The lineup of '2019 MAMA' (2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards) was released. The prominent music event is about to be held in Nagoya, Japan However, some fans are dissatisfied with the venue and are declaring boycotts.
On October 29th, Mnet announced the first lineup of artists to attend '2019 MAMA' through official SNS.
According to the released information, K-pop idols such as GOT7, TWICE, Mamamoo, Monsta X, Seventeen, IZ*One, and Cheongha have confirmed their appearance in 'MAMA' this year. On October 31st, it has already added BTS, which is very popular all over the world. The lineup was filled with popular K-Pop singers' names.
The 'MAMA' has faced criticism since its announcement in September that it will be held in Nagoya, Japan. Although there was in-depth discussion at the MAMA official team regarding the selection of the venue due to the Korea-Japan's strained relationship, Mnet explained that it was determined that private cultural exchange should continue regardless of political issues.
In response, Mnet expressed its ambition to hold the Nagoya Dome in Japan, making the largest 'MAMA' of all time and solidifying its position as Asia's best music awards ceremony.
However, the majority of consumers have responded that they have not been convinced that the venue will be in Japan because the relationship between Korean and Japan has deteriorated rapidly and a large-scale boycott of Japanese products is taking place. The appearance of K-Pop idol, which has great impact at home and abroad, will be followed by the success of the awards ceremony. The public's opinion on the venue selection is becoming negative.
Even though Hong Kong was forced to be excluded from the selection of venues as the protests propelled by the Hong Kong Municipal Government's enactment of the Extradition Law (repatriation law) have prolonged this year, the launch in the city of Japan has fueled anger. Nagoya is also controversial to Koreans as the Statue of the Girl was demolished. As a result, some fans have begun boycotting activities.
Currently, 'MAMA' is in the process of voting after the release of the candidates by category such as singer of the year, song of the year and men's group award. Since the voting before the awards is also reflected in the awards, fans have been voting every year, hoping that the singers they support will receive the awards.
But this year, some fans criticized holding the event at Nagoya, Japan, and announced that they would not consume awards at any level, including voting and watching. Some said they would not participate even if the singer they support is participating in the awards ceremony.
This year 'MAMA' has attracted a lot of attention since its announcement of the venue. Attention is focused on whether the awards ceremony will be a success.
