K-pop star Psy claimed the grand prize at the 22nd Seoul Music Awards on Thursday, marking another victory in the pop music scene.

In the “Gangnam Style” singer’s absence, Tablo, leader of hip-hop group Epik High and fellow artist at YG Entertainment, accepted the award on his behalf at the award ceremony held at the SK Olympic Handball Stadium.

Psy instead appeared in a video message to express his gratitude.

“I am sorry to accept the award through a video, but I am very thankful,” he said. “Thank you for the great award. I wouldn’t have gotten this far if it weren’t for my friends, family, YG Entertainment, staff and fans.”

He was among 12 Main Prize winners alongside Super Junior, Lee Seung-gi, Big Bang, SISTAR, miss A, SHINee, Huh-gak, 2NE1, f(x), Epik High and Secret.

The second prizes, Record of the Year and Record of the Year in Digital Sales, went to G-Dragon and SISTAR, respectively.

Ballad singer Lee Seung-gi and boy band SHINee won Popularity Awards while K.Will won the R&B Ballad Award. The Hip-Hop/Rap Award went to Double K and CNBLUE’s Jong-hyun received Best OST Award. Lee Hi, Ailee, B.A.P and EXO-K garnered Rookie Awards.

By Bae Soo-min (soomin623@heraldcorp.com)