2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards
View on Wikipedia| 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards | |
|---|---|
| Date | December 6, 2020 |
| Location | CJ ENM Contents World, Paju, South Korea |
| Hosted by | Song Joong-ki |
| Most awards | BTS (9) |
| Website | 2020mama |
| Television/radio coverage | |
| Network | Mnet, across CJ E&M channels and other international networks, YouTube |
| Runtime | 380 minutes (Main Ceremony) |
The 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards ceremony, organized by CJ E&M through its music channel Mnet, took place live on December 6 at the CJ ENM Contents World in Paju, South Korea with the theme, "New-Topia". The ceremony was the 22nd in the show's history but was held with no on-site audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1][2][3]
Background
[edit]On September 11, CJ ENM responded to reports and confirmed that the year's MAMA will still take place despite the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, but no additional details were announced.[4]
On September 21, it was reported that it will take place on December 6 with no location confirmed. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to hold the event in Hong Kong. It was the first time in 11 years that MAMA only took place in South Korea.[5][6]
On November 24, it was reported that Song Joong-ki was set to host the ceremony.[7]
Criteria
[edit]K-Pop Categories
[edit]All songs that are eligible to be nominated are songs released from October 24, 2019, to October 28, 2020.[8]
| Division | Online Voting | MAMA Professional Panel
(Local + Foreign) |
Music Sales | Record Sales | Social Media Voting | Global M/V View Counts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artist of the Year
Categories by Artist* |
30% | 30% | 20% | 20% | — | — |
| Song of the Year
Categories by Genre** |
20% | 40% | 30% | 10% | — | — |
| Album of the Year | — | 40% | — | 60% | — | — |
| Best Music Video | — | 70% | — | — | — | 30% |
| Worldwide Icon of the Year
Global Top 10 Fans' Choice*** |
60% | — | — | — | 20% | 20% |
| *Best New (M)ale/(F)emale Artist, Best M/F Artist, Best M/F Group
**Best Dance Performance (Solo/M/F Group), Best Vocal Performance (M/F/Group), Best HipHop & Urban Music, Best Band Performance, Best Collaboration, Best OST ***Social Media (Twitter) Voting | ||||||
Asia Music Categories
[edit]Artists from Japan, China, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Vietnam who've worked on songs released from October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2020.[8]
Professional Categories
[edit]Music experts from South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, India, Indonesia and Vietnam who participated in music related contents released from October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2020.[8]
Performers
[edit](Note: All performance were pre-recorded in order to maintain social distancing due to COVID-19 pandemic.)
| Name(s) | Song(s) | Notes/Stage Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Taemin | Intro + "Criminal" + "Heaven" + "Idea"[9] | "The Dawn of a NEW-TOPIA" |
| Jessi | "Nunu Nana"[10] | "I Am What I Am" |
| Hwasa | Intro + "María"[11] | |
| Jessi X Hwasa | "Gang" (MAMA Ver.) (Orig. Rain)[12] | |
| Park Sung-hoon of Enhypen | "Into the I-Land" (Piano Ver.)[13] | "On The Borderline" |
| Enhypen | "Intro: Walk the Line" + "Given-Taken"[14] | |
| Cravity | "Break All The Rules" + "Dramarama" (Orig. Monsta X) + "Shoot Out" (Orig. Monsta X)[15] |
"Heaven And Hell" |
| Monsta X | "Beastmode" + "Love Killa"[16] | |
| Oh My Girl | "Nonstop"[17] | "Total Eclipse" |
| (G)I-dle | "Dumdi Dumdi"[18] | |
| Oh My Girl (Mimi, Jiho, Arin) + (G)I-dle (Soojin, Soyeon & Yuqi) |
"Bad Girl Good Girl" (Orig. Miss A)[19] | |
| Juyeon of The Boyz | "Open the Gate of Hell"[20] | "Qui Fert Pondus Coronae Velit" |
| The Boyz | "The Beginning of the End (Reveal & Checkmate)"[21] | |
| Ateez | "Dona Eis Requiem (Inception & Answer)"[22] | |
| Stray Kids | "Victory Song" (MAMA ver.)[23] | |
| Juyeon of The Boyz + Hyunjin of Stray Kids + San of Ateez |
"Triangular Fight"[24] | |
| JO1 | "Infinity" + "Shine A Light"[25] | "Infinite Light" |
| Treasure | "Boy" + "I Love You" + "MMM"[26] | "Find Your TREASURE" |
| Tomorrow X Together | "Short Hair" (Orig. Cho Yong-pil) + "She Was Pretty" (Orig. Park Jin-young) + "Dynamite" (Orig. BTS) + "Blue Hour" (Dance Break ver.)[27] |
"Welcome To The DISCO" |
| Iz*One | "La Vie En Rose" + "Violeta" + "Fiesta" + "Secret Story of the Swan" + "Panorama"[28] |
"One-REELER" |
| Got7 | "Not by the Moon" + "Last Piece"[29] | "The Last Piece Of NEW-TOPIA" |
| Mamamoo | "Aya" + "Dingga" (Agrabah ver.)[30] | "Promised Land" |
| Seventeen | "Left & Right" + "Home;Run"[31] | "Door to YOUTHOPIA" |
| NCT U | "From Home" (Rearranged Ver.)[32] | "Resonance Of NCT" |
| WayV | "Turn Back Time"[33] | |
| NCT Dream | "Ridin'"[34] | |
| NCT 127 | "Kick It"[35] | |
| NCT | "Resonance"[36] | |
| Twice | "More & More" + "I Can't Stop Me" + "Cry for Me"[37][a] | "Paradise, Lost" |
| Winter of Aespa | "ID; Peace B"[38] | "BoA 20th Anniversary Special" |
| (G)I-dle | "Listen to My Heart"[39] | |
| YooA of Oh My Girl | "Tree"[40] | |
| Kwon Eun-bi, Lee Chae-yeon, Choi Ye-na, Kim Chae-won of Iz*One |
"Atlantis Princess"[41] | |
