Girls' Generation, Big Bang win at 52nd Japan Record Awards

Girls' Generation (top) and Big Bang (bottom) [SM Entertainment/YG Entertainment]

Korean idols Girls' Generation and Big Bang have received honors at the prestigious 52nd Japan Record Awards.

The Japan Record Awards, hosted by the Japan Composer's Association, announced that Girls' Generation won under the category for best new artist against Japanese singers ICONIQ, Kikuchi Madoka and S/mileage, while Big Bang won the prize for best song with "Tell Me Goodbye."

Japanese group EXILE received the grand prize during the ceremony, which was broadcasted live by Japan's TBS on December 30 at the New National Theatre. Girls’ Generation and Big Bang took the stage of the event to give performances of their Japanese hit songs "Gee" and "Tell Me Goodbye," respectively.

Girls' Generation made their debut in Korea with their first album "Into the New World" and since produced several hit songs including "Gee," "Genie" and "Run Devil Run."

They have taken the Japanese music market by storm since making their official debut in the country in August this year, becoming the first Korean girl group to place at No. 1 on the prestigious Oricon chart as well as having sold 100,000 copies of their Japanese singles "Gee" and "Genie" to be certified gold discs.

Big Bang made their debut in 2006 with their self-titled single and have successfully crossed over into the Japanese music market in June of last year with their debut single "My Heaven."

They have toured three cities in the country, attracting a total of 60,000 fans and have performed at the main stage during the Summer Sonic Festival in August. The boys will also concentrate on their singing careers in Japan with a concert tour starting May next year.