[OSEN=Kang Seo-jung] Girl group TUIDE has captured their very first rookie trophy just about two and a half months after their debut, cementing their presence as a ‘2026 rising rookie.’
TUIDE (Seo-hee, Seo-yeon, Elena, Jia, Saki, Seμ, Lee Ha-nee) was selected as the winner of the ‘IS Rising Star’ category, which corresponds to the rookie award, at the ‘3rd Korea Grand Music Awards’ (hereinafter referred to as ‘2026 KGMA’) held at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, on the 7th.
Having embraced this meaningful award at their very first awards ceremony, TUIDE shared their thoughts, saying, “We are so happy and overwhelmed to receive such a meaningful rookie award at our first awards ceremony. Above all, thank you to the fans who started this journey with us and cheered us on.” They added, “We will do our best to become a team that continues to bring new joy through great stages and music, so please look forward to it.”
They radiated rookie grit and energy not only through their award win but also on stage. On this day, TUIDE kicked off their performance with ‘GRLS,’ a B-track from their 1st mini-album [TUNE & PLAY], dressed in matching white sporty outfits. They seamlessly moved between solo, unit, and group choreography, showcasing each member’s individual charm while delivering flawless teamwork that captivated the audience.
During their performance of the title track ‘SUN KISS,’ TUIDE’s unique cheerful groove and energy shone even brighter. Gliding effortlessly across the stage to the rhythm, the members maximized the song’s charm with refreshing movements. Their stable live vocals and relaxed enjoyment of the stage further elevated the atmosphere.
Having debuted on August 24 with their 1st mini-album [TUNE & PLAY], TUIDE has been drawing domestic and international attention for their solid musicality and high-quality performances. Their debut album landed in the top 10 of all-time first-week sales for K-pop girl group debut albums, and all of its tracks entered Melon’s ‘Hot 100’ and Apple Music’s ‘Today’s Top 100: South Korea.’ In particular, the title track ‘SUN KISS’ proved its steady popularity by ranking No. 1 on Apple Music for 18 consecutive days.
They are also expanding their presence in the global music market. TUIDE topped the U.S. Billboard ‘Emerging Artists’ chart and remained on subsidiary charts like ‘World Albums’ for three consecutive weeks. They were also selected as Billboard’s ‘K-Pop Rookie of the Month’ for September, recognizing their growth potential on the global stage.