| BoA | "No. 1" + "Only One" (feat. Taemin) + "Better"[42] | "You're Still My No. 1" |
| BTS | "On"[b] + "Dynamite" + "Life Goes On"[43] | "On & On" |
Presenters
[edit]The list of presenters was announced on December 1, 2020.[44]
- Song Joong-ki – host, presented CJ ENM 2020 Visionary & Song of the Year
- Byeon Woo-seok & Hwang In-youp – Best New Male & Female Artist
- Bae Jung-nam & Lee Sun-bin – Best Dance Performance – Male and Solo & Discovery of the Year
- Lee Do-hyun & Go Bo-gyeol – Best Band Performance & Favorite Dance Performance – Female Solo
- Joo Woo-jae & Lee Yu-bi – Best of Next & Best Vocal Performance – Group
- James Corden[c] – Album of the Year
- Gong Myung & Choi Soo-young – Worldwide Fans' Choice
- Yoo Yeon-seok & Jung Kyung-ho – Worldwide Fans' Choice
- Im Soo-jung & Lee Da-hee – Worldwide Fans' Choice
- Yang Kyung-won & Park Ha-sun – Best Stage, Favorite Dance Performance – Group & Notable Achievement Artist
- Kim Ji-suk & Im Soo-hyang – Best Music Video & Favorite Asian Artist
- Lee Sang-yeob & Park Gyu-young – Favorite Female & Male Group
- Park Seo-joon – Worldwide Icon of the Year
- Yoon Park & Kang Han-na – Favorite Dance Performance – Male Solo & Favorite Global Performance
- Jung Moon-sung & Jeon Mi-do – Best Male Artist
- Gong Myung – BoA's 20th anniversary special & Inspired Achievement Award
- Jeon Hye-jin – Most Popular Artist
- Lee Jung-jae – Artist of the Year
Winners and nominees
[edit]Winners are listed first and highlighted in bold. Online voting opened on the official MAMA website and Twitter an hour after the announcement of nominees on October 29, 2020. Voting ended on December 5, 2020.[45]
Main awards
[edit]

Favorite Awards
[edit]| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Fans' Choice Top 10 | |
| Favorite Dance Performance – Female Solo | Jessi – "Nunu Nana" |
| Favorite Dance Performance – Male Solo | Taemin – "Criminal" |
| Favorite Dance Performance – Group | TXT – "Can't You See Me?" |
| Favorite Asian Artist | WayV |
| Favorite Female Group | Iz*One |
| Favorite Male Group | NCT |
| Global Favorite Performer | Seventeen |
Special Awards
[edit]| Category | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Asian Artist | Japan | Official Hige Dandism |
| Mandarin | G.E.M. | |
| Thailand | Ink Waruntorn | |
| Indonesia | Rizky Febian | |
| Vietnam | Binz | |
| Best New Asian Artist | Japan | Fujii Kaze |
| Mandarin | Chih Siou | |
| Thailand | Milli | |
| Indonesia | Tiara Andini | |
| Vietnam | Amee | |
| Best New Asian Artist | JO1 | |
| Discovery of the Year | Ateez | |
| Best of Next | Cravity | |
| Best Stage | Monsta X | |
| Notable Achievement Artist | Seventeen | |
| Inspired Achievement | BoA | |
| Most Popular Artist | Twice | |
| 2020 Visionary (CJ E&M) | ||
Professional Categories
[edit]| Category | Winner | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Best Executive Producer of the Year | Bang Si-hyuk | BTS |
| Best Producer of the Year | Pdogg | BTS - "ON" |
| Best Composer of the Year | Yovie Widianto | Tiara Andini - "Maafkan Aku #TerlanjurMencinta" |
| Best Engineer of the Year | Gu jong Pil & Kwon Nam Woo | Zico - "Any song" |
| Best Video Director of the Year | LUMPENS | BTS - "Dynamite" |
| Best Choreographer of the Year | Quang Dang | Binz - "Love Note" |
| Best Art Director of the Year | MU:E | BTS - "Dynamite" |
Multiple Awards
[edit]The following artist(s) received three or more awards:
| Awards | Artist(s) |
|---|---|
| 9 | BTS |
| 4 | Blackpink |
| 3 | IU |
| Seventeen | |
| NCT / WayV |
Broadcast
[edit]The ceremony of the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards was broadcast live worldwide from Mnet in South Korea to simulcast across CJ E&M channels; other international networks, and online via Mnet K-pop and KCON's YouTube account and Mnet's official website.[46] The live red carpet broadcast was cancelled due to safety protocols against COVID-19.[citation needed]
| Country | Network | |
|---|---|---|
| Worldwide[d] | YouTube (Mnet K-Pop & KCON), mwave.me | |
| United States | KCON USA | |
| South Korea | Mnet, TVING, O'live, XtvN | |
| Japan | Mnet Smart, Mnet Japan, au Smart Pass | |
| Hong Kong | JOOX,[47] ViuTV, ViuTVsix, viu.tv | tvN Asia |
| Taiwan | FET Friday video, FET Friday Music | |
| Philippines | GigaFest (Smart Communications)[48] | |
| Singapore | MeWATCH | |
| Indonesia | Indosiar,[49] JOOX,[50] Vidio | |
| Malaysia | JOOX[47] | |
| Thailand | ||
| Myanmar | ||
| Maldives | tvN Asia | |
| Sri Lanka | ||
| Vietnam | FPT TV, Foxy | |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | tvN Asia (through DStv)[51] | |
Controversies
[edit]Discrimination between actors and idols
