'MAMA Awards' Celebrates 25th Anniversary with First U.S. Event...
"A Music Festival Transcending Time and Space"

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The 'MAMA Awards' is set to make its first foray into the U.S. in celebration of its 25th anniversary, marking a major step forward for the annual K-pop awards event.

During a media day event held at CJ ENM’s Sangam Center in Seoul on October 29, the new vision and plans for the '2024 MAMA Awards' were revealed.

This year’s theme, "BIG BLUR: What is Real?" reflects the blending of genres, cultures, and preferences, promising to showcase an unprecedented style of performance.

The ceremony will take place on November 22 and 23 (KST) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, USA, and Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan.

Notably, after the MAMA Awards US ceremony concludes, a relay broadcast will transition to the red carpet of MAMA Awards Japan just two hours later, creating a truly global music festival that transcends time and space.

In terms of technology, significant innovations are expected, with artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) employed to craft extraordinary stages.

On November 22, an exciting collaboration stage between Playboi Carti and Lee Young-ji will be featured in Japan, while the LA Dolby Theatre will showcase debut MAMA performances from rookie groups ILLIT, KATSEYE, TWS, and YOUNG POSSE.

The highlight of this year’s event is G-Dragon’s comeback performance.

Lead Producer Yoon Shin-hye remarked,
"This will be another legendary stage that will be remembered for decades, much like his performance in 2015." When asked about a potential full Big Bang reunion stage, she mentioned it is "under consideration."

Industry insiders have praised MAMA Awards’ U.S. debut as timely, noting,
"With K-pop’s rising influence in the global music industry, this expansion into the U.S. is a fitting decision."

The relay broadcast between LA and Osaka demonstrates the global reach of K-pop while introducing a new type of music festival that transcends time and space.

With 25 years of history, the '2024 MAMA Awards' is expected to set a new standard for global music awards, blending tradition with the latest technology for groundbreaking stage productions.

The event will showcase both the past and future of K-pop, as rookie groups take the MAMA stage for the first time alongside G-Dragon’s comeback, creating a meaningful convergence of K-pop’s legacy and future.

Yoon Shin-hye emphasized, "This 25th anniversary celebration will be a unique event, confirming the global influence of K-pop and setting the stage for new growth."

The industry is closely watching the outcomes of this U.S. debut and the potential impact it will have on K-pop’s globalization.

Special attention is also on how the use of AI and AR technology could set a new standard for music award shows worldwide.