[DiaryPoint = Reporter Choi Seung-jin] The first day of MMA2026 takes place Nov. 14 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. Fourteen acts will perform: I.O.I, aespa, NCT DREAM, ATEEZ, RIIZE, TWS, Choi Yena, RESCENE, Hearts2Hearts, Dragon Pony, IDID, AEN, TWEED and HANA.
The red carpet begins at 5 p.m., followed by the main ceremony at 6 p.m. Both events will stream live in South Korea on the Melon app and website and on Wavve. Viewers in Japan can watch on U-NEXT, while those in Taiwan can tune in via TVBS42 and CATCHPLAY+. In other regions, the event will be available on Melon or the 1theK YouTube channel. YouTube viewing is unavailable in some countries.
Kakao Entertainment unveiled the Day 1 stage lineup on Nov. 12. TWS will give “OVERDRIVE” a new arrangement for a high-teen musical concept that opens with an excited confession, adding magic-inspired performance elements. The combination of song, choreography and theatrical staging is one of the day's highlights.
Choi Yena will perform with rapid style changes during her set. Kakao Entertainment described the staging as a central feature of the “2026 Yenacore” performance. The transformations in her outfits—and how they unfold alongside the song and stage action—are part of the appeal.
I.O.I, returning to the MMA stage for the first time in 10 years, is preparing a performance that connects the past, present and future like a film. NCT DREAM, celebrating its 10th debut anniversary, will take the stage with a festival concept built around its fans. IDID and AEN will perform together for the first time, bringing all 14 members onstage.
RESCENE will bring a fantasy-drama story to life through a fairytale-inspired performance, while RIIZE has previewed a genre-spanning set with a special guest. MMA2026 runs for two days, with 14 acts performing on Nov. 14 before the second day's show on Nov. 15.