K-pop Phenomenon Continues Winning Streak Despite Absence

Courtesy of Mnet

In a milestone achievement on the first day of the two-day 2023 MAMA Awards at the Tokyo Dome, K-pop sensation BTS secured the title of Worldwide Icon of the Year. Organized by CJ ENM, the MAMA Awards stands as the world's largest K-pop festival. 

▲ Courtesy of Mnet

The accolade of Worldwide Icon of the Year marks the sixth consecutive win for BTS, a streak dating back to 2018. Notably, the group, currently on hiatus to focus on individual pursuits and fulfill mandatory military service, did not attend the event. In a prerecorded video, Jungkook expressed gratitude, stating, "Thank you for all this never-changing love. We lament that we cannot celebrate the day together, but we are confident that we will come back better than ever. We hope you stay healthy and happy until then."

In addition to the top honor, BTS was also recognized with the Worldwide Fans’ Choice award. Other recipients of this accolade included K-pop groups TXT, Zerobaseone, Enhypen, Ateez, NCT Dream, Stray Kids, Seventeen, and Twice, along with solo singer Lim Young-woong.

▲ Courtesy of MnetTVXQ, a legendary K-pop duo celebrating its 20th anniversary, was honored with the Inspiring Achievement award. The duo performed their latest single, "Down," and the hit single "Rising Sun" alongside the rookie boy band Riize.

The favorite new artist award, bestowed upon rookies who sold over 1 million copies of an album in their debut year, went to SM boy band Riize and Zerobaseone. The latter group, comprising nine artists chosen through Mnet’s “Boys Planet,” expressed gratitude and teased a forthcoming surprise announcement.

Zerobaseone’s Zhang Hao showcased his musical prowess with a violin performance of "Here I Am," the theme song of “Boys Planet.” Han Yujin of Zerobaseone delivered a captivating dance performance of the Japanese song “Endless Rain.”

On the upcoming second night of the MAMA Awards, major K-pop groups including Seventeen, Treasure, and Le Sserafim are set to take the stage.

Sayart

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com