AND2BLE clinches two awards at 2026 K-Expo, boosting global fandom

AND2BLE shines at the 2026 K-Expo

On August 28, K-pop group AND2BLE made headlines by winning two prestigious awards at the 2026 K-Expo in Seoul. They were honored with the Seoul City Council Award and the Global Netizens Award in the Next Icon category, a significant recognition celebrating their rapid ascension in the Korean Wave.

The awards were presented during a ceremony held at the Grand Lotte Seoul, where Seoul City Council Vice Speaker, Seong Heum-je, celebrated the winners alongside other notable figures, including Zhang Min-young from Toss. Following the announcement, AND2BLE expressed their heartfelt gratitude, stating, "We are truly thankful for this meaningful honor. We appreciate the love and support from our fans, ANDCLO."

Celebrating diversity and success

Reflecting on their journey, the members of AND2BLE shared their pride in promoting K-culture outside of their diverse backgrounds. In a heartfelt statement, they remarked, "We feel immense pride in our collective efforts to spread the Hallyu wave from Seoul, a city that means so much to us all."

Fan engagement drives recognition

The Global Netizens Award, initiated last year, is determined by an international fan vote conducted in partnership with the global fandom platform, STARDOM. In this year’s voting, an impressive 53,392 fans from 141 countries participated, showcasing the global interest in K-pop.

AND2BLE, a five-member boy group that debuted in May 2026, has swiftly made a mark, achieving over 730,000 sales of their debut mini-album, Sequence 01: Curiosity, in its first week. The album charted in the top spots across 23 regions on iTunes, underscoring the group's rapid rise.

Building on momentum

The group successfully wrapped up a tour in four Asian cities earlier this month, further solidifying their status as a budding force in the K-pop industry. Their song "Refresh!" has also garnered acclaim, contributing to leader Zhang Hao's receipt of the Global Netizens Award for the OST category for the drama Let’s Go to the Moon. This continued success reflects AND2BLE's commitment to producing quality music and connecting with fans.

The K-Expo, launched in 2019, aims to enhance the sustainability of the Korean Wave and bolster the competitive power of the cultural industry. It is organized by news agency Newsy with support from various governmental bodies, ensuring a significant spotlight on the growth of Korean pop culture.

As AND2BLE continues to make waves, their journey illustrates the dynamic and collaborative spirit of K-pop, a scene supported by passionate fans and innovative artists.