[edit]On December 8, Dispatch released a report which described that the actors who took part in the ceremony as award presenters had been given waiting rooms and catering backstage. It has been also reported that only two idol teams received waiting rooms, and the others waited in an outdoor parking lot. Although the performance was pre-recorded, the winning scene was live, so it is known that the singers who attended had to wait in the vehicle for as little as one hour and as long as six hours.[52] Restrooms for these artists are said to have been portable toilets outside, and some idols rented other accommodations nearby rather than have to sit in their cars. An official representative from an idol group confessed, "Most of the singers have a bad waist. It is hard to sit in the car for a long time," They continued, "Some singers rented separate accommodations and waited there."[53] A source from 2020 MAMA spoke with No Cut News. They stated that while it would have been good to have provided separate spaces for everyone, they had to follow regulations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “We are a music show and there is absolutely no reason that we would treat singers [negligently],” they stated.[54] On December 9, Mnet again responded, "It is because there cannot be more than 100 people in one space in the second stage of distancing due to the COVID-19 quarantine rules. It was a situation where there was insufficient space in the waiting room, and it was not discriminating between singers and actors."[55]
Map of Indonesia
[edit]An Indonesian map was shown in the broadcast live by Mnet while publicizing the enthusiasm of K-pop around the world. Indonesia was the country that voted the most in this event excluding South Korea. However, the map displayed was false. The map showed Sumatra Island and Java Island are joined, while Bali Island and Lombok Island, which are next to Java, have disappeared. West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, and Maluku were also not marked. Sulawesi and Papua were too far apart.[56][57]
Map of the Philippines
[edit]During the awards show, Mnet announced the Top 5 Regions sending the most love on MAMA 2020. However, the Philippines map shown was false. The islands of Palawan, Marinduque, Mindoro, and Romblon in Luzon were missing together with the Visayas, one of the three main land groups in the Philippines. Filipino fans also complained about only accessing the live stream through Smart Communications.[58]
Poor working environment
[edit]On December 11, Dispatch released a report of the severe levels of dust particles that made vision and breathing difficult during artists' performance recordings. The '2020 MAMA' took place at the CJ ENM Contents World located in Paju, a construction site expected to be completed in 2023. According to the Paju City Hall Architecture Department, the construction progress is 30-40%. There were signs posted on the perimeter of the construction zone including "Caution: snakes", "Caution: fire hazards", and "Warning: drop hazards". Performance recordings took place in one of two completed buildings on-site, Studio 6. Each performing artist took to the stage at least two times, coming on and off the stage and the set for a duration of at least 4 hours. The reporters who visited the site noted that their throats hurt from inhaling the dust. CJ E&M responded that it was comfortable because it was a 'new building'. "At the time of recording, 100% of the air conditioning system was operating" , but representatives from the K-Pop artists claimed that there were rehearsals and pre-recordings taking place until the morning of the ceremony. "They then removed the sets used for the pre-recordings and set up the live ceremony set immediately before the event."[59]
According to a representative from the city of Paju, CJ ENM did receive approval from the city to carry out filming in Studio 5 and Studio 6, the two completed buildings at CJ ENM Contents World. However, dust particle levels at the construction site of CJ ENM Contents World have not undergone check-ups since the construction first began in 2019. The official continued, "We have not checked for fine dust separately before MAMA. There was no request at all for the related sector."[59]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Recorded at CJ E&M Studio in Ilsan
- ^ Pre-recorded at Seoul World Cup Stadium (before Level 2 social distancing measure were implemented)
- ^ Recorded at CBS Television City in Los Angeles
- ^ Restricted access on some countries due to broadcasting rights.
References
[edit]- ^ Park, Sae-jin (September 21, 2020). "Mnet to hold online Asian music award event due to COVID-19 pandemic". Aju Daily. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ Yonhap (September 21, 2020). "K-pop awards show MAMA to be held online due to COVID-19". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ Jang, Dong-woo (September 21, 2020). "K-pop awards show MAMA to be held online due to COVID-19". Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ Lee, Da-gyeom (September 11, 2020). ‘2020 MAMA’, 국내서 개최하나?...CJ ENM “결정된 것 없어”[공식] [Will '2020 MAMA' be held in Korea?... CJ ENM “Nothing has been decided” [Official]]. MK (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ Lee, Da-kyum (September 11, 2020). ‘2020 MAMA’, 국내서 개최하나?...CJ ENM “결정된 것 없어”[공식] [Will '2020 MAMA' be held in Korea?... CJ ENM “Nothing has been decided” [Official]]. Daily economy (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved September 11, 2020 – via Naver.
- ^ Park, Sae-jin (September 21, 2020). "Mnet to hold online Asian music award event due to COVID-19 pandemic". Aju Business Daily. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ Lee, Da-kyum (November 24, 2020). 송중기, ‘2020 MAMA’ 호스트 낙점[공식] [Song Joong-ki, selected as a host for '2020 MAMA' [Official]]. Daily economy (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 24, 2020. Retrieved November 24, 2020 – via Naver.
- ^ a b c "MAMA Judging Criteria - Understanding for Voting System | Mwave". mama.mwave.me. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
- ^
Taemin:
- Intro + "Criminal" + "Heaven": [2020 MAMA] TAEMIN_Criminal + Heaven + IDEA (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Idea": [2020 MAMA] TAEMIN_Criminal + Heaven + IDEA (Online video). Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 1:57. Retrieved December 7, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Jessi:
- "Nunu Nana": [2020 MAMA] Jessi_NUNU NANA (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Hwasa:
- Intro: [2020 MAMA] Hwa Sa_Maria (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "María": [2020 MAMA] Hwa Sa_Maria (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 1:56. Retrieved December 7, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Jessi X Hwasa:
- "Gang" (MAMA Ver.): [2020 MAMA] Jessi X Hwa Sa_GANG(MAMA Ver.) (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Park Sung-hoon of Enhypen:
- "Into the I-LAND" (Piano Ver.): [2020 MAMA] ENHYPEN_Into the I-LAND(Piano Ver.) + Walk the Line + Given-Taken (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 1:06. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Enhypen:
- "Intro: Walk the Line": [2020 MAMA] ENHYPEN_Into the I-LAND(Piano Ver.) + Walk the Line + Given-Taken (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 2:08. Retrieved December 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Given-Taken": [2020 MAMA] ENHYPEN_Into the I-LAND(Piano Ver.) + Walk the Line + Given-Taken (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 3:35. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Cravity:
- "Break All The Rules": [2020 MAMA] CRAVITY_Break all the Rules + DRAMARAMA + Shoot Out (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Dramarama" (Orig. Monsta X): [2020 MAMA] CRAVITY_Break all the Rules + DRAMARAMA + Shoot Out (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 2:41. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Shoot Out" (Orig. Monsta X): [2020 MAMA] CRAVITY_Break all the Rules + DRAMARAMA + Shoot Out (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 3:48. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Monsta X:
- "BEASTMODE": [2020 MAMA] MONSTA X_BEASTMODE (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Love Killa": [2020 MAMA] MONSTA X_Love Killa (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Oh My Girl:
- "Nonstop": [2020 MAMA] OH MY GIRL_Nonstop (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
(G)I-dle:
- "Dumdi Dumdi": [2020 MAMA] (G)I-DLE_DUMDi DUMDi (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Oh My Girl X (G)I-dle:
- "Bad Girl Good Girl" (Orig. Miss A): [2020 MAMA] OH MY GIRL X (G)I-DLE_Bad Girl Good Girl (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Juyeon of The Boyz:
- "Open the Gate of Hell": [2020 MAMA] THE BOYZ_Open the gate of hell + The Beginning of the End(REVEAL + CHECKMATE) (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
The Boyz:
- "The Beginning of the End (Reveal & CHECKMATE)": [2020 MAMA] THE BOYZ_Open the gate of hell + The Beginning of the End(REVEAL + CHECKMATE) (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 1:09. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Ateez:
- "Dona Eis Requiem (INCEPTION & Answer)": [2020 MAMA] ATEEZ_Dona Eis Requiem(INCEPTION + Answer) (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Stray Kids:
- "Victory Song" (MAMA ver.): [2020 MAMA] Stray Kids_Victory Song(MAMA Ver.) (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Juyeon of The Boyz X Hyunjin of Stray Kids X San of Ateez:
- "Triangular Fight": [2020 MAMA] THE BOYZ X ATEEZ X Stray Kids_Triangular Fight (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
JO1:
- "Infinity": [2020 MAMA] JO1_無限大(INFINITY) + Shine A Light (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 1:34. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Shine A Light": [2020 MAMA] JO1_無限大(INFINITY) + Shine A Light (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 3:08. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Treasure:
- "Boy": [2020 MAMA] TREASURE_BOY + I LOVE YOU (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 0:41. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "I Love You": [2020 MAMA] TREASURE_BOY + I LOVE YOU (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 3:24. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "MMM": [2020 MAMA] TREASURE_MMM (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
TXT:
- "Short Hair" (Orig. Cho Yong-pil): [2020 MAMA] TOMORROW X TOGETHER_Short Hair + She Was Pretty + Dynamite (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 0:51. Retrieved December 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "She Was Pretty" (Orig. Park Jin-young): [2020 MAMA] TOMORROW X TOGETHER_Short Hair + She Was Pretty + Dynamite (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 1:58. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Dynamite" (Orig. BTS): [2020 MAMA] TOMORROW X TOGETHER_Short Hair + She Was Pretty + Dynamite (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 2:37. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Blue Hour" (Dance Break ver.): [2020 MAMA] TOMORROW X TOGETHER_Blue Hour (Dance Break ver.) (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Iz*One:
- "La Vie En Rose": [2020 MAMA] IZ*ONE_La Vie en Rose + Violeta + FIESTA (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Violeta": [2020 MAMA] IZ*ONE_La Vie en Rose + Violeta + FIESTA (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 1:16. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Fiesta": [2020 MAMA] IZ*ONE_La Vie en Rose + Violeta + FIESTA (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 2:19. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Secret Story of the Swan": [2020 MAMA] IZ*ONE_Secret Story of the Swan (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Panorama": [2020 MAMA] IZ*ONE_Panorama (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 0:30. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Got7:
- "Not by the Moon": [2020 MAMA] GOT7_NOT BY THE MOON (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Last Piece": [2020 MAMA] GOT7_LAST PIECE (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Mamamoo:
- "AYA": [2020 MAMA] MAMAMOO_AYA + Dingga (Agrabah Ver.) (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 1:45. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Dingga" (Agrabah ver.): [2020 MAMA] MAMAMOO_AYA + Dingga (Agrabah Ver.) (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 5:05. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Seventeen:
- "Left & Right": [2020 MAMA] SEVENTEEN_Left & Right + HOME;RUN (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Home;Run": [2020 MAMA] SEVENTEEN_Left & Right + HOME;RUN (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 4:44. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
NCT U:
- "From Home" (Rearranged Ver.): [2020 MAMA] NCT U_From Home (Rearranged Ver.) (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
WayV:
- "Turn Back Time": [2020 MAMA] WayV_Turn Back Time (超时空 回) (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 0:51. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
NCT Dream:
- "Ridin'": [2020 MAMA] NCT DREAM_Ridin' (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
NCT 127:
- "Kick It": [2020 MAMA] NCT 127_Kick It (英雄) (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
NCT:
- "RESONANCE": [2020 MAMA] NCT_RESONANCE (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 2:19. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Twice:
- "More & More": [2020 MAMA] TWICE_MORE & MORE + I CAN'T STOP ME (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 1:03. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "I Can't Stop Me": [2020 MAMA] TWICE_MORE & MORE + I CAN'T STOP ME (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 3:35. Retrieved December 8, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Cry For Me": [2020 MAMA] TWICE_CRY FOR ME (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Winter of Aespa:
- "ID; Peace B": [2020 MAMA] WINTER(Of aespa)/(G)I-DLE/YooA/IZ*ONE_ID; Peace B+ListenToMyHeart+Tree+Atlantis Princess (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 0:49. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
(G)I-dle:
- "Listen to My Heart": [2020 MAMA] WINTER(Of aespa)/(G)I-DLE/YooA/IZ*ONE_ID; Peace B+ListenToMyHeart+Tree+Atlantis Princess (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 1:36. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
YooA of Oh My Girl:
- "Tree": [2020 MAMA] WINTER(Of aespa)/(G)I-DLE/YooA/IZ*ONE_ID; Peace B+ListenToMyHeart+Tree+Atlantis Princess (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 2:19. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
Kwon Eun-bi, Lee Chae-yeon,
Choi Ye-na, & Kim Chae-won of Iz*One:- "Atlantis Princess": [2020 MAMA] WINTER(Of aespa)/(G)I-DLE/YooA/IZ*ONE_ID; Peace B+ListenToMyHeart+Tree+Atlantis Princess (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 5:06. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
BoA:
- "No. 1": [2020 MAMA] BoA_No.1 + Only One (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 1:01. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Only One" (feat. Taemin): [2020 MAMA] BoA_No.1 + Only One (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 4:11. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^
BTS:
- "On": [2020 MAMA] BTS_ON (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 1:42. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Dynamite": [2020 MAMA] BTS_Dynamite (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 0:18. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- "Life Goes On": [2020 MAMA] BTS_Life Goes On (Online video). South Korea: Mnet K-POP. December 6, 2020. Event occurs at 0:35. Retrieved December 12, 2020 – via YouTube.
- ^ Jeong, Tae-gun (December 1, 2020). 이정재·박서준→정경호♥최수영, '2020 MAMA' 시상자 출연 확정[공식] | 텐아시아 [Lee Jung-jae·Park Seo-jun → Jung Gyeong-ho ♥ Choi Soo-young confirmed to appear in '2020 MAMA' award winner [Official]]. TenAsia (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ "2020 MAMA VOTE". mama.mwave.me. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
- ^ "[#2020MAMA] Award Ceremony Schedule & Watching Guide". Twitter. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ a b "JOOX delivers K-pop's best and brightest for 5th straight year with 2020 MAMA livestreaming and VOD, for users in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand-PR Newswire APAC". en.prnasia.com. Archived from the original on April 12, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
- ^ "Get ready to stan your favorite k pop idols and celebrate their music at the #Smart2020MAMA. Raising hands". Twitter. Archived from the original on November 20, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
- ^ "Kabar Baik, 'MAMA 2020' Bakal Tayang di Indosiar". Kpop Chart (in Indonesian). November 12, 2020. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
- ^ "JOOX Tayangkan MAMA 2020 Secara Langsung". Fimela (in Indonesian). November 26, 2020. Archived from the original on November 30, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
- ^ "5 new channels coming to DStv". Channel. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
- ^ Song Da-young (December 8, 2020). 배우는 대기실, 아이돌은 주차장?…MAMA 차별 논란 [Waiting room for learning, parking lot for idols?... MAMA discrimination controversy]. The Kukmin Daily. Archived from the original on April 12, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ Kim Soo-ji, Goo Min-ji (December 8, 2020). [D-eye] MAMA, 아이돌 홀대의 그늘…"카니발, 햄버거, 그리고 간이화장실". Dispatch. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ Kim Soo-jeong (December 8, 2020). '2020 MAMA' 측 "가수들 차량 대기, 방역 조처 준수 위해" 해명 ['2020 MAMA' clarifies "Singers wait for vehicles, to comply with quarantine measures"]. CBS No Cut. Archived from the original on December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ [POP이슈]MAMA, 가수·배우 차별 의혹→해명 "코로나 방역 수칙 때문" [[POP Issue] MAMA Suspects Discrimination against Singers and Actors → Explained "Because of Corona Prevention Regulations"]. Herald POP. December 8, 2020. Archived from the original on April 12, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ Marvela (December 8, 2020). "Netizen Meradang, MAMA 2020 Bikin Peta Indonesia Jawa Sumatera Hingga NTT Gabung" [Netizen Infuriated, MAMA 2020 Makes Map of Indonesia Java Sumatra Until NTT Join]. Tempo. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ Go Chanyu (December 8, 2020). "우리 지도가 왜 이래" 인니 네티즌, K팝 축제 MAMA에 뿔났다 ["Why are our maps like this?" Indonesian netizens hit the K-pop festival MAMA]. The Kukmin Daily. Archived from the original on April 12, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ "Filipino fans wonder why the "Visayas" were removed during the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards". Archived from the original on 2021-02-07. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
- ^ a b Kim Soo-ji, Goo Min-ji (December 11, 2020). [단독] "콧구멍까지 불태웠다"…MAMA, 먼지와의 전쟁 [[Exclusive] "I burned my nostrils"... MAMA, the battle against dust]. Dispatch. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
External links
[edit]- Mnet Asian Music Awards official website (English)
2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards
View on GrokipediaBackground and Organization
Announcement and Planning
CJ ENM, the parent company of Mnet, officially announced on September 20, 2020, that the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) would proceed as the first fully virtual ceremony in the event's history, scheduled for December 6, 2020.[1] This decision prioritized participant safety amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, forgoing a traditional physical venue and audience in favor of a non-contact format broadcast from South Korea.[2] The announcement emphasized continuity of the awards, which originated in 1999 as a premier recognition of Asian music achievements, while adapting to global health constraints that had disrupted live events throughout the year.[1] Planning for the virtual edition began earlier, with CJ ENM confirming on September 11, 2020, that the event remained on track despite uncertainties, though specifics on timing, format, and execution were still under internal discussion at that stage.[3] Key logistical shifts included leveraging advanced digital production techniques to simulate immersive experiences, such as a virtual "NEW-TOPIA" environment teased in subsequent promotional materials, enabling global artist participation without international travel.[4] Organizers aimed to elevate technological integration beyond prior years, focusing on high-quality streaming and interactive elements to compensate for the absence of in-person elements, as articulated by production leads in post-event reflections.[4] No physical audience or red carpet was planned, with all segments pre-recorded or live-streamed remotely to minimize health risks.[5]Theme and Conceptual Framework
The 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards adopted the theme "NEW-TOPIA," envisioning a virtual utopia where global fans connect through music amid physical isolation. This concept was unveiled in a teaser video on October 8, 2020, depicting a symbolic gate opening to this digital realm, emphasizing transcendence of geographical barriers via artistic expression.[6][7] Conceptualized as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, "NEW-TOPIA" integrated advanced technologies like augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), and volumetric displays to simulate immersive experiences without live audiences. Organizers framed it as a space fostering unity, with performances categorized under sub-themes aligning with the overarching narrative of renewal and connection. This framework prioritized virtual innovation to maintain the event's scale, drawing record viewership by leveraging online streaming platforms.[8][9][10] The theme's execution highlighted music's role in bridging divides, with promotional materials portraying "NEW-TOPIA" as a collective gathering point for international audiences. This approach marked a departure from traditional in-person formats, prioritizing digital accessibility while preserving the awards' prestige in Asian music recognition.[11][12]Adaptations for the COVID-19 Pandemic
