K-pop Phenomenon Celebrates Historic Win at Tokyo Dome

Courtesy of Billboard Music Awards

In a historic moment for the K-pop scene, the fourth-generation girl group NewJeans secured the coveted Artist of the Year award on the final day of the 2023 MAMA Awards. Organized by CJ ENM, the globally acclaimed K-pop festival unfolded over two days at the prestigious Tokyo Dome in Japan on November 28-29. 

▲ Courtesy of Billboard Music Awards

The Artist of the Year accolade marks the first instance in 12 years that a girl group has claimed this honor. NewJeans, formed just a year and four months prior, debuted in July of the preceding year with their single “Attention.”

▲ Courtesy of Mnet

The group's single, "Ditto," earned them the Song of the Year title, dominating major local music charts. Additionally, NewJeans clinched Best Female Group and Best Dance Performance Female Group awards.

Remarkably, NewJeans did not attend the event, leading to an absence of acceptance speeches.

▲ Courtesy of MnetSeventeen, a prominent boy band, received the Album of the Year award for their 10th EP, “FML,” which garnered unprecedented success by selling over 6 million copies—setting a new record for the highest number of album units sold in K-pop history. Seventeen also secured other accolades, including Worldwide Fans’ Choice, Best Dance Performance Male Group, Best Male Group, and the Bibigo Culture and Style award.

BTS, despite their absence at the event, claimed the title of Worldwide Icon of the Year for the sixth consecutive year on the first day of the ceremony. The group, currently on a hiatus from collective activities, expressed gratitude in a prerecorded video, emphasizing their commitment to returning stronger.

The MAMA Awards drew approximately 80,000 viewers from around the world, with the event livestreamed in around 200 regions through YouTube and various digital platforms. Zerobaseone and tripleS received honors for Best New Male Artist and Best New Female Artist, respectively.

Sayart

Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com