Singer-songwriter Lee Seung-yoon has claimed Best Rock Song at the 23rd Korean Music Awards, marking his second consecutive year receiving recognition at the ceremony and reaffirming his standing within Korea’s rock scene.
According to his agency MarumO, Lee won the Best Rock Song category on Feb. 26 with “PunKanon.” The Korean Music Awards are known for prioritizing artistic excellence and musical craftsmanship over commercial metrics, recognizing works of notable creative achievement released over the past year.
The latest win follows Lee’s triple crown at the 22nd Korean Music Awards, where he took home Musician of the Year, Best Rock Song, and Best Modern Rock Song. With this year’s victory, he extends his streak to two consecutive years of wins, further cementing his critical reputation.
“PunKanon” is a punk rock reinterpretation of “Canon,” originally included on his third full-length album “Yeokseong,” released in August last year. While the original track emphasized layered composition and structural tension, the reworked version intensifies the arrangement with aggressive guitar riffs, rapid-fire rhythms, and raw, unfiltered vocals. The selection committee praised the song for maximizing the intrinsic energy and spontaneity of rock music, highlighting its vivid live-band character.
During his acceptance speech, Lee shifted the focus toward those who evaluate and interpret music. “Rather than speaking about myself as a creator, I want to talk about the people who assess music,” he said. “Hundreds and thousands of songs are released every day. I am grateful to those who search through them one by one and give them meaning. I will continue making good music without losing heart.” His remarks reflected a broader acknowledgment of the ecosystem connecting artists, critics, and audiences.
The celebratory mood continued with a special stage performance of “Waterfall.” Delivering a powerful live-band set, Lee transformed the awards venue into a concert-like atmosphere, drawing enthusiastic response from attendees with his signature intensity.
Lee Seung-yoon is scheduled to appear as a headliner at “The Glow 2026,” set to take place on March 21 at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Following consecutive award recognition, he continues to expand his presence through both recorded work and large-scale live performances.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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