Stray Kids Crowned Top Group at TIMA 2026; 30-Minute Finale Electrifies Kai Tak Crowd
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The 2026 TIMA International Music Awards lit up Kai Tak Main Stadium on January 23, drawing thousands of fans for a night of blockbuster K-pop performances. Stray Kids capped the evening with a 30-minute headline set complete with a live band, earning the night's top honor of Overseas Group of the Year . IVE delivered six songs despite leader An Yujin performing seated due to injury, while SNSD captain Taeyeon treated Hong Kong fans to her classic hit Four Seasons . The event also featured awards for Charlie Puth, WayV, and rising acts, underscoring Hong Kong's growing role as a hub for international music recognition .
Key Points
- Stray Kids sealed their headline slot by winning Overseas Group of the Year, then performed for 30 minutes with a live band, showcasing Chk Chk Boom and LALALALA .
- IVE completed six songs at the event, but leader An Yujin sat out the choreography due to injury, joining her teammates only for vocals .
- NMIXX performed four tracks and playfully asked fans to guess their song by imitating emoji faces before finally revealing it was Love Me Like This .
- Taeyeon, the longest-reigning SM Entertainment solo queen, sang her signature ballad Four Seasons and revealed she is preparing a new album for fans .
- Charlie Puth claimed the Overseas Singer of the Year award, and IVE's Zhang Yanying was spotted watching his performance backstage .
Why It Matters
The Kai Tak venue, still finding its footing as a regional entertainment landmark, demonstrated its capacity to host world-class music events with this star-studded lineup . The presence of both global acts like Charlie Puth and dominant K-pop groups signals that Hong Kong remains a key market for cross-cultural music promotions, potentially setting the stage for more high-profile award ceremonies in the city .
The Kai Tak venue, still finding its footing as a regional entertainment landmark, demonstrated its capacity to host world-class music events with this star-studded lineup . The presence of both global acts like Charlie Puth and dominant K-pop groups signals that Hong Kong remains a key market for cross-cultural music promotions, potentially setting the stage for more high-profile award ceremonies in the city .