Keeping up with K-Pop: What K-Pop group will come out on top at this years MAMA Awards?

This year has been a very memorable year for K-Pop, and when the nominations for the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA Awards) came out, it only solidified the excellence of the year. 

If you happen to read my column and have no idea what the MAMA Awards are, think of it as the Grammy’s for K-Pop. It is as competitive as any Western awards, and always produces some of the most iconic performances.

While I have to admit some songs and groups were snubbed out of a nomination, it reinforces how strong this

Graphic by- Rachel Fratt

year was with each release.

The nominations make it hard to pick who will win what award. All in good fun, here are some of my predictions for the 2022 MAMA Awards, which will be held on Nov. 29.

Best New Female Artist — IVE

Girl groups have dominated 2022. So much talent has been on display, especially from the newer groups, which makes this category a challenge to pick from. 

NewJeans had everyone looking for “Attention,” YENA was putting on her ‘SMILEY” face, and LE SSEARAFIM was “FEARLESS,” but there is no denying out of all these nominees, IVE was the most successful.

IVE has had a massive amount of success with “ELEVEN” and “LOVE DIVE,” but their latest comeback in August, “AFTER LIKE,” really helped sealed their win as the best female group to debut this year. 

Sampling “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, “AFTER LIKE” reached levels of success in both the K-Pop industry, but the song also became popular amongst Western audiences, with the song becoming a viral TikTok sound and dance.

This song also was boosted into the mainstream with a meme, with this song being the anthem for Real Housewive Lisa Rinna as an M&M.

For a group not even a year old, they have already made a massive impact on K-Pop, and they are deserving of the title.

Best Female Group — (G)I-DLE

Ever since the controversy with ex-member Soojin, all eyes have been on (G)I-DLE to see how the group would do without her; however, it is safe to say that they have exceeded everyone’s expectations. 

(G)I-DLE’s music has been revolutionary for K-Pop, breaking down societal norms in South Korea with their releases “TOMBOY” and “Nxde.”

While I have qualms with the music and lyricality of “TOMBOY,” the message that the song represents impressed me, which is all thanks to member Soyeon and her producing skills. 

Including a bleep at the start of the chorus of “TOMBOY,” so that the song could still be played as well as making a statement about cursing in K-Pop was genius. 

However their most recent release “Nxde,” is what has made them stand out to me this year. This song has broken down societal norms and is a true feminist anthem about how women are viewed in society.

Best Female Artist — TAEYEON

TAEYEON started her year off strong, with her third album “INVU,” and I have had it on repeat since its drop in February.

“INVU” has to be one of my top five albums of the year, including both Western music and K-Pop. It is a simple album instrumental-wise, but it highlights her vocals and the amazing storytelling that she can express through song. 

There isn’t much to say, but it has to be TAEYEON for this award, her body of work is pure excellence, and “INVU” was a great addition. 

Best Dance Performance Solo — NAYEON (TWICE), “POP!”

Out of all the nominees, no one was dancing like NAYEON in her solo debut, “POP!”

“POP!,” as NAYEON stated, is a marathon to both dance and sing, but it is so appealing to watch, and just pure joy. 

Again, this song has made an impact on Western culture as well, with its iconic hand choreography that is the cause for the chorus going viral on TikTok.

Also, out of all the nominees, it feels as if this category is meant for NAYEON to win, as she is the only one with really intense choreography that is worth an award.

Artist of the Year — SEVENTEEN 

Now, this may come as a shock to some people that I, out of all people, have selected a male group to be the Artist of the Year, but I have my reasoning. 

Throughout the entire tour that they did, I was constantly impressed by the sheer talent and stamina that this group has, and how well they interacted with their fans to make sure that their fans had a good time. 

It was memorable to me, and really made me appreciate them as a group, especially after learning about the group’s history. While I am sure BLACKPINK or BTS will win this award, I personally want to give SEVENTEEN a nod for the work that they put in this year.