2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon Announces 1st Lineup

The SBS Gayo Daejeon, a cornerstone event in South Korea’s music calendar, is gearing up for a landmark 30th anniversary edition in 2026. For the first time in its history, the festival will expand to a two-day format, scheduled for December 24 and 25 at the KINTEX convention center in Ilsan. This adjustment marks a significant evolution for the annual celebration of K-pop and marks a milestone in the event’s enduring legacy.

On October 23, SBS unveiled the initial roster of performers set to grace the stage during the festival. The announcement highlights 22 groups and solo artists, signaling a robust representation of contemporary K-pop talent. Notable names on this first list include powerhouse boy bands such as Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), TREASURE, ENHYPEN, and NCT WISH. These groups have consistently dominated charts and amassed international fanbases, underscoring SBS’s commitment to featuring influential acts.

The lineup also embraces prominent girl groups like IVE and NMIXX, reflecting the genre’s dynamic diversity. Additionally, newer or less mainstream acts such as &TEAM, BOYNEXTDOOR, ZEROBASEONE, and RIIZE are included, indicating an effort to spotlight emerging artists alongside established icons. This blend suggests a strategic curation aimed at appealing to a broad spectrum of K-pop enthusiasts.

Further extending the lineup, the festival will host performances from other artists including TWS, RESCENE, MEOVV, KickFlip, Hearts2Hearts, ALLDAY PROJECT, CORTIS, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, AND2BLE, EVAN, and TUIDE. Although some of these names may be less familiar internationally, their inclusion points to SBS’s intent to showcase a wide array of musical styles and talent within the Korean music scene.

While the initial roster has been revealed, SBS has indicated that additional artists are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Among these forthcoming names, veteran performers who have shaped past editions of the Gayo Daejeon are anticipated to return, providing a sense of continuity and honoring the event’s heritage as it celebrates three decades.

Details regarding the specific distribution of artists across the two days, setlists, and special stage collaborations remain under wraps. Organizers have promised further updates that will clarify the structure and highlight unique features planned for this anniversary edition.

The choice of venue, KINTEX in Ilsan, reflects the growing scale and production ambitions of the Gayo Daejeon. Known for its expansive facilities, KINTEX is well-equipped to accommodate the elaborate stage setups and large audiences that such a high-profile event commands.

The SBS Gayo Daejeon has historically served as a barometer for trends within K-pop, bringing together top-tier talent for performances that often become cultural moments. The decision to extend the event over two days in its 30th year underscores its ongoing relevance and the increasing global appetite for K-pop showcases.

Fans and industry observers are encouraged to stay tuned for subsequent announcements, as the full picture of the 2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon continues to take shape. The event promises not only to celebrate a significant milestone but also to reflect the evolving landscape of Korean popular music.