The 9th annual The Fact Music Awards, hosted on September 19, 2026, at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, distributed four top Daesang awards among ATEEZ, NMIXX, RIIZE, and rookie group CORTIS. ATEEZ earned Icon of the Year, marking their continued success following four trophies at the K-World Dream Awards. NMIXX received their first Daesang, Sound of the Year, while RIIZE took Muse of the Year and CORTIS secured Record of the Year. Each of these groups also won Artist of the Year honors, a prestigious Bonsang award that recognized 11 acts at the ceremony.

Despite the Daesang prizes being split, BTS stood out by winning the most trophies overall with four, including the FANNSTAR CHOICE for Group and Best Music awards for both spring and summer. BTS member Jin took home the FANNSTAR MYSTAR (Male) award. NMIXX and CORTIS also had strong showings, with CORTIS earning multiple accolades including Next Leader, Artist of the Year, and Record of the Year, while NMIXX’s Sullyoon was named FANNSTAR MYSTAR (Female).

The awards were decided through a combination of Korea’s Circle Charts data, judges’ scores, and extensive global fan voting, with some categories relying on on-site audience participation. The night featured 17 performances, with groups like ATEEZ and RESCENE debuting new arrangements and songs. The show was hosted by Jun Hyun Moo and Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun, marking their seventh time co-hosting, and also included a notable performance by Busan natives TREASURE’s Jihoon and KiiiKiii’s Jiyu as a special duo.

The ceremony also sparked some controversy with actor Kim Soohyun making his first public appearance in 18 months after facing allegations regarding a past relationship. Despite investigations revealing evidence falsification and his agency’s denial, Kim’s career and endorsements had been impacted. Meanwhile, other notable winners included TREASURE as World Best Performer and Lim Young Woong receiving both the Popularity Award and the Special Jury Award. The event underscored the ongoing global popularity and competitive intensity within the K-pop industry.