Mnet has announced that its annual award show will be held in three different countries, continuing the trend to host the award show outside of South Korea.
Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong are set to host this year’s Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). This is the second year that Mnet and its parent company CJ ENM, have decided to hold the ceremony as more of a festival spread over East and Southeast Asia. Last year was the first time that K-pop fans and artists converged in three different host countries (Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan) to perform and accept awards.
Before this, Hong Kong had been the sole host of the music award show since 2014, the last year MAMA was in South Korea. The move has been heavily questioned and criticized by both fans and entertainment insiders. Given that the vast majority of performers and award recipients are K-pop artists, many believe the Mnet is making it unnecessarily complicated and strenuous for artists to attend and perform — especially at multiple venues in different countries.
However, there are benefits to holding the event in different counties. In particular, it allows K-pop fans in these countries to see many different artist and celebrities in a festive environment. Moreover, it also strengthens the presence of Korea’s cultural influence and allows more leeway in regards to incorporating other singers and actors based in other Asian countries to participate.
Currently, Mnet is developing the schedule for the different shows, reaching out to various artists, and investigating local conditions. Further, since MAMA is taking place in three foreign cities, Mnet is expected to distribute popular singers appropriately.
Meanwhile, MAMA will take place in December.
Translated by O.C
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