: The event heavily spotlighted the "Fourth Generation" of K-pop. The opening performance, " BlooM The Sound ," featured a collaboration between representative members of leading new-gen groups: Hyunjin (Stray Kids), Yeji (ITZY), Karina (aespa), Heeseung (ENHYPEN), Yeonjun (TXT), and Wooyoung (ATEEZ). Performance Highlights
: Despite being unable to attend due to mandatory 10-day quarantine restrictions upon their return from Los Angeles, BTS achieved a historic "all-kill." They won all four Daesangs for the third consecutive year: Artist of the Year Song of the Year ("Butter") Album of the Year ( BE ) Worldwide Icon of the Year Dinamika M.A.M.A. 2021
: For the first time in the ceremony's history, a female artist took the lead as the host. K-pop veteran Lee Hyori broke the glass ceiling, bringing a legendary presence to the stage and performing a grand finale with the crews of Street Woman Fighter . : The event heavily spotlighted the "Fourth Generation"
: Performances by aespa and NCT Dream utilized advanced Augmented Reality (AR) and avatars to create immersive stages. Major Winners at a Glance Best New Male Artist Best New Female Artist Best Male Group Best Female Group Best Male Artist BAEKHYUN (EXO) Best Female Artist Best Dance Performance (Female) aespa ("Next Level") Best Band Performance K-pop veteran Lee Hyori broke the glass ceiling,
: British superstar Ed Sheeran performed a special mash-up of "Bad Habits" and "Shivers," emphasizing the awards' global reach.