Seventeen Reigns Supreme

In a spectacular night celebrating K-pop excellence, superstars Seventeen claimed their place at the top once again by winning the grand prize for the second year in a row at the 2024 MAMA Awards held on Saturday. This year's highly anticipated event spanned across Los Angeles and Osaka, Japan, marking a historic first as part of the prestigious ceremony took place in the United States, captivating global audiences.

The 13-member powerhouse team didn’t just win one award; they snagged the coveted Visa Artist of the Year, alongside four others, including Visa Album of the Year for their impressive 11th EP, "Seventeenth Heaven." Member Woozi delivered an emotional acceptance speech, expressing disbelief and gratitude as he remarked, “They say you're free to dream, but for us, winning a grand prize for two consecutive years was something we never imagined.” Seventeen showed their unwavering dedication to their fans, stating they would continue to strive to repay the honor bestowed upon them.

The group swept a total of five awards, including Best Male Group, Visa Super Stage, and Fans' Choice Male Top 10. This victory cements their status in the industry following a stellar year that has seen them consistently push boundaries through music and performance.

aespa and BTS Shine

Other renowned winners included the popular girl group aespa, who lifted six awards, with their hit single "Supernova" being crowned Visa Song of the Year. Their achievement includes accolades for Best Female Group, Best Dance Performance, Best Choreography, Best Music Video, and Fans' Choice Female Top 10, exemplifying their strong impact in the K-pop scene.

A major highlight from the first night of the awards, held in Japan, was BTS' Jimin, who won Visa Fans' Choice of the Year, showcasing the influence of the BTS legacy on the global music scene.

BIGBANG's Reunion Performance

Fans were further electrified by a surprise reunion performance from BIGBANG, featuring three of its legendary members: G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung. Their set was a blend of nostalgia and excitement, kicking off with G-Dragon's emotive solo tracks "Untitled" and "Power." The atmosphere reached fever pitch when all three came together to perform "Home Sweet Home," delighting audiences with their undeniable chemistry. The trio then enthralled listeners with a medley of their biggest hits, "Bang Bang Bang" and "Fantastic Baby," proving their enduring appeal.

Adding to the night's excitement, G-Dragon was distinguished with the inaugural Music Visionary of the Year award. His acceptance speech included a playful nod to his past, as he referenced lyrics from his 2014 MAMA performance, humorously stating, “It’s been a while. It looks like Mama is preparing a large feast.”

Byun Woo-seok's Performance

Also making waves at the event was actor Byun Woo-seok, known for his rise to fame in the hit drama "Lovely Runner." He wowed the audience with his performance of "Sudden Shower," the beloved OST track from the series, earning the favorite Global Trending Music for his song which has captured hearts both domestically and internationally.

A Night to Remember

This year’s MAMA Awards not only showcased the incredible talents of established artists but also reflected the evolving landscape of K-pop that continues to captivate fans around the world. As artists like Seventeen and BIGBANG redefine the genre, the world eagerly anticipates what’s next in the ever-growing tapestry of K-pop.