artists (Asia) category. Meanwhile, NEXZ was recognized as one of the Best 5 New Artists in the Japanese category.

Other notable winners included BLACKPINK’s Rosé, who collaborated with Bruno Mars on APT., winning Song of the Year by Streaming (Western).

The Japan Gold Disc Awards highlight the growing influence of K-pop in the Japanese music industry, with artists across generations and genres being celebrated for their contributions. This year’s winners reflect the continued global expansion of K-pop and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences.