The global K-pop phenomenon is preparing for another spectacular celebration as the 2026 MAMA Awards return to Japan for two unforgettable nights on November 20 and 21, 2026, at the iconic Kyocera Dome Osaka. Bringing together internationally celebrated artists, emerging talents and millions of passionate fans, the prestigious ceremony promises to be one of the most anticipated events on the global entertainment calendar.
Organised by South Korean entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM and presented by Visa, the 2026 edition will continue the MAMA Awards’ tradition of celebrating musical excellence, creative innovation and the extraordinary international influence of Korean popular music.
With K-pop continuing to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries, this year’s event is expected to showcase the industry’s evolving artistic identity through electrifying performances, memorable collaborations and prestigious awards.
According to CJ ENM’s official announcement, the two-day ceremony will be streamed worldwide through Mnet Plus, allowing international audiences to experience the excitement regardless of their location.
2026 MAMA Awards: Everything You Need to Know
| Event details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 2026 MAMA Awards |
| Dates | November 20–21, 2026 |
| Venue | Kyocera Dome Osaka |
| Location | Osaka, Japan |
| Organiser | CJ ENM |
| Title sponsor | Visa |
| Global streaming | Mnet Plus |
| Main focus | K-pop music, performances and awards |
Why Osaka Is Hosting the 2026 MAMA Awards
Japan has long been one of the most influential international markets for Korean popular music, making Osaka a fitting destination for this year’s ceremony.
The Kyocera Dome Osaka is among Japan’s most recognisable indoor entertainment venues, regularly welcoming major concerts, sporting events and large-scale cultural productions. Its expansive arena and advanced event infrastructure provide an impressive setting for a ceremony renowned for elaborate stage designs and ambitious live performances.
The decision to return to Japan also reflects the strong relationship between Korean entertainment and Japanese audiences. Over the years, K-pop artists have established considerable commercial and cultural influence in Japan, attracting dedicated fan communities and performing at some of the country’s largest concert venues.
Beyond the awards themselves, the event is expected to draw international attention to Osaka, bringing together entertainment professionals, media representatives and music enthusiasts from across Asia and beyond.
The History of the MAMA Awards: From 1999 to a Global K-Pop Phenomenon
The MAMA Awards have a history stretching back more than a quarter of a century, reflecting the extraordinary transformation of Korean popular music from a primarily domestic industry into an internationally influential cultural movement.
The ceremony began in 1999 as the Mnet Video Music Awards, established by South Korean music television channel Mnet. Initially focused on recognising achievements in music videos and Korean popular entertainment, the event gradually expanded its scope alongside the growing popularity of K-pop.
In 2009, the ceremony adopted the name Mnet Asian Music Awards, commonly abbreviated as MAMA, signalling its ambition to reach audiences beyond South Korea.
As K-pop’s global influence accelerated, the awards expanded internationally, staging ceremonies in destinations including Macau, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Japan.
Another significant milestone arrived in 2022, when the event adopted the streamlined name MAMA Awards, reflecting its increasingly global identity.
In 2024, the ceremony achieved a historic first by staging part of its programme in the United States, demonstrating the remarkable international expansion of Korean music.
The 2024 edition subsequently received the Best General Entertainment Programme distinction at the 2025 Asian Academy Creative Awards, further strengthening the event’s reputation for high-quality entertainment production.
Today, the MAMA Awards are recognised not merely as an awards ceremony but as a major cultural platform that connects artists, entertainment industries and international audiences through music.
Legendary Artists Who Have Shaped the MAMA Awards
Throughout its history, the MAMA Awards have celebrated some of the most influential figures in Korean entertainment.
From pioneering first-generation K-pop groups to contemporary global superstars, the ceremony has documented the changing sound, style and international reach of Korean music.
Among the artists closely associated with MAMA’s history are BTS, BIGBANG, EXO, TWICE, BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN and numerous other performers who have helped shape the global K-pop landscape.
BTS, in particular, became synonymous with the awards’ modern era through repeated major victories, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year honours across multiple editions.
BIGBANG and G-Dragon also played influential roles in defining the ceremony’s earlier international appeal, while groups such as EXO, TWICE and SEVENTEEN helped establish new benchmarks in performance, album sales and fan engagement.
The awards have additionally provided valuable recognition for emerging performers, introducing new generations of artists to international audiences.
2026 MAMA Awards Performer Lineup: Who Is Taking the Stage?
Excitement surrounding the 2026 MAMA Awards has intensified following the announcement of the first group of performers on October 13, 2026.
The initial lineup brings together established K-pop favourites and promising newer acts, offering audiences a combination of international star power and fresh musical talent.
According to the first lineup announcement, the performances will be divided into two chapters.
November 20 – Chapter 1
- ALPHA DRIVE ONE
- BABYMONSTER
- ENHYPEN
- ILLIT
- INI
- NCT WISH
- RESCENE
November 21 – Chapter 2
- CORTIS
- KiiiKiii
- LE SSERAFIM
- Nayeon of TWICE
- ZEROBASEONE
The inclusion of ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, BABYMONSTER and ZEROBASEONE is particularly noteworthy, given their established international followings and reputation for dynamic live performances.
Meanwhile, Nayeon’s appearance adds further excitement for TWICE fans, while newer groups have an opportunity to showcase their artistry before a worldwide audience.
Additional performers may be announced as the ceremony approaches. Fans should follow the official MAMA Awards channels for the latest confirmed updates.
MAMA Awards 2025: A Look Back at Last Year’s Biggest Winners
The 2025 MAMA Awards, held at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on November 28 and 29, delivered several memorable victories and performances.
G-Dragon emerged as one of the ceremony’s most celebrated artists, winning the prestigious Artist of the Year award. The recognition reaffirmed his enduring influence on Korean popular music and his remarkable ability to remain relevant across generations.
Stray Kids achieved a significant milestone when their album KARMA received Album of the Year, further establishing the group’s international success.
Another major moment belonged to BLACKPINK’s Rosé and American singer Bruno Mars, whose global hit APT. claimed Song of the Year.
ENHYPEN also enjoyed a historic evening, securing the Fans’ Choice of the Year grand prize.
Major Winners of the 2025 MAMA Awards
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Artist of the Year | G-Dragon |
| Album of the Year | Stray Kids – KARMA |
| Song of the Year | Rosé & Bruno Mars – APT. |
| Fans’ Choice of the Year | ENHYPEN |
| Best Male Group | SEVENTEEN |
| Best Female Group | aespa |
| Best Male Artist | G-Dragon |
| Best Female Artist | Rosé |
| Best New Male Artist | CORTIS |
| Best New Female Artist | Hearts2Hearts |
These results reflected the diversity of contemporary K-pop, with veteran artists, established groups and emerging performers all receiving recognition.
The 2025 ceremony was also distinguished by its response to the devastating Hong Kong residential fire that occurred shortly before the event. Organisers incorporated tributes and moments of remembrance, demonstrating how major entertainment platforms can acknowledge wider social circumstances while bringing communities together through music.
Remembering the 2024 MAMA Awards: SEVENTEEN and aespa Dominate
The 2024 MAMA Awards marked another defining chapter in the ceremony’s history, particularly through its expansion into the United States.
SEVENTEEN emerged as one of the biggest winners, securing Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN.
Meanwhile, aespa received Song of the Year for their hit Supernova, which became one of the year’s defining K-pop releases.
Other notable winners included BTS member Jimin, who received the Fans’ Choice of the Year grand prize, and rising groups TWS and ILLIT, who earned major newcomer honours.
Major Winners of the 2024 MAMA Awards
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Artist of the Year | SEVENTEEN |
| Album of the Year | SEVENTEEN – SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN |
| Song of the Year | aespa – Supernova |
| Fans’ Choice of the Year | Jimin |
| Best Male Group | SEVENTEEN |
| Best Female Group | aespa |
| Best Male Artist | Jung Kook |
| Best Female Artist | IU |
| Best New Male Artist | TWS |
| Best New Female Artist | ILLIT |
The 2024 results illustrated the continued prominence of established performers alongside a new generation of artists reshaping the industry’s creative landscape.
What Makes the MAMA Awards Different From Other Music Ceremonies?
Unlike conventional music awards ceremonies, MAMA has developed a reputation for combining competitive recognition with the atmosphere of a major international music festival.
