A daesang (대상) is the "grand prize" at a Korean music awards show — the single highest honour of the night, such as Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, or Album of the Year.
Daesang vs bonsang
At Korean award ceremonies, multiple acts receive a bonsang (main prize). From those, a very small number receive a daesang (grand prize) — the top award in its category. Winning a daesang is considered a major career milestone.
Common daesang categories
Typical daesang categories include Artist (or Singer) of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. The exact categories vary by ceremony, and different award shows have their own daesang.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between daesang and bonsang?
A bonsang is a main prize given to several acts; a daesang is the grand prize, given to very few.
Does every award show have a daesang?
Major Korean music award shows do, though the exact categories differ.