BTS, Twice and Seventeen are set to appear at MAMA 2020, moved online due to Covid-19 and hosted by Descendants of the Sun’s Song Joong-ki – here’s what we know so far

Dec 4 , 2020

Mnet’s MAMA 2020 is about to be a big deal despite going online this year. Pictured right (clockwise from top) are Song Joong-ki, Twice and BTS. Photos: Mnet, @historydnc/Instagram, @bts_bighit; @JYPETWICE/Twitter

This year, BTS, Twice, Seventeen, Got7 and Mamamoo are among those competing for your attention at the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards, which invites fans to vote online for a Worldwide Icon of the Year

It’s that time of year again! No, we aren’t talking about Christmas – the Mnet Asian Music Awards (aka MAMA), one of the most anticipated annual events for K-pop fans, is quickly approaching. Here’s what we know about MAMA 2020 so far.

It’s going online this year

This year’s MAMA is special not only because Covid-19 is forcing the event online, but because they will be held in Korea for the first time in 11 years. With the theme “Gate to New-topia,” the show hints at the hi-tech, newly virtual nature of this year’s performances – something the show’s biggest acts are already getting used to.

When should you tune in?

The event will start on Sunday December 6 at 6pm Korea time, but it’s definitely worth noting that the red carpet will kick off at 4pm, so you’ll want to tune in then to see the stars arriving in their finest. A live audience will get to join virtually too.

Song Joong-ki has been confirmed as the host

On November 24, Mnet announced that the emcee for MAMA 2020 would be Song Joong-ki, making it his fourth time to host the event. The baby-faced actor is known for his roles in Descendants of the Sun and The Battleship Island, as well as for being one of the original contestants on Running Man. It’s been two years since he last hosted, however, so it’s no surprise that fans are looking forward to the return of the OG music show master of ceremonies. (He also hosted the music awards show Music Bank back in 2009.)

The line up

Of course, the most anticipated news is the line up. MAMA always includes the most sought after stars, and this year is no different. The groups we can look forward to include BTS, who just released their new album “Be”; Twice, who are celebrating their fifth anniversary; and Seventeen, who recently broke their own record for album sales. Other acts include NCT, Iz*One, Got7, Treasure, TXT, Monsta X, Mamamoo and JO1. The list is being updated daily, so be sure to check it for new additions.

Fans can participate too

BTS performed for an online concert in October 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, and will do it all again for MAMA 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/Big Hit Entertainment

One of the few perks of the event being online this year is that the organisers have made it easier for fans to connect with their idols. Until November 27, Mnet were collecting fans’ video messages of support for the artists nominated in the Worldwide Fans’ Choice category. Mnet is also hosting a dance challenge where fans can send in their dance videos set to songs by artists in the Best Dance Performance Solo section.