The 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards were conducted without an on-site audience to comply with COVID-19 restrictions in South Korea, marking a departure from previous years' live spectator events.[9] The ceremony, held on December 6, 2020, at the CJ ENM Center in Sangam-dong, Seoul, emphasized social distancing protocols, with organizers opting for a fully virtual broadcast format themed "New-topia" to simulate an immersive online experience for global viewers.[13][8] Performances were pre-recorded on isolated soundstages to minimize contact among artists and staff, incorporating augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), and volumetric display technologies to enhance visual production without requiring real-time gatherings.[4] This approach allowed international and domestic acts to participate remotely, reducing travel-related transmission risks amid border closures and quarantine mandates.[8] Additional precautions included on-site disinfection procedures, though these drew criticism for being performative rather than substantive, such as visible spraying during the event that netizens viewed as potentially counterproductive to air quality in enclosed spaces.[14] Backstage logistics for performers faced scrutiny for inadequate facilities, including the use of temporary tents and portable toilets shared among groups, which reportedly undermined social distancing despite the no-audience policy.[15] Organizers defended these as compliant with prevailing regulations, prioritizing the event's continuation over pre-pandemic norms.[15]Award Criteria and Selection
Voting Mechanisms and Eligibility
Nomination eligibility for the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards required musical works, including songs and albums, to have been released between October 24, 2019, and October 28, 2020.[16] [17] Artists and groups were automatically considered for relevant categories based on these releases, with provisions that if both an individual artist and their affiliated group qualified, only the group would receive the nomination to avoid duplication.[16] Fan voting commenced online via the official MAMA website immediately following the nominee announcement on October 29, 2020, and concluded on December 5, 2020.[16] Voters accessed categories through the site, with "official votes" referring to selections made directly on this platform; additional social media votes, primarily via Twitter through hashtag campaigns, contributed to specific awards.[16] No explicit restrictions on voter age, nationality, or account verification were imposed, enabling broad global participation, though one vote per account per day applied in votable categories to prevent abuse.[16] Voting weightings varied by category, balancing fan input with expert judgment, sales data, and streaming metrics:| Category Group | Criteria Breakdown |
|---|---|
| Artist of the Year and Artist Categories (e.g., Best Male/Female Group) | 30% official fan votes, 30% judge panel, 20% digital sales, 20% physical sales[16] |
| Worldwide Icon of the Year and Worldwide Fans' Choice Top 10 | 60% official fan votes, 20% social media votes, 20% global music video views[16] |
| Best Music Video | 70% judge panel, 30% global music video views[16] |
| Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Performance, Best Dance Performance, Best Collaboration | 100% judge panel (no fan voting component)[16] |
K-Pop and Idol-Focused Categories
The K-Pop and idol-focused categories at the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards recognized achievements by South Korean idol groups and solo artists, emphasizing elements central to the genre such as group synchronization, performance versatility, and commercial success in domestic and global markets. These categories included Best Male Group, Best Female Group, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best New Male Artist, Best New Female Artist, along with performance-specific awards like Best Dance Performance (Male/Female Group or Solo) and Best Vocal Performance (Male/Female Group or Solo). Nominations were limited to music releases between October 24, 2019, and October 28, 2020, with eligibility prioritizing K-Pop acts under major agencies that debuted within the past year for rookie categories or demonstrated sustained idol-style output for established ones.[18][16] Selection for artist-focused categories, such as Best Male/Female Group or Artist, combined fan input with expert and data-driven evaluation: 30% from official online voting through the Mnet app and website (open from October 29 to November 20, 2020, with pre-voting for Worldwide Fans' Choice), 30% from a judges' panel of music industry professionals, 20% from music data research encompassing streaming and sales metrics, and 20% from Mnet's internal recommendations based on broadcast performance and popularity trends.[16][19] This multi-factor approach aimed to balance popularity with artistic merit, though fan voting's weight drew scrutiny for favoring acts with large international bases, as evidenced by high nomination counts for groups like BTS and BLACKPINK.[16] Performance categories like Best Dance Performance and Best Vocal Performance followed criteria aligned with song genre awards: 20% official votes, 40% judges' evaluation of technical execution and innovation, 30% digital song sales and streaming data, and 10% physical album sales. These emphasized quantifiable metrics of idol prowess, such as choreography complexity in dance awards or harmonic delivery in vocal ones, with judges assessing live and recorded elements from eligible tracks. Rookie categories mirrored artist criteria but restricted nominees to debut acts from the eligibility window, such as TREASURE and Weeekly, to highlight emerging idol talent without established sales advantages.[18][19] Overall, these categories reinforced MAMA's focus on K-Pop's idol ecosystem, where 2020 nominations reflected the genre's dominance amid global streaming surges, though the process's reliance on Mnet's opaque recommendations raised questions about internal biases toward affiliated artists.[16]Regional Asian and Professional Categories
