2018 is truly BTS’ year. We’ve witnessed that sell out concerts, receive prestigious awards, and chart track after track from all around the world. Then there was Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), a major South Korean awards ceremony presented annually by entertainment company CJ E&M.
Though most of the awards are given to K-popp artists, some prizes are also awarded to notable Asian artists particularly in Japan,Thailand, China and Vietnam. This year’s MAMA ran for three days with three different series held in three different countries dubbed as “MAMA Week”.
The 2018 MAMA Premier in Korea was the first MAMA ceremony where they put a spotlight on 2018 talented rookies and big names behind the industry’s artists. Some awards were given to people who worked for BTS. CEO Bang Shi Hyuk was awarded Best Executive Producer, BTS’ choreographer for IDOL Son Sung Deuk for this year’s Best Choreographer, and producer Pdogg for Best Producer and Best Art Director for their music video “Fake Love”.
At the second ceremony entitled 2018 MAMA Fans’ Choice in Japan where artists were awarded through fans’ 100% votes, BTS took home four awards including one major (Daesang) prize: the “Worldwide Icon of the Year”. BTS was the first ever recipient of said award.
2018 MAMA ended its final ceremony in Hongkong where major prizes were awarded to deserving artists. BTS received five awards: MWave Global Choice, Best Asian Style, Tiktok Best Music Video for “IDOL”, and two major awards – Album of the Year for “Love Yourself: Tear”, and Artist of the Year.
This is the third year in a row that BTS has won the Artist of the Year award from MAMA. When receiving their major awards, the boys took to the stage and gave their speeches. As they received their Artist of the Year award, J-Hope began by saying, “Before we came up on stage, I was really worried. I want to always show you the best side of me and not make any mistakes, so whenever we’re about to go up on stage, I get nervous as we prepare. This award is really —” He then began to cry, and was unable to continue speaking for a moment.
Jimin then took his turn at the microphone and thanked the ARMYs for staying by their side. V also stepped up to thank the members’ parents for raising them before beginning to cry. Suga also took the microphone by thanking the ARMYs and the people behind and beside them. He said, “I’ll make 2019 an even cooler and happier year. Thank you.”
And when it’s Jin’s turn, he came to the microphone in tears and said, “ARMY, I’m thinking about early this year. Early this year, we were having a really hard time mentally. So we talked together and worried about whether we should disband or not. But I’m so relieved that we found our resolve again and now we’re able to have these great results.” As he spoke, V also broke down in tears. The boys’ emotional appearance when receiving their major award went viral and ARMYs around the world couldn’t help but shed tears as they were moved by their idols’ speeches.
BTS received 10 awards in total during 2018 MAMA Week. They were also awarded the “I Seoul U” appreciation plaque which was given during the Hong Kong red carpet.
Congratulations, BTS!
