Photo Credits: Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA)
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA)
The 2024 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), held on November 23, 2024, at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, once again proved why it’s considered one of the most prestigious music award ceremonies in Asia. This year’s theme, “Big Blur: What is Real?”, reflected the blending of genres, cultures, and technologies, showcasing how K-pop continues to redefine global music.
For the first time, the MAMA Awards ventured outside Asia, with the opening night on November 21 hosted at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. By spanning continents, this year’s event highlighted K-pop’s ever-expanding reach and influence. From Aespa’s record-breaking wins to unforgettable performances by top artists, the night was nothing short of spectacular. Let’s dive into the complete winners’ list, standout moments, and the reasons why the MAMA Awards remain a vital platform for celebrating K-pop excellence.
The Complete Winners List
Here’s a breakdown of all the winners from the 2024 MAMA Awards:
Grand Prize (Daesang) Winners:
- Artist of the Year: SEVENTEEN
- Album of the Year: SEVENTEEN – FML
- Song of the Year: Aespa – Supernova
- Worldwide Icon of the Year: BTS’s Jimin
Major Category Winners:
- Best Male Group: SEVENTEEN
- Best Female Group: Aespa
- Best Male Artist: BTS’s Jimin
- Best Female Artist: IU
- Best New Male Artist: TWS
- Best New Female Artist: ILLIT
Genre-Specific Awards:
- Best Dance Performance – Male Group: SEVENTEEN – Super
- Best Dance Performance – Female Group: Aespa – Supernova
- Best Dance Performance – Solo: BTS’s Jungkook – Standing Next to You
- Best Vocal Performance: IU – Strawberry Moon
- Best Band Performance: DAY6 – You Make Me
- Best Hip Hop & Urban Music: Zico – Freak
Special Awards:
- Global Performance Award: IVE
- Favorite Global Performer Female: IVE
- Best Collaboration: BLACKPINK’s Rosé & Bruno Mars – Leave the Door Open
Aespa and SEVENTEEN dominated the night, with Aespa earning six awards and SEVENTEEN taking home five, including two Daesangs. Their remarkable achievements reflect the immense talent and hard work these groups poured into 2024.
Highlights from MAMA 2024
The 2024 MAMA Awards offered not only recognition for chart-topping hits but also moments that celebrated the global appeal and creativity of K-pop.
Global Expansion into the U.S.
For the first time in its history, the MAMA Awards began its journey in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theatre. Hosted by Park Bo-gum, this move emphasized how K-pop continues to break into Western markets, reaching new audiences and uniting fans worldwide.
Aespa’s Dominance
With six wins, including Song of the Year for Supernova and Best Female Group, Aespa proved their status as K-pop’s rising superstars. Their captivating performance of Supernova left the audience mesmerized and further cemented their legacy.
SEVENTEEN’s Incredible Year
SEVENTEEN took home two Daesangs—Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for FML, which shattered records with over 6.2 million copies sold in 2024. Their emotionally charged performance of Super brought the house down, showcasing their unmatched stage presence.
Unforgettable Collaborations
BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars delivered a soulful rendition of Leave the Door Open, blending K-pop with global pop culture in a way few could have imagined. This unexpected collaboration won the Best Collaboration award and became one of the night’s most talked-about moments.
Spotlight on New Talent
Rookie groups TWS and ILLIT took home Best New Male Artist and Best New Female Artist, respectively, showcasing the fresh energy and creativity shaping K-pop’s future. Both groups brought electrifying performances that hinted at their enormous potential.
Why the MAMA Awards Matter
The MAMA Awards are not just another ceremony. They serve as a cultural landmark, honoring the artistry and influence of K-pop while bridging the gap between fans and artists. From recognizing iconic groups like BTS, SEVENTEEN, and Aespa, to giving a platform to rising stars, the awards reflect the vibrant diversity of the K-pop industry.
Moreover, the theme, Big Blur: What is Real?, resonated deeply in a year where K-pop embraced AI technology, virtual performances, and cross-industry collaborations. By pushing boundaries, the MAMA Awards continue to highlight the genre’s role in shaping the future of entertainment.
Takeaways for Fans
If you missed the live broadcast, there’s no better time to revisit the highlights. Start by exploring the winners’ discographies, from SEVENTEEN’s record-breaking album FML to Aespa’s electrifying Supernova. For a taste of unforgettable moments, look up BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars’ performance—it’s a collaboration fans will talk about for years.
The MAMA Awards also remind us of K-pop’s power to connect people across cultures. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just diving into the genre, the 2024 winners’ list is the perfect playlist to begin or expand your journey.
Final Words
The 2024 MAMA Awards delivered a night of stunning performances, groundbreaking achievements, and heartfelt moments that celebrated the best of K-pop. From Aespa’s sweeping wins to SEVENTEEN’s record-breaking year and unforgettable collaborations, the event truly reflected the passion and creativity that define the industry.
As K-pop continues to dominate the global stage, the MAMA Awards remain a beacon of excellence and innovation. Whether you’re reliving the highlights or exploring the winners for the first time, this year’s ceremony has set a new standard for what’s possible in the world of music.