The Regional Asian categories at the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards recognized outstanding achievements by artists from specific Asian regions outside the Korean Peninsula, including Japan, Mandarin-speaking areas (encompassing Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China), Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. These awards aimed to highlight regional music talent and expand MAMA's scope beyond K-pop dominance, with selections based on a combination of expert judging panels, sales data, and streaming metrics. Winners were announced during the ceremony on December 6, 2020.[20] In the Best Asian Artist categories, OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM received the honor for Japan, G.E.M. for Mandarin regions, Ink Waruntorn for Thailand, Rizky Febian for Indonesia, and BINZ for Vietnam.[20] [21] The Best New Asian Artist awards similarly spotlighted emerging talents: Fujii Kaze for Japan, Chih Siou for Mandarin, MILLI for Thailand, Tiara Andini for Indonesia, AMEE for Vietnam, and JO1 overall.[20]| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Asian Artist Japan | OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM |
| Best Asian Artist Mandarin | G.E.M. |
| Best Asian Artist Thailand | Ink Waruntorn |
| Best Asian Artist Indonesia | Rizky Febian |
| Best Asian Artist Vietnam | BINZ |
| Best New Asian Artist Japan | Fujii Kaze |
| Best New Asian Artist Mandarin | Chih Siou |
| Best New Asian Artist Thailand | MILLI |
| Best New Asian Artist Indonesia | Tiara Andini |
| Best New Asian Artist Vietnam | AMEE |
| Best New Asian Artist | JO1 |
| Category | Winner(s) | Work/Artist |
|---|---|---|
| Best Executive Producer | Bang Si-Hyuk | N/A |
| Best Producer | Pdogg | Dynamite / BTS |
| Best Composer | Yovie Widianto | Maafkan Aku #TerlanjurMencinta / Tiara Andini |
| Best Engineer | Gu Jong Pil & Kwon Nam Woo | Any song / ZICO |
| Best Video Director | Lumpens | Dynamite / BTS |
| Best Choreographer | Quang Đăng | Love Note / BINZ |
| Best Art Director | MU:E | Dynamite / BTS |
Event Execution
Venue and Date
The 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards ceremony occurred on December 6, 2020, at the CJ ENM Contents World in Paju, South Korea.[1][22] Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event adopted a fully virtual format described as "untact" (non-face-to-face), with no on-site audience permitted and performances pre-recorded or streamed remotely from various locations.[1][9] This marked the first virtual iteration of the awards and the first hosting in South Korea since 2009.[1][22] The decision prioritized health protocols while maintaining global accessibility via live streaming on platforms including Mnet, YouTube, and regional broadcasters.[23][24]Hosts, Presenters, and On-Site Logistics
The 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards ceremony was hosted by South Korean actor Song Joong-ki, who served as the main host for the event held on December 6, marking his fourth time in the role following previous appearances in 2012, 2017, and 2018.[25][11] A diverse lineup of presenters, primarily drawn from South Korean actors and select idols, announced the awards across categories. Notable presenters included Lee Jung-jae, Lee Do-hyun, Lee Da-hee, Kim Ji-seok, Hwang In-yeop, Uhm Jung-hwa, Yang Kyung-won, Byun Baek-hyun, Ko Bo-gyeol, and Choi Soo-young, with international participation from James Corden for select segments.[26][27][28] Specific pairings handled announcements for categories such as Best New Male and Female Artist by actors like Hwang In-yeop and others. On-site logistics at the CJ ENM Contents World in Paju, South Korea, were severely restricted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the first fully virtual edition of the awards with no live audience permitted.[29][30] Organizers implemented health protocols including limited personnel access, remote pre-recorded or live-streamed performances from global locations, and augmented reality (AR) and extended reality (XR) technologies to create immersive virtual environments like "NEW-TOPIA" for viewer engagement.[8][1] On-site facilities drew criticism for disparities in accommodations, with reports of performing artists relegated to waiting in parking lots or makeshift areas while presenters and actors received private rooms, highlighting logistical strains under pandemic constraints.[15] The format prioritized safety and global accessibility via online streaming, eschewing traditional in-person elements.[31][9]Performers and Stage Productions
The 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards featured pre-recorded performances by over 20 acts, adapted to COVID-19 protocols with no live audience or on-site filming for most artists, relying instead on remote submissions from studios and sets worldwide to ensure safety while preserving elaborate choreography and visual effects.[26][32] Stage productions emphasized thematic consistency with the event's "New-topia" motif, incorporating futuristic digital backdrops, synchronized LED lighting, and virtual reality-inspired transitions to simulate a cohesive broadcast despite geographical dispersion.[33] Prominent group performances included BTS delivering "Life Goes On" with intricate wave formations and emotional lighting shifts highlighting pandemic resilience themes; SEVENTEEN's high-energy medley of "Left & Right" and "Home;Run" showcasing their signature synchronized precision; and TWICE unveiling a dynamic stage for "Don't Call Me" blended with prior hits, featuring bold color contrasts and formation changes.[34] NCT units collaborated across subunits for "Resonance" tracks like "90's Love" and "Make Your Way," utilizing multi-screen splits and AR overlays for a layered, expansive feel.[35] Other standout sets were TXT's "Blue Hour" with ethereal blue-toned illusions and aerial elements, MONSTA X's "Gambler" emphasizing sharp hip-hop choreography, and MAMAMOO's "Travel" evoking nomadic journeys through projected landscapes.[33] Special collaboration stages amplified production innovation, such as CRAVITY covering MONSTA X's "Dramarama" before transitioning to their own "Break All The Rules," linked by seamless set redesigns symbolizing mentorship; and a teaser for the Kingdom competition uniting ATEEZ ("Inception"), The Boyz ("The Stealer"), and Stray Kids ("Back Door") in a unified finale with escalating intensity via shared virtual arena visuals.[36][37] Jessi and Hwasa's fierce reinterpretation of Rain's "Gang" incorporated urban grit aesthetics with rapid-cut editing and powerhouse vocals, while solo highlights like Taemin's "Criminal" and BoA's veteran medley integrated fluid dance isolations with minimalist yet impactful holography.[38] These elements collectively maintained the event's reputation for technical spectacle, with runtimes varying from 4-7 minutes per act to balance broadcast pacing.[34]Awards Presented
Daesang Grand Prizes
