On November 22, the 2024 MAMA Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre, marking the first leg of a three-day event. Following the U.S. ceremony, the awards will continue with two more days of celebrations in Osaka, Japan.
The choice of the Dolby Theatre as the venue served as a symbolic gesture, reflecting K-pop’s elevated status and growing global recognition.
A Star-Studded Night
The lineup of presenters added further prestige to the event. Hollywood actor and director Dustin Hoffman, Lance Bass of “’NSYNC”, “Minari” director Lee Isaac Chung, Academy Award-winning actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Anderson Paak, who made headlines with his collaboration with J.Y. Park, took the stage to present awards.
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.
J.Y. Park Shines as the Evening’s Headliner
Celebrating his 30th anniversary in the industry, J.Y. Park delivered an unforgettable performance as the evening’s headliner. From his early hit “Don’t Leave Me, Don’t Leave Me” to iconic tracks like “She Was Pretty” and “Who’s Your Mama?”, his set was a masterful blend of nostalgia and spectacle. The performance, designed with music-video-like precision, captivated both fellow artists and the audience.
Fellow performers rose from their seats to cheer on J.Y. 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 major categories, including Best New Artist (Male and Female), Best Performance, Global Performance, and the Achievement Award. TWS and ILLIT received the Best New Artist awards, RISE took home the Global Male Performance award, and J.Y. Park was honored with the Achievement Award for his contributions to the industry.
Challenges of Hosting in the U.S.
While the 2024 MAMA Awards embraced a new format, focusing on vibrant performances and a streamlined number of award categories, the decision to conduct the entire ceremony in English sparked mixed reactions. Many questioned why a K-pop-centered awards show, known for celebrating Korean culture, relied so heavily on English, from the presenters’ speeches to the winners’ acceptance remarks.
Additionally, the ceremony’s scheduling posed challenges. With the live broadcast airing at noon on a Friday in Korea due to time zone differences, many fans found it difficult to tune in. Although the performances are available across various platforms afterward, the weekday midday broadcast limited live viewership.
What’s Next?
Despite these challenges, the 2024 MAMA Awards promises more excitement with two upcoming ceremonies in Osaka. Anticipation is building for G-Dragon’s long-awaited comeback stage and a special collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars, ensuring the event remains a must-watch for K-pop fans worldwide.
Source: Daum
