Why Blackpink and EXO Avoid the MAMA Awards: A Tale of Disrespect and Dissatisfaction
In the world of K-pop, the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) are often seen as the pinnacle of recognition for the year's leading artists. However, not all K-pop groups share this sentiment. Two of the most prominent female K-pop duos, Blackpink and EXO, have frequently skipped these prestigious events, and there are multiple compelling reasons behind their decisions.
Disrespect and Taboos
A YG Entertainment official has stated that their idols typically attend performances and award shows only when they can promote their artists in the most effective manner possible. However, attending MAMA doesn't always align with this principle. The MAMA Awards are often criticized for their biased and disrespectful practices.
During the 2017 MAMA, when the nominees for girl group of the year were being revealed, Blackpink's faces were blurred in red—a stark and substantiable choice, considering the cultural significance of writing names in blood, a symbol of death. While the producers attributed this to a technical glitch, the evidence clearly suggests otherwise. Other Girls Groups (GGs) would not have faced the same treatment, considering the same production processes should apply to all. This act was widely perceived as a taboo and a grave insult to one of the most popular groups in Korea.
EXO’s Experiences of Disrespect
EXO, a rival group to Blackpink, has also faced significant disrespect at the MAMA Awards. In a particularly contentious year, EXO’s fans were subjected to brutal pushing by security guards. Additionally, despite leading in votes, EXO was robbed of several awards and managed to win only one. The group's members, upon receiving this token of recognition, appeared in tears, expressing gratitude to their fans and suggesting it was high time they celebrated. This event was unequivocally perceived as a disgrace for the group.
Concert Conflict
Another major reason for the avoidance of the MAMA Awards is the conflict with their concert schedules. The MAMA Awards were held in Japan on December 4th, coinciding with Blackpink's 2019-2020 Japanese Tour. Due to the time constraints and logistical challenges, performing at both events simultaneously is practically impossible. The physical incompatibility further underscores the sincerity of their choice not to participate.
Even if the concerts and awards ceremony were held on different days, attending an awards show and immediately moving on to a full concert would be overwhelmingly taxing for the artists.
Moreover, the decision to perform at MAMA instead of holding a concert based on fan preferences would be a logistical nightmare, making the concurrent events impractical for Blackpink and EXO to manage.
Conclusion
The decisions of Blackpink and EXO to skip the MAMA Awards are rooted in a profound dissatisfaction with the event's practices. The cultural and logistical barriers enforce a respect-driven rationale that protects both groups from unnecessary disrespect and the stress of conflicting schedules. Fans of these artists appreciate their stance, recognizing that their absence is a testament to their integrity and respect for their art and their audience.