The '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)', hosted by THE FACT and organized by FANNSTAR and UCW, was held on the afternoon of the 19th at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium in Yeonje-gu, Busan. MCs Jun Hyun-moo and Seohyun are walking the blue carpet. /Busan Asiad Main Stadium=Reporter Park Heon-woo

[THE FACT|Reporter Moon Hwa-young] K-pop stars are heating up the night in Busan. Ahead of the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' (THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA), singers who walked the blue carpet not only showcased their individual charms but also expressed strong confidence and excitement for the main stage.

The TMA blue carpet event took place at 4 PM on the 19th at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. As fans who arrived early filled the stadium with cheers, the singers greeted them through photo time and interviews.

The first to appear, CLOSE YOUR EYES, livened up the atmosphere with their signature pose. JEON MINWOOK raised expectations by announcing, "We've prepared a stage reinterpreting NCT DREAM's 'Beatbox'," adding, "We've also prepared a pre-release track and a stage that hasn't been revealed yet."

The 24-member group tripleS appeared on the blue carpet as a full group. With a bold aspiration to "leave the charm of tripleS imprinted on the world," they announced a cover performance of aespa's 'Lemonade'. Dahyun, a member from Busan, shared her feelings, "It's a great honor to be able to perform in my hometown, Busan."

The '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)', hosted by THE FACT and organized by FANNSTAR and UCW, was held on the afternoon of the 19th at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium in Yeonje-gu, Busan. James, SEONGHYEON, KEONHO, JUHOON, and MARTIN (from left) of the group CORTIS are walking the blue carpet. /Busan Asiad Main Stadium=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol

xikers boosted the atmosphere in Busan with their bright energy. The members greeted fans warmly and expressed their excitement for the awards ceremony. They are expected to meet fans on stage with xikers's unique intense energy.

ALPHA DRIVE ONE completed a powerful look with an all-black styling. The members stated, "We will show you a stage with the best energy," and previewed a "cold-blooded, intense, charismatic stage that transcends past and present."

IDID focused on performance. They said, "We are preparing a fantastic performance," and "We have prepared a lot visually," raising curiosity about the main stage. They also emphasized their determination to show a more grown-up image as they celebrate their first anniversary since debut.

The 'monster rookie' group CORTIS graced the blue carpet with their chic charm. Sung-hyun expressed his anticipation for meeting fans, saying, "Since we're in Busan, I hope we can have fun together. I especially hope you have fun with CORTIS." Reflecting on their recent first anniversary since debut, Martin commented, "I think my skills have improved because I've been working on a lot of things."

The '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)', hosted by THE FACT and organized by FANNSTAR and UCW, was held on the afternoon of the 19th at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium in Yeonje-gu, Busan. LIV, MAY, ZENA, WONI, and Minami (from left) of the group RESCENE are walking the blue carpet. /Busan Asiad Main Stadium=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol

ALLDAY PROJECT drew attention with styling that highlighted each member's individuality. When asked to recommend a song, Yeongseo chose 'One More Time,' expressing her desire to visit Busan again.

KiiiKii (KiiiKiii), attending TMA for the second time, previewed a special performance by Busan native JIYU. Jiyu is scheduled to perform a duet with TREASURE's JIHOON, and she heightened anticipation by striking a pose. Lee Sol, who celebrated her birthday on this day, expressed her affection for fans, saying, "The existence of Tikis is a gift."

RESCENE appeared on the blue carpet in elegant styling, showcasing their radiant charm. The members struck poses that captured their individual personalities and then greeted the fans at the venue with a cheerful "Busan, Yahoo!"

ILLIT couldn't hide their excitement for TMA. Minju said, "I've always wanted to visit Busan, and thanks to TMA, I'm here," and expressed her determination, "I will work hard."

RIIZE filled the venue with laughter with their unified black suit styling and cheerful performance. When the members expressed their desire to sightsee in Busan, Sohee performed a move where she was lifted by Sungchan, saying, "The Busan air feels different," which livened up the atmosphere.

The '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)', hosted by THE FACT and organized by FANNSTAR and UCW, was held on the afternoon of the 19th at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium in Yeonje-gu, Busan. ANTON, SHOTARO, WONBIN, SOHEE, and EUNSEOK, SUNGCHAN (from left) of the group RIIZE are walking the blue carpet. /Busan Asiad Main Stadium=Reporter Kim Sung-ryeol

The 'hexagonal group' NMIXX exuded a calm yet elegant atmosphere with their all-black styling. Hae-won, who has performed in various regions, stated that her quick wit and teamwork, which allow her to adapt to any situation, have improved. She confidently expressed, "We will fill today's stage with our quick wit and teamwork."

YENA, popular for their song 'Catchy Catch,' announced, "We've prepared a new transformation for today," and asked for high anticipation for a "performance that will surprise you." ATEEZ greeted fans worldwide and expressed their commitment, saying, "We will work hard."

TREASURE shared the special meaning of participating in TMA held in Busan. "It's an honor to participate in such a meaningful awards ceremony in Busan," they said, adding, "It would be great if we could win an award."

There were also singers who recommended music that suited Busan's night sea. EVAN introduced their recently released song 'DEATH OF ME' and chose 'Twilight' and 'Overflow' as songs that go well with Busan. He conveyed his feelings to fans, saying, "I think a dreamy feeling goes well with the thought of Busan's night sea."

Lim Young Woong, celebrating their 10th anniversary since debut, visited TMA for the first time in three years. They said, "I'm grateful for my 10th anniversary, and it's already been three years, but I really wanted to come," adding, "I wanted to be on stage sooner, so I consider it an honor to be here this year." They also expressed their affection for fans, citing the moments they met fans at a recent concert as special memories.

The '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)', hosted by THE FACT and organized by FANNSTAR and UCW, was held on the afternoon of the 19th at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium in Yeonje-gu, Busan. Lim Young Woong is walking the blue carpet. /Busan Asiad Main Stadium=Reporter Park Heon-woo

The blue carpet concluded with MCs Jun Hyun-moo and Seohyun, marking their 8th collaboration. Having been with TMA since 2018, the duo once again ignited the venue's excitement with their signature pose.

Jun Hyun-moo remarked, "It's already the 9th year," and added, "I'm happy to witness the growth of K-pop. I'm happy as a fan, not just as an MC." He continued, "The lineup is insane," expressing confidence that "you can understand K-pop by just looking at THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS."

Seohyun greeted global fans in English, Japanese, and Chinese, and gave a sneak peek of the main performance with her signature dance moves. Regarding unexpected situations, she expressed her trust in Jun Hyun-moo, saying, "Senior Hyun-moo handles them humorously and hypes up the ceremony."

After the dazzling blue carpet, only the stage remains. Attention is focused on what kind of performances the stars, who have previewed their main stages with their unique colors, will deliver in front of the fans who have filled the Busan Asiad Main Stadium.

culture@tf.co.kr