2019 Soompi Awards Winners: Celebrating K-Pop and K-Drama Excellence with BTS, EXO, NCT & More
The 14th annual Soompi Awards illuminated the global stage, honoring the pinnacle of achievement in Korean television and music. This prestigious event, renowned for its fan-driven voting system, gathered an astonishing 183 million votes from dedicated enthusiasts across 210 countries and territories. Since its inception in 1998, Soompi has steadfastly evolved into a primary online hub for comprehensive coverage of Korean pop culture, playing a crucial role in amplifying the voices of international fans. The 2019 ceremony once again showcased the immense global reach and influence of Hallyu, celebrating beloved artists and captivating dramas that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. From K-pop titans like BTS and EXO to rising stars like NCT and critically acclaimed actors such as D.O. and Park Min Young, the awards highlighted the vibrant talent shaping the Korean entertainment landscape.
The sheer volume of votes underscores the unparalleled passion of K-pop and K-drama fans, turning the Soompi Awards into a truly global barometer of popularity and artistic merit. These awards are unique in their ability to capture the pulse of the international Korean entertainment community, providing a platform for fans to directly acknowledge their favorite idols and productions. Each vote cast was a testament to the artists’ hard work and the captivating storytelling that transcends cultural barriers, making the 2019 Soompi Awards a truly significant event in the Hallyu calendar.
BTS Continues to Dominate the K-Pop Landscape
Following a record-breaking year in 2018 where they swept six awards, BTS continued their impressive winning streak at the 2019 Soompi Awards, further solidifying their status as global music icons. Their exceptional talent and profound connection with their ARMY fandom led them to multiple triumphs across major categories. The septet was rightfully crowned Artist of the Year, a testament to their unparalleled impact on the music industry and their widespread influence. Furthermore, their critically acclaimed album, Love Yourself: Answer, clinched the coveted Album of the Year award, showcasing their musical prowess and thematic depth.
The visual artistry of their music videos also received significant recognition, with “Fake Love” earning the prestigious title of Music Video of the Year. This win highlighted BTS’s innovative storytelling and high production value that accompanies their powerful tracks. As expected, the group also took home the award for Best Male Group, a category they have consistently dominated, reflecting their immense popularity and cohesive teamwork. Beyond their musical achievements, BTS also ventured into other mediums, with their poignant and revealing docu-series BTS: Burn The Stage securing the Best Web Series award, giving fans an intimate look into their lives on tour.
Individual members and collaborations also shone brightly. The collaboration track “Waste It On Me” with Steve Aoki, featuring BTS, was honored as Best Collaboration, demonstrating their ability to seamlessly merge genres and appeal to a broader global audience. Moreover, the mesmerizing choreography for V’s solo track “Singularity” was recognized with the Best Choreography award, celebrating the artistry and intricate dance moves that define BTS’s performances. The group’s leader, RM, also celebrated an individual win, securing the Best Male Solo award, highlighting his distinctive musical contributions and growing solo presence. BTS’s comprehensive wins across so many diverse categories underscore their multifaceted talent and the enduring power of their music and message.
Outstanding Achievements in Korean Drama
The 2019 Soompi Awards also celebrated the finest in Korean television, recognizing dramas and actors that captivated millions with their compelling narratives and brilliant performances. A standout success of the year was 100 Days My Prince, which earned the prestigious title of Drama of the Year. This historical romantic comedy charmed viewers worldwide, thanks in no small part to its stellar cast and engaging plotline. The drama’s lead, D.O. (Do Kyungsoo) of EXO, delivered a captivating performance that earned him the coveted Actor of the Year award, proving his versatility as both a K-pop idol and a formidable actor. His on-screen chemistry with co-star Nam Ji Hyun also won the hearts of fans, leading them to be crowned Best Couple.
Another beloved drama, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, received significant accolades, particularly for its exceptional cast. Park Min Young‘s delightful portrayal of the titular character earned her the Actress of the Year award, cementing her status as a leading lady in the industry. The drama’s strong supporting cast was also recognized, with Kang Ki Young winning Best Supporting Actor for his memorable comedic timing and strong performance, and Hwang Bo Ra receiving Best Supporting Actress for her equally impactful role. These wins highlight the depth of talent present in the K-drama world and the importance of both lead and supporting roles in creating a successful production.
Emerging talents were also celebrated, with Cha Eun Woo from the hit drama My ID Is Gangnam Beauty being named Breakout Actor. His rising popularity and engaging performance in the webtoon adaptation captivated audiences and marked him as a promising new face in acting. The thrilling and critically acclaimed series SKY Castle, known for its gripping narrative and outstanding performances, took home the award for Best Acting Ensemble, a testament to the collective strength and synergy of its cast. Furthermore, the Soompi Awards broadened its scope by acknowledging excellence beyond Korea, with the Japanese drama Haru Ga Kita winning Best Foreign Drama, illustrating the platform’s commitment to diverse Asian entertainment.
