In a spectacular showcase of K-pop excellence, artists under the HYBE umbrella emerged victorious at the 2023 MAMA Awards, held over two electrifying nights at the iconic Tokyo Dome in Japan.
The MAMA Awards, an annual celebration organized by entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM, not only spotlights South Korea’s top musical talents but also recognizes outstanding acts from across Asia.
Leading the charge was the rising girl group NewJeans, seizing the spotlight with an impressive double win. The group secured two coveted “Daesangs” (grand prizes) for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year, the latter awarded for their hit single “Ditto.” Meanwhile, the charismatic boy band Seventeen claimed the Album of the Year title for their extended play “FML,” released in April.
The global phenomenon BTS, despite their absence from the event, continued their reign by clinching the Worldwide Icon of the Year award. This marked the sixth consecutive year that the seven-member group, under the Big Hit Music label, secured this prestigious accolade.
The dominance of HYBE was further highlighted as all “Daesang” winners hailed from the entertainment conglomerate’s sub-labels: BTS from Big Hit Music, Seventeen from Pledis Entertainment, and NewJeans from ADOR.
Here’s a roundup of some of the other noteworthy winners at the 2023 MAMA Awards:
Best Male Group: Seventeen
Best Female Group: NewJeans
Best Male Artist: BTS’ Jimin
Best Female Artist: Blackpink’s Jisoo
Best New Male Artist: ZEROBASEONE
Best New Female Artist: TripleS
Best Dance Performance (Male Group): Seventeen (“Super”)
Best Dance Performance (Female Group): NewJeans (“Ditto”)
Best Dance Performance (Male Solo): BTS’ Jungkook (“Seven” feat. Latto)
Best Dance Performance (Female Solo): Blackpink’s Jisoo (“Flower”)
Best Vocal Performance (Group): AKMU (“Love Lee”)
Best Vocal Performance (Solo): Parc Jae Jung (“Let’s Say Goodbye”)
Best Music Video: Jisoo (“Flower”)
Best OST: BTS (“The Planet”)
Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance: Agust D (“People Pt.2” feat. IU)
Best Collaboration: BTS’ Jungkook (“Seven” feat. Latto)
Additionally, fan favorites and emerging talents were recognized in various categories, and the Worldwide Fans’ Choice Top 10 included NCT Dream, ATEEZ, TWICE, ZEROBASEONE, Lim Young-woong, Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together, Enhypen, Stray Kids, and BTS.
Notably, singer Jeon Somi and actor Park Bogum reprised their roles as hosts for the first and second night, maintaining the show’s vibrant energy and entertainment value, much like the previous year. The 2023 MAMA Awards once again solidified itself as a premier event honoring the best in Asian music.
(JR AMIGO/AI/MNM)