The 2024 MAMA Awards sparked a firestorm of debate, particularly Jimin’s Daesang’s victory as “Fan’s Choice of the Year” over popular nominees such as ENHYPEN and Jungkook. Following the event, ENHYPEN’s Heeseung drew notice with a webcast in which he performed excerpts of Jungkook’s hit songs Seven, Standing Next To You, and 3D. This sparked fan discussion about the potential consequences of his acts and his reaction to the outcomes.
Jimin’s “Like Crazy” has been a massive success, with 1.3 billion Spotify listens in a year, surpassing ENHYPEN’s most-streamed tune, Fever, which has 300 million. Jimin is also the first K-pop soloist to debut at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, as well as the first soloist to win a MAMA Daesang this decade. These accomplishments demonstrate why ARMYs (BTS supporters) worked so hard for his victory, which is expected considering BTS’s tremendous global popularity. Furthermore, four BTS members received Bonsang Awards at the event, demonstrating the fandom’s loyalty.
Interestingly, some ENHYPEN supporters (ENGENEs) reportedly voted incorrectly, emphasizing the Bonsang category over Daesang, perhaps tipping the scales in Jimin’s favor. Several fan accounts admitted to the error, causing discontent among the fandom. While ENHYPEN’s XO (Only If You Say Yes) just surpassed 70 million Spotify streams, it is still a distant competition to Jimin’s solo work.
Heeseung’s spontaneous performance of Jungkook songs sparked discussion. Some admirers thought that he was quietly praising the group’s abilities while addressing the problem. Others viewed his antics as harmless fun. Critics, however, interpreted it as an indirect criticism of the awards system, considering that many believed the Daesang should have gone to either ENHYPEN or Jungkook, both of whom were seen as suitable candidates.
Jimin’s Daesang victory highlights his unquestionable global influence, bolstered by ARMY’s unwavering commitment. While Heeseung’s actions may have heated up the argument, they also highlight the competitive and passionate spirit of K-pop fandoms. Regardless of differing viewpoints, the MAMA Awards showed K-pop’s shifting dynamics, with soloists like Jimin continuing to smash records and redefine success.
