Kakao Entertainment Establishes Melon-Linked K-Pop Awards at Tencent's TIMA

Kakao Entertainment is expanding its global reach by introducing new award categories at the 2026 TIMA music awards, hosted by Tencent Music Entertainment Group. Two new segments will be directly linked to Kakao's own music platform, Melon, offering K-pop artists new avenues for recognition.

The TIMA awards, now in their second year, are a significant event in the Asian music scene. This year's ceremony and concert will take place on July 22-23 at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. The partnership with Tencent Music, China's largest music platform, highlights Kakao Entertainment's strategy to leverage its platforms for international music industry influence.

By creating Melon-affiliated awards, Kakao Entertainment aims to further promote K-pop and its artists on a larger stage. The collaboration with TIMA underscores the growing synergy between South Korean entertainment companies and major Asian music platforms.