Which 8 K-Pop Groups Will Win The “Album Bonsang” Prizes At The 2023 Golden Disc Awards? Here’s The Outlook
The Golden Disc Awards, also known as the GDAs, is the longest-running awards show to celebrate K-Pop. Once dubbed the “Grammys of Korea,” the GDAs claims it “has continued to significantly contribute to the growth of [the] Korean music industry by fostering [a] creative environment and encouraging new talents.” Recognized as “the most favored awards by artists,” the GDAs have promoted “fairness and objectivity since its first ceremony” in 1986.
Because the main prizes, which are also called the “Bonsang” prizes, are determined by album sales and digital streaming, the Golden Disc Awards is said to reflect the annual accomplishments of idol groups and the K-Pop genre as a whole. Historically, the GDAs awarded a total of ten Bonsang winners(album and digital categories combined). Since 2012, however, up to 20 winners have been selected—averaging around eight to ten winners per category.
So which eight groups will take home the “Album Bonsangs” at the 37th Golden Disc Awards (expected to be held in January 2023)? Here’s the outlook based on the numbers from January 2022 to September 2022!
8. Lim Young Woong
Trot-singer-turned-ballader Lim Young Woong sold over 1,130,000+ copies of his album in 2022, putting him at #8 on this list of potential winners!
7. ENHYPEN
ENHYPEN is not an average rookie! Having sold over 1,550,000+ copies of their album in 2022, this internationally adored boy group is #7 on this list of potential winners.
6. Stray Kids
2022 has been a super successful year for Stray Kids at #6! As leaders of the 4th-Gen K-Pop, Stray Kids sold over 1,720,000+ copies of their album in 2022.
5. NCT 127
“Baddies” NCT 127 sold over 1,830,000+ copies of their album in 2022, putting them at #5 on this list of potential winners!
4. NCT Dream
Will this dream come true for NCT Dream? Having sold over 2,100,000+ copies of their album in 2022, this NCT unit is #4 on this list of potential winners.
3. BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK in GDA-rea! With over 2,510,000+ copies of their album sold in 2022, the queens are expected to be the sole female act to win* at the 2023 GDAs.
*Based on eight Album Bonsang winners
2. SEVENTEEN
Looking good at #2 on this list of potential winners! SEVENTEEN sold over 2,720,000+ copies of their album in 2022, which means an Album Bonsang has been secured.
1. BTS
MVPs at the GDAs, BTS is 100% expected to win at the 37th Golden Disc Awards with over 3,370,000+ copies of their album sold. Will their daesang streak since 2018 also continue in 2023? Fingers crossed!
Potential Winners: TWICE & ITZY
If, in 2023, the GDAs decide to extend their list of Album Bonsang to ten winners, the prizes will most likely go home to unparalleled girl groups, TWICE and ITZY! TWICE sold 1,050,000+ copies of their album in 2022 while ITZY sold 1,010,000+ copies; As successful as both TWICE and ITZY have been, K-Pop fans look forward to having the Golden Disc Awards recognize both groups!
