SBS announces first 22 teams for 30th anniversary Gayo Daejeon

The 2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon will be held over two days at KINTEX in Ilsan on December 24 and 25. The first lineup of 22 teams includes Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and IVE, with additional performers expected to be announced later.

The 2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon has revealed its first lineup of 22 teams to mark its 30th anniversary. The list includes K-POP artists active both domestically and internationally, such as Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, IVE, RIIZE, and ENHYPEN. Celebrating its 30th year, this edition of the Gayo Daejeon will be held over two days for the first time in its history, with additional performers and detailed information expected to be released sequentially following this initial announcement.

The revealed lineup consists of 22 teams spanning various generations and periods of K-POP activity. SBS stated that groups with global fandoms and teams showing recent upward momentum will take the stage together, and plans to reveal additional lineups that encompass all generations in the future. The official 30th-anniversary poster features a diamond crown motif. Production staff announced they are also preparing special stages and performances that can only be seen at the Gayo Daejeon.

Held over two days for the first time for the 30th anniversary

According to SBS, the 2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon will take place on Thursday, December 24, and Friday, December 25, at KINTEX in Ilsan. Having previously announced it would be held over two days to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the event has now released its location, schedule, and the first lineup. The end-of-year Gayo Daejeon is scheduled to run across two days, specifically on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The source introduces this year's event as a 30th-anniversary commemorative performance, noting that the two-day format is a first in the history of the Gayo Daejeon.

A total of 22 teams are included in this list. The performers were announced in groups categorized as established groups active in the global music market, trending artists, and next-generation rookies. SBS explained that artists who have shared historical moments in K-POP will stand on the same stage as currently active groups and rookie teams. While the first list includes teams from different generations and career stages, the names of legendary senior artists who will complete the 30th-anniversary lineup have not yet been announced. SBS indicated that it will sequentially reveal an additional lineup that spans all generations.

12 teams including Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and IVE named

The first group of 12 teams includes Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and TREASURE. SBS introduced these three as global top-tier groups. Following them, ENHYPEN, IVE, NMIXX, &TEAM, BOYNEXTDOOR, ZEROBASEONE, RIIZE, TWS, and NCT WISH were also named in the lineup. These artists were introduced as trending groups that have captured global fandoms. This brings the total number of performers announced in the first batch to 12 teams.

TOMORROW X TOGETHER is also known as TXT, and the list includes TREASURE, ENHYPEN, IVE, NMIXX, &TEAM, BOYNEXTDOOR, ZEROBASEONE, RIIZE, TWS, and NCT WISH. SBS explained that this first announcement features a large number of groups currently leading the global music market. However, specific details such as the performance order for each team, song selections, or individual performance schedules were not included in this announcement.

10 rising teams also join the lineup

The remaining 10 teams include RESCENE, MEOVV, KickFlip, Hearts2Hearts, ALLDAY PROJECT, CORTIS, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, AND2BLE, EVAN, and TUIDE. These 10 teams were introduced as artists who have established themselves as trending figures with strong upward momentum this year. Combined with the 12 teams announced earlier, the first lineup totals 22 teams.

SBS stated that these teams will work together to create a rich and diverse stage. The announced list includes not only well-known groups but also teams classified as next-generation rookies. This first lineup announcement was a collective disclosure of all participating teams rather than a breakdown of individual stage compositions or specific performance dates for each artist. Therefore, based on the current information, it is not confirmed which teams will perform on the 24th or 25th, or if any teams will perform on both days. SBS plans to release additional artist lineups and further event details in due course.

Diamond crown poster revealed, additional announcements promised

The official 30th-anniversary poster features a diamond crown motif. By releasing the first lineup alongside the poster, SBS has signaled the start of preparations for the year-end event. The production team also teased special stages and overwhelming production values that can only be experienced at the Gayo Daejeon. The current announcement does not include the performers for the special stages, specific stage content, or the style of production. The list of legendary senior artists participating in the event also remains to be revealed.

“To provide the best Christmas to the fans who have loved 'SBS Gayo Daejeon' during this meaningful 30-year period, artists who are demonstrating unrivaled presence on K-POP stages both domestically and internationally will perform,” the production staff stated. “This is not the end; an even more powerful and diverse lineup spanning all generations is still veiled, so we ask for your continued interest and anticipation.” The production team added that they plan to announce additional performers following this first release.

The 2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon will be held on December 24 and 25 at KINTEX in Ilsan. Additional lineups and detailed information will be released sequentially.

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