KMChart has officially opened voting for its May 2026 monthly chart, bringing together a wide range of major K-pop artists, songs and rookie acts in one of the month's most fan-driven chart events. The voting period runs through May 24, with fans able to participate through the My1Pick and Idol Champ apps. Results from the two platforms will each account for 50 percent of the voting score before being combined with additional evaluation and KMChart data.
The nominee list covers several major categories, including K-MUSIC, K-MUSIC ARTIST, HOT CHOICE and ROOKIE. In the music category, songs from BTS, BLACKPINK, AKMU, LE SSERAFIM, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, IVE, BABYMONSTER and other acts are competing for the monthly title. The artist category is also stacked, with names such as BTS, BLACKPINK, DAY6, LE SSERAFIM, BOYNEXTDOOR, Stray Kids, IVE, aespa, ATEEZ, EXO, NMIXX, ENHYPEN and Hearts2Hearts among the nominees.
The HOT CHOICE and ROOKIE sections add another layer of fan competition. The popularity categories include soloists and groups such as V of BTS, Onew, Kang Daniel, Seventeen, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, TWS, Suzy, Irene, aespa, IVE, LE SSERAFIM, BABYMONSTER, ILLIT, QWER and NMIXX. In the rookie race, newer names including CORTIS, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, AHOF, AxMxP, Baby DONT Cry, ALLDAY PROJECT, KiiiKiii and others are competing for attention from active fandoms.
The May vote is notable because it brings together several of the year's biggest chart narratives in one place: established global acts, fast-rising fourth- and fifth-generation groups, active solo fandoms and rookie teams building early momentum. While the final results will depend on voting, judging and chart data, the opening lineup already shows how crowded the current K-pop field has become. For fans, the poll is more than a ranking; it is a visible measure of organization, engagement and momentum heading into the summer awards and festival season.
