This morning, the Media Day for the “2026 MAMA AWARDS” is taking place. During this event, exchanges will occur regarding the vision of the award ceremony as well as the main programs.
The main concept of the “2026 MAMA AWARDS” (hereinafter “2026 MAMA”), which will be held over two days on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21 at the Kyocera Dome Osaka in Japan, is “A MUSIC INTERSTELLAR”.
This concept depicts a journey crossing space and time to float among the stars of music. During this journey, spectators will discover and experience in their own way unexpected thrilling moments as well as the dazzling power of music. While offering the original pleasure of searching for one’s own star, it is planned to complete a mysterious musical universe where artists and fans around the world connect beyond time and space thanks to “MUSIC MAKES ONE”.
Above all, a “MAMA Fan Festa” will be newly created during this “2026 MAMA”. The “MAMA Fan Festa” is a participatory festival where K-pop fans become the main actors to enjoy the award ceremony in their own way and live new experiences. As the first journey leading to the main ceremony of the “2026 MAMA”, fans directly participate in the “MAMA Fan Festa”, thus completing the start of the ceremony. Above all, programs intended for fans and various collaborations will unfold across online and offline platforms.
CJ ENM’s “MAMA AWARDS” began in 1999 with the “Mnet Music Video Festival” before taking the leap to become South Korea’s first Asian music award ceremony in 2009, and further elevated its global status through a rebranding in 2022.
After succeeding for the first time for a K-pop award ceremony in 2024 with a relay hosting connecting Los Angeles in the United States and Osaka in Japan, it saw its authority recognized by winning the award for “Best General Entertainment Program” at the AACA (Asian Academy Creative Awards) in 2025. The “2026 MAMA AWARDS”, in which global payment technology company Visa participates as title sponsor, will be broadcast live worldwide via major digital platforms such as Mnet Plus.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS MAMA
