The 2024 MAMA Awards took place at the Dolby Theater on November 22, marking the first stop of a three-day event. After the US ceremony, the awards ceremony will continue with another two days of celebrations in Osaka, Japan.
The choice of the Dolby Theater as the venue served as a symbolic gesture, reflecting K-pop’s elevated status and growing global recognition.
A starry night
The lineup of speakers added further prestige to the event. Hollywood actor and director Dustin Hoffman, “’NSYNC’s” Lance Bass, “Minari” director Lee Isaac Chung, Da’Vine Oscar-winning actress Joy Randolph and Anderson Paak, who made headlines with his collaboration with JY Park, they took the stage for the awards presentation.
These presenters expressed their admiration for K-pop, shared personal anecdotes about their connection to the genre, and sincerely congratulated the winners, adding a sense of genuine camaraderie to the event.
JY Park shines as the night’s headliner
Celebrating his 30th anniversary in the industry, JY Park delivered an unforgettable performance as the night’s headliner. From her first hit “Don’t Leave Me, Don’t Leave Me” to iconic songs like “She Was Pretty” and “Who’s Your Mama?”, her set was a masterful blend of nostalgia and spectacle. The performance, designed with the precision of a music video, captivated both the other artists and the audience.
Fellow artists rose from their seats to cheer on JY Park, while fans joined him in an energetic celebration as he ventured into the audience to share the moment.
Award highlights
The ceremony featured awards in five main categories, including Best New Artist (Male and Female), Best Performance, Overall Performance and Achievement Award. TWS and ILLIT received the Best New Artist award, RISE took home the Global Male Performance award, and JY Park was honored with the Achievement Award for his contributions to the industry.
The challenges of hosting in the United States
Although the 2024 MAMA Awards embraced a new format, focusing on lively performances and a simplified number of award categories, the decision to conduct the entire ceremony in English drew mixed reactions. Many wondered why a K-pop-focused awards show known for celebrating Korean culture relied so heavily on English, from the hosts’ speeches to the winners’ acceptance remarks.
Additionally, scheduling the ceremony posed challenges. With the live broadcast airing at noon on Friday in Korea due to time zone differences, many fans had difficulty tuning in. Although the performances are subsequently available on various platforms, the weekday midday broadcast limited the number of live viewers.
What’s the next step?
Despite these challenges, the 2024 MAMA Awards promise more excitement with two upcoming ceremonies in Osaka. Anticipation is growing for G-Dragon’s long-awaited return to the stage and a special collaboration between Rosé and BLACKPINK’s Bruno Mars, ensuring the event remains a must-see for K-pop fans around the world.
Source: Daum
