What Went Wrong At MAMA 2020?
It's a wrap! Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) 2020 has given us some breathtaking performances from our favorite K-Pop stars.
MAMA has been a staple year-end awards show since 1999. Now in its 22nd year, MAMA 2020 continues to thrive even in the new normal. BTS has won all the grand prize awards or "daesang," namely: "Worldwide Icon of the Year," "Album of the Year," "Song of the Year," and Artist of the Year." Meanwhile, BLACKPINK won their first MAMA awards: "Best Female Group," "Best Dance Performance Female Group," and "Worldwide Fans' Choice."
While fans cheered on their favorite acts' achievements, K-Pop Twitter was set abuzz with various claims of idol mistreatment and other "shady" happenings during MAMA 2020. We have compiled some of the trending "fan" accounts on Twitter.
Blocked YouTube streaming for various countries
K-Pop fans from all over the world were excited to witness MAMA 2020's "NEW-TOPIA." However, to many fan's dismay, some countries were blocked from viewing the awards show live on Mnet K-POP and K-CON YouTube Channels. The list of countries includes Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Korea, United States, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Mnet provided various streaming alternatives, both paid and free, to fans from the above-mentioned regions. Fans were able to watch MAMA 2020 on tvN Asia, Viu, JOOX.com, and many more.
Idols and staff were left to shiver in their cars
It's wintertime in South Korea right now, where the average low temperatures can go from 21°F to 27°F range and often dropping to 0°F. Not only that, but South Korea is facing an upsurge of coronavirus cases recently.
So when photos from fan accounts show idols such as GOT7 having their makeup retouched and waiting for their turn for the MAMA stage in the parking lot, fans were so worried that they began slamming the MAMA 2020 organizers for mistreatment. Based on fan accounts, no waiting rooms nor tents were provided for the artists, and they all waited inside their cars. Not only that, but the staff and back-up dancers were also left to shiver in the parking lot because some didn't have a car to stay inside to.
Fans continue to express their disappointment on Twitter and other various social media platforms with how MAMA 2020 was handled. Meanwhile, the organizers behind MAMA has set up a survey reaching out to fans for their honest feedback so that they can "improve" their services in the future. To take part in the survey, check out this link.