Can G-Dragon and Byun Woo-seok Save the Pre-Recorded 'MAMA' Performance?

The 2024 MAMA AWARDS (이하 MAMA) has entered its third day, following some disappointment over the pre-recorded performance by Rosé and Bruno Mars. The main highlights for this day are undoubtedly G-Dragon's comeback stage and Byun Woo-seok's special performance. Will these two artists help restore the credibility of the event?

Kicking off on November 21 (local time) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, this year's MAMA continues with relay events at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, on the 22nd and 23rd. The MAMA organizers have heavily promoted the event as a global representative K-POP awards show that has paved the way for 25 years, establishing its unique position and authority.

Particularly noteworthy was the official announcement on the 21st regarding the participation of Rosé, who has created a global phenomenon with her song "APT.,” and Bruno Mars. The press release boasted about the "world premiere performance" of "APT.,” generating immense anticipation for their stage at MAMA.

However, the actual performance left some viewers feeling perplexed. While the collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars was flawless, the fact that it was pre-recorded detracted from the live experience. Despite the impressive live band accompaniment and the use of a stand microphone, the pre-recorded nature of the performance lacked the immediacy and excitement typically associated with live award shows.

Fans who had come to the Kyocera Dome expecting a live collaboration were left disappointed.

As the final day of the event arrives, actress Kim Tae-ri, who has proven to be a reliable host, takes the stage following Park Bo-gum's appearance in the U.S. (여자)아이들, ZEROBASEONE, aespa, BIBI, MIYAWO, and SEVENTEEN are all set to perform. The red carpet event began at 1 PM on the 23rd, with the main ceremony scheduled for 3 PM.

After the letdown from Rosé's performance, fans are now looking forward to G-Dragon's solo comeback stage and Byun Woo-seok's live rendition of "Sonagi," the OST for '선재 업고 튀어.' Byun Woo-seok, who presented the grand prize to BTS's Jimin on the 22nd, is expected to deliver a memorable performance. G-Dragon's stage, featuring his recently released track "Power," is also highly anticipated after a long hiatus.