The Melon Music Awards (MMA) and the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) both happened on Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6. Both shows were drastically affected by COVID. For the first time in 11 years, the MAMA only took place in Paju, South Korea, and not in Hong Kong. The event did not feature an audience or greenroom. Instead, the artists waited in the parking lot to go on stage to accept awards group by group. The MMAs were completely virtual. It is also important for me to mention that Min Yoon-gi [민윤기], better know by his stage name SUGA, is not present for these performances, as he is still recovering from his shoulder surgery.
MMA
The intro begins with a light piano version of “Zero O’Clock” playing accompanied by purple stars, constellations of BTS-related imagery flashing around. As dramatic string music starts, we are shown the sun eclipsed by the moon. It transitions to the stage, light like the animation. An orchestrated version of “Black Swan” starts. Jeon Jung-kook [전정국] better known by his stage name Jungkook, is kneeling at the edge of the stage. He is in a white suit, the dancers costumed in all black with masks covering their faces, begin circling him. He looks at the water below him pensively, cupping it and then bringing it above his head, letting it trickle out of his hand. Immediately, this reminded me of the Biblical figure Gideon. With all of the fallen angel imagery of this era of BTS, especially with “Black Swan” it makes a lot of sense. Jungkook artistically moves, as if scared and trapped by this choice. The dancers hold him up and sit him down. They fall across the river, parting like the red sea. He ‘swims’ through, striking the crucifixion pose at the end. He turns and shows Kim Seok-jin [김석진] stage name Jin in a similar white suit. The two battle, invoking the concept of duality. The dancers block them for a moment before lowering to show six out of the seven members of BTS all in black. There is a noticeable gap where Min Yoon-gi [민윤기] would be. They all lower, forming a black swan.
The screen fades to white as a swan passes a dramatic version of “ON” plays. BTS (without Suga) stands on top of a white staircase, purposefully leaving a gap for Suga. They are dressed a lot like their typical older costumes, a sort of bad boy post-apocalypse vibe. Dancers line the side, with red drumsticks. Cut to a stage full of dancers, BTS performs “ON” in a typical way, covering for Suga but leaving his space in the choreography open.
Another animation begins, and the string from the album art of Love Yourself is shown. “We Are Bulletproof: Eternal” plays. A message of hope is shown. Footage of BTS fans, known as A.R.M.Y. talking is displayed. “Life Goes On” begins on a stage with mirrors and rectangle lights and suits. It is calm and peaceful there are no extra dancers. Suga’s part plays and they do the backing vocals. Jungkook’s hand tattoos are shown uncensored, which was most likely a mistake. Confetti falls as they sing, A.R.M.Y. is shown on a screen.
Another image of a purple globe is shown as a transition. “Dynamite” starts with the lights changing color for the member singing (BTS have designated colors for each member, you can tell by their microphones and earpieces.) They are in their 70s suits. There is a dance break for the members, which is as fun and colorful as you’d expect. The performance ends with digital fireworks.
For awards: BTS earned all Daesangs for the second year in a row. They also earned Best Dance (Male) and the Netizen’s Choice award. So, in total, six awards. But Suga alone also earned Best Rock for his collaboration with IU. So they took home seven! The speech was very heartfelt, touching on COVID and how hard life has been.
MAMA
“On and On” started with a blindfolded dancer sitting on the blacked-out stage, creepily playing with a music box. The lighting becomes spooky, and a monster claw grabs him, FEAR in bold letters appears. Then, a flashing pause symbol is shown. Jungkook walks out in a red robe, blowing his horn from the “ON” music video. The lighting makes a waterfall appear, and the water washes away the word fear as the other five present members rise up from below, leaving a gap where Suga would be. The claw raises up through sticks, turns into a hand, and releases seven doves. The BTS symbol glows behind them. The doves fly to Seoul Worldcup Stadium. “ON” begins with the typical marching bandA disclaimer is shown, saying this was filmed before level two. BTS rock white military-style looks with black belts. The dancers in the post-apocalyptic look. Again, Suga’s spot is left open. The dance break is amazing, really letting the dance line shine. Real fireworks erupt.
An animation through the BTS symbol takes us to a rainbow tube where “Dynamite” starts. With 70s style costumes. The curtains open to a bright and colorful stage. As Park Ji-min [박지민], better known as Jimin, sings about stars, the stage changes to stars. Fireworks show as it ends.
An animation of the world frozen starts. “Life Goes On” begins. The dancers are painted like statues. Everything seems normal until Suga’s section. He is a hologram, a pre-surgery recording of him for this performance. It is incredibly convincing, so much so it leads to mass confusion online. As the song ends the people become unfrozen.
For Awards: The speech was nice, and it was cool that they called Suga. They earned all Daesangs and the best male group.
LeAnne McPherson
Multimedia Director & Reporter