The 2024 MAMA (Mnet Asian Music Awards) kicked off with a three-day celebration, starting in the United States on November 21 and continuing today, November 22, in Osaka, Japan. This year’s event features a star-studded lineup, including Rosé (BLACKPINK), G-Dragon, IVE, TXT, ENHYPEN, Byeon Woo Seok, Lee Ji Ah and global sensation Bruno Mars.
What caught fans by surprise was the presence of BLACKPINK’s Rosé and BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, two artists who have avoided MAMA for nearly a decade. Both have a history of tension with the event, leaving fans curious as to why they decided to return this year.
The history of the feud
In 2014, G-Dragon made headlines by openly criticizing MAMA on stage during a performance of Good boy. His freestyle rap criticized the event for awarding awards based on popularity rather than talent, stating that MAMA “distribute it generously so your children don’t fight.” After that performance, G-Dragon and BIGBANG stopped attending MAMA altogether.
In 2017, BLACKPINK was nominated for Best Girl Group. However, fans were furious when MAMA placed BLACKPINK’s photo last on the shortlist and blurred their faces in red. From then on, BLACKPINK never participated in MAMA.
Rosé and G-Dragon return to MAMA in 2024
On November 22, Rosé made her return to MAMA, appearing with Bruno Mars to accept an award for their viral hit APP.. This is the first time a BLACKPINK member has attended MAMA in seven years. Rosé looked happy and confident as she took to the stage, winning over fans with her charm.
Likewise, G-Dragon’s announcement that he will attend MAMA 2024 in Japan on November 23 left fans in shock, especially since he plans to perform, marking a dramatic change from his on-stage criticism at the 10-year-old event years ago. The reasons behind this apparent reconciliation between the two stars and MAMA are speculated to fall into two main possibilities.
One possible explanation is that MAMA organizers made peace with the two stars, extending invitations accompanied by apologies or trying to clear up misunderstandings. Alternatively, Rosé could have agreed to participate out of respect for Bruno Mars, as the event celebrates their collaboration. This opportunity also serves as an excellent platform to further promote their viral success.
Additionally, MAMA’s ambition to regain its relevance after years of decline has led to a broader global presence, starting with its debut in the United States. For artists like Rosé and G-Dragon, this offers a valuable opportunity to promote their comeback projects. Rosé is preparing for her solo album while actively promoting APP.and G-Dragon recently marked his return with the release of Energyhis first music video in seven years since Kwon Ji Yong.
