Carmen Hearts2Hearts Wins Female Solo Popularity at K-World Dream Awards

Kapanlagi.com - Carmen Hearts2Hearts has once again made a mark for Indonesia in the K-pop scene. The idol from Bali officially won the Female Solo Popularity Award at the 2026 K-World Dream Awards held on Thursday (27/8/2026) at KINTEX, Goyang, South Korea.

This victory marks a new milestone for her, as Carmen becomes the first Southeast Asian artist and also the first fifth-generation idol to win this trophy. This moment also marks the first time Carmen delivered a victory speech on a major Korean award stage as a solo artist, rather than representing a group.

This prestigious award adds to the list of important moments in her journey, placing Carmen's name among the recipients of Female Solo Popularity alongside previous winners from past years.

1. Winners Determined by Fantheone Voting

Carmen Hearts2Hearts Selfie (credit: instagram.com/hearts2hearts)

The Female Solo Popularity Award category at the K-World Dream Awards is determined 100 percent through fan votes via the Fantheone platform. The result that brought Carmen as the winner reflects the strong support from her global fan community.

In addition to Carmen, three other popularity categories were also announced this year. ATEEZ won Male Group Popularity, ILLIT won Female Group Popularity, while trot singer Park Ji Hyeon received Male Solo Popularity.

The year 2026 marks the celebration of a decade of the K-World Dream Awards. This year's event concept highlights the journey of the K-pop industry over the past ten years and the significant role of artists and fans in strengthening the Hallyu wave on a global scale.

2. Indonesian Speech on the Korean Stage

As is her custom at various major events, Carmen once again expressed her gratitude in Indonesian when receiving this trophy. This gesture once again attracted public attention in her homeland.

The same habit was shown when Hearts2Hearts brought home three awards at the 2025 MAMA Awards. At that moment, Carmen also included Indonesian in her victory speech.

Carmen's consistency in incorporating Indonesian during moments of international victory often leads her to be regarded as a proud representation of Indonesia in the K-pop industry, while also affirming that she does not forget her cultural roots despite her career in South Korea.

3. List of Female Solo Popularity Winners

Before Carmen, the Female Solo Popularity Award category had been won by several big names in K-pop. IU won it in 2022, followed by Jeon Yujin in 2024, and Jang Wonyoung in 2025.

Carmen's entry as the winner in 2026 makes the list of award recipients even more diverse across generations. This achievement adds a new dimension to the track record of female solo popularity.

This achievement is a testament to Carmen's rapid career development since her debut with Hearts2Hearts, while also paving the way for greater recognition of Southeast Asian artists in the K-pop industry in the future.

(kpl/rsp)