The Daesang Grand Prizes (대상), representing the pinnacle of recognition at the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards, were exclusively awarded to the South Korean boy band BTS, marking the second consecutive year they swept all four categories.[20][39] These honors, determined by a combination of professional judging panels, sales data, and digital metrics, underscored BTS's dominance in global music consumption that year, driven by record-breaking streams and album sales exceeding 4 million units for Map of the Soul: 7.[40][39] The recipients were as follows:| Award | Recipient | Associated Work |
|---|---|---|
| Artist of the Year | BTS | — |
| Album of the Year | BTS | Map of the Soul: 7 |
| Song of the Year | BTS | "Dynamite" |
| Worldwide Icon of the Year | BTS | — |
Primary Performance and Artist Awards
The primary performance and artist awards at the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards encompassed categories recognizing top solo artists, groups, newcomers, and specific performance elements such as dance and vocals, evaluated through a mix of professional jury assessments (40%), digital sales and streaming metrics (20%), album sales (20%), and global fan votes (20%).[20][39] BTS secured Best Male Group for their overall impact and discography, including hits from Map of the Soul: 7. BLACKPINK won Best Female Group, highlighted by their global breakthrough with The Album. In solo categories, EXO's Baekhyun took Best Male Artist amid his solo releases like Delight, while IU claimed Best Female Artist for works including Love Poem.[20][39] For newcomers, TREASURE earned Best New Male Artist following their debut with The First Step: Chapter One, and Weeekly won Best New Female Artist for We Need You. Performance awards included Best Dance Performance Male Group to BTS for "Dynamite," praised for its synchronized choreography and energy; Best Dance Performance Female Group to BLACKPINK for "How You Like That"; and Best Dance Performance Solo to Hwasa for "Maria."[20][41] Vocal excellence was recognized with Best Vocal Performance Solo awarded to IU for "Blueming," noted for its emotional delivery and range, and Best Vocal Performance Group to MAMAMOO for "HIP." ZICO won Best Hip Hop & Urban Music for his versatile track production, while BTS also took Best Music Video for "Dynamite," commended for its vibrant visuals and narrative.[20][39]| Category | Winner | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Best Male Group | BTS | - |
| Best Female Group | BLACKPINK | - |
| Best Male Artist | Baekhyun | - |
| Best Female Artist | IU | - |
| Best New Male Artist | TREASURE | - |
| Best New Female Artist | Weeekly | - |
| Best Dance Performance Male Group | BTS | "Dynamite" |
| Best Dance Performance Female Group | BLACKPINK | "How You Like That" |
| Best Dance Performance Solo | Hwasa | "Maria" |
| Best Vocal Performance Solo | IU | "Blueming" |
| Best Vocal Performance Group | MAMAMOO | "HIP" |
| Best Hip Hop & Urban Music | ZICO | - |
| Best Music Video | BTS | "Dynamite" |
Fan-Chosen and Worldwide Awards
The 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards included fan-influenced categories designed to reflect global audience preferences, with voting emphasizing international participation. The primary fan-chosen award was the Worldwide Fans' Choice Top 10, which recognized ten artists based on a weighted formula of 60% official votes submitted through the Mnet platform, 20% social media votes via Twitter hashtags, and 20% global music video views.[16] Voting commenced on October 29, 2020, immediately after nominee announcements, allowing fans worldwide to influence outcomes through dedicated apps and social media campaigns.[16][42] The recipients of the Worldwide Fans' Choice Top 10 were ATEEZ, BLACKPINK, BTS, GOT7, MAMAMOO, NCT, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, TREASURE, and TWICE, each acknowledged for their strong international fanbases during the award period.[20] This category underscored the event's shift toward digital global engagement, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited physical attendance but amplified online voting.[16] Complementing this, the Worldwide Icon of the Year award, also determined by the same voting criteria, was presented to BTS for their dominant global appeal and cultural impact in 2020.[20][16] BTS's win aligned with their chart performance and fan mobilization, as evidenced by high mid-voting tallies where they led with over 33% in related fan polls.[43] These awards highlighted MAMA's reliance on verifiable fan metrics over purely professional judging, fostering broader accessibility but also intense competition among K-pop acts.[16]Genre-Specific and Special Recognitions
The 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards featured genre-specific categories highlighting non-mainstream styles such as hip hop and urban music. Zico won Best Hip Hop & Urban Music for "Any song", selected by a combination of expert judges, global fan votes, and streaming data metrics from platforms like Melon and Genie Music.[20][39] Special recognitions encompassed collaborative works and soundtrack contributions. IU, featuring Suga of BTS, received Best Collaboration for "eight (Prod. & Feat. SUGA of BTS)", praised for its innovative production blending pop and hip hop elements, determined through similar judging criteria emphasizing artistic synergy.[20][39] Gaho earned Best OST for "Start" from the television series Itaewon Class, recognized for its emotional resonance and commercial success in drama accompaniment, with winners evaluated on sales, airplay, and peer nominations.[20][39]| Category | Winner | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Best Hip Hop & Urban Music | Zico | "Any song" |
| Best Collaboration | IU feat. Suga of BTS | "eight (Prod. & Feat. SUGA of BTS)" |
| Best OST | Gaho | "Start" (Itaewon Class) |
Multiple Award Recipients
BTS received the most awards at the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards, winning all four Daesang grand prizes: Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for "Dynamite," Album of the Year for Map of the Soul: 7, and Worldwide Icon of the Year.[20] The group also secured Best Male Group and Best Dance Performance - Male Group for "Dynamite."[20][39] IU claimed two awards: Best Female Artist and Best Vocal Performance - Solo.[20][39] BLACKPINK won Best Female Group and Best Dance Performance - Female Group for "How You Like That."[20][39]| Artist | Awards Won |
|---|---|
| BTS | Artist of the Year; Song of the Year ("Dynamite"); Album of the Year (Map of the Soul: 7); Worldwide Icon of the Year; Best Male Group; Best Dance Performance - Male Group ("Dynamite")[20] |
| IU | Best Female Artist; Best Vocal Performance - Solo[20] |
| BLACKPINK | Best Female Group; Best Dance Performance - Female Group ("How You Like That")[20] |