The excitement is building as the third lineup and first presenters for the '1st D Awards' have been announced.
RIIZE, YOUNG POSSE, NCT WISH, and KickFlip have been added to the third lineup of the 'D Awards'. The first lineup of presenters to support the energetic start of the 'D Awards' includes Cha Seung-won, Ahn Eun-jin, Bae In-hyuk, Kim Ji-eun, and Mimi Minu.
K-pop top-tier RIIZE is set to make their appearance at the 'D Awards'. Following their digital single 'Love 119' last year, RIIZE has released their first mini album 'RIIZING', triggering the 'RIIZE Syndrome'. With 'RIIZING', they showcased an unlimited musical worldview and achieved success with all tracks hitting the charts. In just two years since their debut, RIIZE has become 'the present and future of K-pop', and on the 8th, they also released a remake of TVXQ's 'Hug' from the same agency.
'K-Hip Hop Daughter' YOUNG POSSE will also take the stage at the 'D Awards'. Having established their identity based on authentic hip-hop with tracks like 'XXL' and 'ATE THAT', they heated up 12 cities in North America during their first U.S. tour, 'THE HUNGRY TOUR', last year.
'Rookie of the Year' NCT WISH has established themselves as the epitome of refreshing charm, a signature of 5th generation idols, through their extensive activities in their debut year. With every release, they provide hopeful music, energetic performances, and refreshing appeal, supporting the dreams of fans worldwide while achieving their own growth. Their track 'Steady', released in September last year, surpassed 800,000 pre-orders, setting the highest record among debut artists in 2024.
KickFlip, the 'JYP Super Rookie' that opened the K-pop scene in 2025, will make their debut on the awards stage through the 'D Awards'. KickFlip, who released their first mini album on the 20th, quickly topped daily album charts like Hanteo and Circle, showcasing their power as a remarkable new artist right from the start.
Along with the third lineup, the 'D Awards' also revealed the first list of presenters who will grace the ceremony.
Cha Seung-won, who has ruled as an icon of K-content with his strong charisma in movies and dramas and a friendly image in variety shows, will be a presenter at the 'D Awards'. Expectations are high for his signature suit fit as a trendsetter at this ceremony.
Ahn Eun-jin, who has risen as a 'ratings guarantee' in TV, OTT dramas, and now variety shows, is another point of anticipation for her unique aura at the 'D Awards'. Leading the 'Lovers' syndrome as the character Gil Chae-nang, her appearance at a K-pop awards ceremony is a first, marking her debut connection with the 'D Awards'.
Bae In-hyuk and Kim Ji-eun, the stars of the trending drama Channel A 'Check-in Hanyang', will also take the stage at the 'D Awards'. Their 'sparkling chemistry' has driven soaring ratings, and the drama is also globally available through Netflix, enhancing the value of 'K historical dramas'.
Educational creator Mimi Minu (Kim Min-woo) has also been invited as a presenter for the 'D Awards'. Mimi Minu has shown exceptional affection as a K-pop enthusiast and evangelist, covering dozens of K-pop songs through various content.
Before the announcement of RIIZE, YOUNG POSSE, NCT WISH, and KickFlip, the 'D Awards' had already confirmed and announced the participation of N.Flying, P1Harmony, ENHYPEN, FIFTY FIFTY, tripleS, ZEROBASEONE, 82MAJOR, QWER, TWS, and UNIS. The main hosts of the 'D Awards' will be Ko Min-si and Lee Jong-won, representing the 'MZ actors'.
Meanwhile, the '1st D Awards (D Awards with upick)' will be held on February 22 at 6 PM at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium in Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