Its elaborate stage productions frequently incorporate cinematic storytelling, experimental choreography, technological innovation and collaborations designed specifically for the ceremony.
These performances often become major talking points across social media, attracting attention far beyond the audiences watching the live broadcast.
The awards also place considerable emphasis on international fan engagement. For many K-pop enthusiasts, supporting their favourite artists through voting campaigns and online activities is an important part of the MAMA experience.
This combination of artistic recognition, spectacular entertainment and fan participation has helped transform MAMA into one of the industry’s most influential annual celebrations.
MAMA FAN FESTA 2026: A New Experience for Global Fans
One of the most interesting developments for the 2026 edition is the introduction of MAMA FAN FESTA, a new initiative designed to extend the awards experience beyond the main ceremony.
Announced by CJ ENM in September 2026, the initiative will incorporate online and offline activities, special collaborations and additional opportunities for audiences to participate in the wider celebration.
The organisers are also continuing the MAMA SUPER FAN programme for a third year.
Introduced in 2024, SUPER FAN allows selected international K-pop enthusiasts to participate as fan ambassadors, including contributing to the selection of Fans’ Choice nominees.
According to CJ ENM, approximately 650,000 fans applied for the programme in 2025, demonstrating the considerable international enthusiasm surrounding the awards.
The addition of MAMA FAN FESTA suggests that the organisers are increasingly positioning the event as an immersive cultural experience rather than simply a televised awards presentation.
What Awards Will Be Presented at MAMA 2026?
The MAMA Awards traditionally recognise achievements across several categories, celebrating both commercial success and artistic excellence.
Among the most prestigious distinctions are the grand prizes, commonly known in Korean entertainment as Daesangs.
These major honours have included Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and a fan-focused grand prize.
Other established award categories recognise individual performers, male and female groups, newcomers, vocal performances, dance performances, collaborations and music videos.
Although categories and award titles can evolve between editions, the ceremony’s central purpose remains consistent: recognising artists whose music and performances have made a significant impact.
The official 2026 nominees and category details should be consulted for the final award structure.
How to Watch the 2026 MAMA Awards Live
Fans unable to attend the event in Osaka will still have the opportunity to follow the ceremony from around the world.
CJ ENM has confirmed that the 2026 MAMA Awards will stream globally on Mnet Plus, its international K-pop content platform.
The official platform will provide access to the awards experience, connecting fans across different countries and time zones.
Viewers can follow announcements, streaming information and additional event updates through the following channels:
Specific streaming schedules and regional viewing arrangements should be checked closer to the event.
Why the 2026 MAMA Awards Matter for the Future of K-Pop
The significance of the MAMA Awards extends beyond the presentation of trophies.
Over the past two decades, K-pop has developed into a global cultural and commercial force, influencing fashion, digital entertainment, dance, beauty and international youth culture.
Major awards ceremonies such as MAMA contribute to this expansion by providing a platform where established stars and emerging performers can reach audiences across continents.
For younger artists, an appearance at MAMA can introduce their work to new international markets. For established performers, major victories can reinforce their artistic standing and celebrate years of creative achievement.
The event also demonstrates how entertainment has evolved in the digital age. International livestreaming, social media engagement and online fan communities allow millions of people to participate in cultural events without being physically present.
As K-pop continues to evolve, MAMA’s international reach offers a compelling reflection of the industry’s growing influence.
Countdown to November: The World Awaits MAMA 2026
With the Kyocera Dome Osaka preparing to welcome some of the most exciting names in contemporary Korean music, anticipation for the 2026 MAMA Awards is steadily building.
The first confirmed lineup has already generated excitement, while the introduction of new fan-focused initiatives promises a more interactive experience for international audiences.
From the pioneering artists who shaped K-pop’s early development to the newest performers redefining its future, the MAMA Awards remain a celebration of musical ambition, creativity and global connection.
As November 20 and 21 approach, the international K-pop community will turn its attention to Osaka for two nights dedicated to extraordinary performances, unforgettable achievements and the universal power of music.
The 2026 MAMA Awards are more than an awards ceremony. They represent another chapter in the continuing story of K-pop’s remarkable journey from South Korea to the world.
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