Mnet will hold the '2010 MAMA' as planned

The "2010 MAMA (Mnet Asian Music Awards)" is coming up in just four days, but the recent events in South Korea have caused many to wonder whether the event would continue. The Yeonpyeong Island skirmish has already put the entertainment industry on notice, with album releases and other showcase events being delayed, as well as TV broadcasts and variety programs either being canceled or replaced with breaking news reports. In response to the situation, Mnet stated, "We feel unfortunate about the Yeonpyeong Island event. We're also being careful since the industry is depressed and has been canceling many shows. Yet, we have also prepared for the 'MAMA' ceremonies over the past few years; we will continue to observe future developments on the issue, but go ahead with the ceremony as planned." They continued, "We're still currently discussing whether we must change other details and concepts of the ceremony in consideration of the social atmosphere. There are unfavorable factors, but we are working that much harder in order to perfect our ceremony and make sure that it is a success." One of the biggest issues for the MAMA organizers is the large amount of Hallyu stars that will not be attending. Regarding this, Mnet replied, "This year, it was impossible to change the date, but we will be able to change future dates so that they don't overlap with music programs. And just because some stars don't attend doesn't mean they won't be rewarded." Despite criticisms for spending $4 million USD on a program 'made for another's dinner table,' the influence and power of Mnet's overseas expansion is becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss. Mnet Media's CEO, Park Kwang Won, revealed, "Each country's music industry is advancing at a fast rate and the qualitative power of everyone's content is amazing. It's dangerous to trap the K-Pop fever in just Hallyu alone. We have to advance 'Hallyu' to 'Asianllyu, and 'MAMA' will be the start of that. In about 5-10 years, I plan to bring the American and European music market to Asia." Source: TV Report via Nate Photo: Mnet