Mnet Clarifies IZ*ONE's Win As Best New Female Artist Against (G)I-DLE At The 2018 MAMA

by Jessica Rapir / Dec 11, 2018 04:58 AM EST

Mnet has been under fire after the Best New Female Artist award at the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards was given to IZ*ONE. Many netizens were confused about the result as they expected (G)I-DLE to receive the recognition.

The 2018 MAMA began its three-day event on December 10 in Seoul. Several artists/groups attended the event and it did end well. However, it also sparked some controversy on the rookie award for the best female artist.

Following the announcement of the winner of Best New Female Artist award, many question the result. Some pointed out that (G)I-DLE should the winner this year as the group came out first in the online poll for the category. The group took 51.91 percent of the votes while IZ*ONE came at second place with 17.64 percent of votes.

IZ*ONE, however, took home the award while (G)I-DLE was given the Best of Next award. A source from Mnet stressed to news outlet Segye Ilbo (via Soompi) that there was no manipulation in the award ceremony. The source explained that although (G)I-DLE received more than half of the online votes, they were lower than IZ*ONE in terms of digital sales.

Ahead of the online vote, Mnet had made it clear that the artist category awards this year will be determined by several factors and by a system. The winners will be based on 20 percent online votes, 30 percent from a panel of Korean and international judges, 30 percent by digital sales, and 20 percent by physical album sales.

IZ*ONE was formed earlier this year through Mnet's survival show Produce 48. The group debuted on October 29 with the mini album COLOR*IZ and its title track "La Vie en Rose."

(G)I-DLE, on the other hand, was formed by Cube Entertainment. The six-member girl group made their debut on May 2 with the mini album I Am, featuring the lead song "LATATA." They released another single, titled "HANN," in August.

The Best of Next award was first handed out at the 2016 MAMA. Produce 101 group I.O.I took home the Best New Female Artist award while BLACKPINK got the Best of Next award. NCT 127 received the Best New Male Artist award and MONSTA X grabbed the Best of Next award. In 2017, PRISTIN was named Best New Female Artist and a Best of Next award went to Chungha. Produce 101 Season 2 product Wanna One grabbed both Best New Male Artist award and the Best of Next award in the same year.

Meanwhile, the 2018 MAMA will continue with the MAMA Fans' Choice in Japan on December 12. It will be hosted by Encounter actor Park Bo Gum. The 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards will end in Hong Kong on December 14.