On September 9, Mnet announced the return of their year-end awards ceremony MAMA, also known as Mnet Asia Music Awards. From what started in 1999, MAMA has become the biggest and one of the most loved award ceremonies to felicitate record-breaking music acts of the year. The show has been running for the past 22 years and the popularity of the show attracted some international interest due to the spread of Hallyu.

After 2008, MAMA aired outside of South Korea in neighboring countries like China and Japan before taking off to countries like Macau, Singapore and Hong Kong. The show was also broadcast globally for fans around the world to enjoy. In the year 2020, MAMA was held online and took place in South Korea due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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MAMA 2021 finds their MC

Reports from October 13 suggest that CJ ENM, the entertainment company that hosts MAMA every year, has picked an MC for their December ceremony. They announced that singer, public personality, and TV presenter Lee Hyori will be the master of ceremonies for the Mnet Asian Music Awards, 2021.

After having male actors like Park Bogum, Song Joongki and Jung Haein as its host over the past few years, MAMA will have Lee Hyori as its first-ever female MC in 2021. It is reported that MAMA 2021 will have the concept of ‘Make Some Noise’ and Lee Hyori, who is known for her unique personality, will be perfect for it.

MAMA 2021 in South Korea

In July of 2021, it was reported by Ilgan Sports that the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards might be held in Hong Kong despite the ongoing pandemic and travel restriction, and discussions were being held for it. It has now been announced, however, that MAMA will be held in South Korea on December 11.

CJ ENM announced on September 8 that the 2021 MAMA will be held at CJ ENM Content Studio in Seoul, South Korea. The head of the content studio, Kim Hyunsoo, said, “Due to the Covid pandemic, the music industry, as well as society as a whole, are in a stagnant atmosphere. I hope that K-pop will serve as an opportunity to give hope and courage to those who are weary.”

It is reported that going forward, MAMA will comprehensively consider the current pandemic situation and government guidelines. They said they will only come up with a decision whether to conduct face-to-face events after prioritizing the health and safety of fans, artists, and staffers.