Exo’s Absence in 2019 MMA and MAMA Awards: The Context and Controversies

Seventeen years ago, the Korean entertainment industry was plagued by centrifugal forces and mistrust. This year, Exo, one of the most successful K-pop groups, faced another round of controversy surrounding these M-Net A-Records Awards (MAMA) and the Military Media Awards (MMA). The group has become a symbol of music and community, but their exclusion has sparked international debate. Here, we explore why Exo did not attend, the impact of boycotts, and the ongoing tension surrounding award shows in the Korean entertainment landscape.

The MMA Awards: A Controversial Turn of Events

The Military Media Awards (MMA) are a long-standing event that celebrates the best in Korean music. However, in 2019, they faced significant controversy. On the day before the awards, the voting system was mysteriously changed. The day before the nominations were to be revealed, the MMA changed its voting system without any prior notice. This sudden shift in the system, from a trusted model to a seemingly manipulated one, created uproar among fans and industry insiders.

Exo's official account Ilees explained in a post: 'Exo-ois have proven through music that voting and awards don’t matter. Their true goal is to share the power of music with the world.'

Exo’s History with MAMA Awards and YG’s Boycott

The M-Net A-Records Awards (MAMA) 2019 further complicated the narrative. YG Entertainment, the record company behind several popular K-pop groups, boycotted the MAMA awards for YG artists. This decision was made in response to perceived manipulation of award nominations and voting processes. The group took a firm stance, stating that their presence and participation in such events is not a priority. As a result, EXO and Blackpink did not attend the MAMA awards ceremony.

Exo-ois made it clear that the lack of participation was due to the tangled web of voting and nomination processes. In their official statement, they highlighted that their presence is not about winning but about sharing the power of their music.

The Impact of Fan Participation and Awards Manipulation

The year 2019 was a turbulent time for K-pop. Fan engagement through platforms like Soribada had led to significant pressure on artists and their groups. In one instance, Soribada removed Exo from nominations, leading to heated protests and backlash. The group's response was simple but impactful: ‘Loss of members to military service is not related to music and achievements, thus it cannot be a justification for award nominations changes.

Moreover, in the lead-up to the MMA awards day, the system was altered after Exo-ois emerged at the top of the voting and ranking. This sudden and unexplained change fueled speculation and outrage among the fanbase and industry professionals alike. Critics claim that such practices undermine the integrity of award shows, as they are supposed to reflect genuine public support and merit.

Exclusive Achievements and Recognition

Despite the boycott and the challenges posed by the changing voting systems, Exo-ois managed to win a fan choice award at the MMA. Baekhyun, a member of the group, also received the Best Male Artist award at the MAMA. These accomplishments highlight the continued support and admiration Exo has from fans worldwide.

Through it all, Exo reaffirms their commitment to music and their audience. Their participation in award shows is not driven by the desire for recognition but rather by a mission to share their music's power with the world. Fans and industry insiders alike hope that these competitions will evolve to reflect the true spirit of music and creativity.

As the Korean entertainment industry continues to evolve, it's hoped that award shows will prioritize transparency and fairness. The return of legendary groups like Exo, BigBang, and Blackpink to award ceremonies could signal a shift towards a more balanced and equitable system.

Conclusion

The absence of EXO and other YG artists from the 2019 MMA and MAMA award shows is a testament to the ongoing challenges in the K-pop industry. While the controversy remains, the recognition of Exo’s achievements and the understanding of their mission to share music are a step in the right direction. The industry must adapt to ensure that award shows are rewarding the true achievements and contributions of the artists they celebrate.