K-Pop’s Diverse Talent Shines Bright
While BTS dominated many K-pop categories, other artists also made significant impressions and took home well-deserved awards, showcasing the rich diversity and talent within the Korean music industry. EXO continued to demonstrate their enduring appeal and powerful vocals, winning Song of the Year for their dynamic track “Tempo.” Their immense global fandom was also recognized with the Latin America Popularity Award and the prestigious Twitter Best Fandom award, reaffirming their dedicated international following and strong social media presence.
The future of K-pop was also prominently featured, with NCT being celebrated as the Breakout Artist of the year. Their innovative concept and diverse units have garnered a rapidly growing fanbase, further acknowledged by their win for Twitter Rising Fandom, signaling their strong upward trajectory in the industry. Girl group powerhouse BLACKPINK was recognized as Best Female Group, celebrating their global appeal, iconic fashion, and chart-topping hits. Their undeniable charisma and powerful performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Individual artists were not overlooked. The immensely popular solo artist IU took home the award for Best Female Solo, acknowledging her unique vocal talent and consistent chart success. As mentioned earlier, BTS’s leader, RM, also received the Best Male Solo award, solidifying his individual artistic contributions. The exciting new generation of K-pop idols was represented by Stray Kids, who were crowned Rookie of the Year, indicating their significant impact and promising future in the competitive K-pop scene. These awards collectively illustrate the breadth of talent, both established and emerging, that defines the Korean music landscape.
Celebrating Fan Engagement and Global Reach
The Soompi Awards stand out not just for the artists and dramas they honor, but also for their celebration of fan engagement. Awards like Twitter Best Fandom (EXO) and Twitter Rising Fandom (NCT) directly reflect the power and dedication of fan communities. These categories acknowledge the crucial role fans play in promoting their idols, driving discussions, and influencing global trends. The awards are a true testament to the Hallyu wave being a two-way street, where artists create, and fans champion, making the ecosystem thrive.
Other unique categories included Best Idol Actor, which went to Sehun for his role in Dokgo Rewind, highlighting the successful crossover careers of K-pop idols into acting. The popular non-scripted variety program Busted! was named Best Variety Show, showcasing the diverse entertainment offerings from Korea. The Best Soundtrack Live OST award recognized the powerful impact of original soundtracks on drama viewing experiences, while the Hallyu Special Award was bestowed upon Studio Dragon, a leading production company responsible for numerous hit dramas, acknowledging their significant contributions to the global spread of Korean culture.
Full List of 2019 Soompi Awards Winners:
The complete list of winners for the 14th Soompi Awards is a comprehensive reflection of the year’s most outstanding talents and productions, showcasing the diverse appeal of Korean entertainment:
Breakout Actor
Cha Eun Woo (My ID Is Gangnam Beauty)
Best Idol Actor
Sehun (Dokgo Rewind)
Best Web Series
BTS: Burn The Stage
Best Acting Ensemble
SKY Castle
Best Foreign Drama
Haru Ga Kita (Japan)
Best Variety Show
Busted!
Best Soundtrack Live
OST
Best Supporting Actor
Kang Ki Young (What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim)
Best Supporting Actress
Hwang Bo Ra (What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim)
Best Couple
D.O. and Nam Ji Hyun (100 Days My Prince)
Actor of the Year
D.O. (100 Days My Prince)
Actress of the Year
Park Min Young (What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim)
Drama of the Year
100 Days My Prince
Hallyu Special Award
Studio Dragon
Best Female Solo
IU
Best Male Solo
RM
Best Female Group
BLACKPINK
Best Male Group
BTS
Breakout Artist
NCT
Best Collaboration
“Waste It On Me” (Steve Aoki ft. BTS)
Best Choreography
“Singularity” (BTS’s V)
Music Video of the Year
“Fake Love” (BTS)
Rookie of the Year
Stray Kids
Song of the Year
“Tempo” (EXO)
Album of the Year
Love Yourself: Answer (BTS)
Artist of the Year
BTS
Latin America Popularity Award
EXO
Twitter Best Fandom
EXO
Twitter Rising Fandom
NCT
Congratulations once again to all the deserving winners of the 2019 Soompi Awards! This year’s ceremony not only celebrated exceptional talent but also underscored the growing global community that passionately embraces Korean entertainment. As K-pop and K-drama continue to break new ground and reach unprecedented levels of international acclaim, fans eagerly anticipate the next exciting projects from these celebrated artists and actors. The awards serve as a powerful reminder of the vibrant future of Hallyu, driven by creativity, innovation, and an unwavering global fanbase.