K-Pop — Entry No. 1180
본상
bonsang · noun
본상
bonsang
[bohn-SAHNG]
nounintermediate
Meaning
A major award category at Korean music award shows (Daesang, Bonsang, Disk Division) that recognizes outstanding albums and digital releases. Bonsang is the second-highest honor, awarded to multiple artists per ceremony, making it a highly coveted but achievable milestone that demonstrates sustained success.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Bonsang awards are announced at Korea’s biggest award shows: the Golden Disk Awards and Seoul Music Awards. Winning multiple bonsang awards in a year signals exceptional chart performance. TWICE, EXO, and BLACKPINK have accumulated numerous bonsang awards, cementing their status as top-tier groups.
Example Sentences
올해 골든디스크에서 본상을 3개 받았다.
Olhae Golden Disk-ae-seo bonsang-eul se-gae bad-ass-da.
This year they won 3 Bonsang awards at the Golden Disk Awards. (significant achievement)
데뷔 첫해에 본상 후보에 올랐다는 것이 자랑이다.
Debut cheosh-hae-e bonsang hubo-e ol-ass-da-neun geosh-i jarang-i-da.
Being nominated for Bonsang in their debut year is something to be proud of. (rare achievement)
본상 없이는 한 해가 끝나지 않는다.
Bonsang eobs-i-neun han hae-ga kkeut-nah-ji anh-neun-da.
Without Bonsang, the year doesn’t feel complete. (common sentiment among top groups)
⚠️ Don’t use bonsang when…
Bonsang winners are predetermined by nomination, not voted for—don’t confuse it with fan-voted awards. Multiple bonsang awards indicate success but fewer than daesang.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Mystic Pop with a Kiss — references K-music industry award celebrations and competitive atmosphere.
- K-Pop: TWICE — Heart Shaker (won multiple bonsangs across award shows during this promotional period)
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.