Song Joong Ki To Host 2018 MAMA In Hong Kong; Gaon Music Awards Removes Fan Vote-Based Popularity Award
Best buddies Song Joong Ki and Park Bo Gum will both host the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards but they will not be together in the same event. Song has been confirmed to host the finale of the three-day event in Hong Kong while Park will host the same award show but in Japan.
This is the third time Song will serve as host at the MAMA. The Descendants of the Sun actor hosted the ceremony in 2012 and 2017.
The 2018 MAMA will premiere in Seoul, South Korea and it will be hosted by Something In The Rain actor Jung Hae In. Encounter star Park Bo Gum, on the other hand, will lead the 2018 MAMA Fans' Choice in Japan. Song Joong Ki will host the 2018 MAMA final ceremony on December 14 at the AsiaWorld-Expo Arena in Hong Kong.
So far, the MAMA lineup for the last day of 2018 MAMA includes BTS, GOT7, Wanna One, SEVENTEEN, and MOMOLAND. American singer Janet Jackson has also been confirmed to attend the event in Hong Kong. MAMA is expected to prepare special stages from various artists as it celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Voting for 2018 MAMA categories will end of December 9.
In other related awards show news, Gaon Chart Music Awards has revealed its decision not to include the popularity award that is based solely on fan votes. It also announced some of the changes that they will implement for its upcoming ceremony.
The Gaon Chart and Gaon Chart Music Awards said they have decided to eliminate the award category as it is causing unnecessary and unhealthy competition amongst the fandoms. It also acknowledged that both the singers and fans are feeling the stress because of too many awards shows now in Korea while the prestige of music awards shows is also fading.
Moreover, Gaon Music Awards also announced changes in its ticket reservation system to avoid the issue of macros and scalping tickets. In the new system, fans who intend to attend the show will be required to register for a random draw. Additionally, Gaon also vowed to focus on the award presenters and not only on award recipients.
The 8th Gaon Chart Music Awards will be held at the Seoul Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium on January 23. The host of the ceremony is yet to be announced.