Does it feel like more and more internal companies are launching their own award shows every year? It’s hard to ignore how the calendar keeps filling up with new ceremonies that claim to celebrate achievements but often feel repetitive or unnecessary.

This year alone introduced new events, such as the KGMA (Korean Global Music Awards) hosted by Ilgan Sports, the same company behind the long-running “Golden Disc Awards.” Another addition was the inaugural ‘TikTok Awards Korea,’ held on November 15th.

While it’s exciting to see music celebrated in different ways, the sheer number of new award shows is starting to feel overwhelming. Take the ‘TikTok Awards Korea,’ for instance. Did anyone even know this was happening? Despite featuring performances from popular groups like aespa, FIFTY FIFTY, Kep1er, UNIS, and 8TURN, there seemed to be little buzz or fanfare surrounding the event.

Meanwhile, the KGMA attempted to position itself as a major event with a more extensive artist lineup. However, it fell short of expectations due to noticeable production issues. Viewers saw awkward camera angles showing empty stages or unenthusiastic audience members. Even the setup raised eyebrows, with one stage resembling a large rug on the floor, making the event feel less polished.

All of this raises the question: Do we really need so many award ceremonies? Just a few years ago, fans eagerly anticipated year-end events like the SBS, MBC, and KBS award shows, alongside MAMA and the Golden Disc Awards. Back then, these were the core celebrations of the industry, and their scarcity made them feel special.

Now, with K-pop’s global rise, it seems like every company wants to cash in by creating their own show, often accompanied by random new awards. While these events showcase fantastic performances, they demand a lot from idols. Each performance must be unique, requiring immense preparation, practice, and creativity, which can be exhausting for artists juggling multiple commitments.

Moreover, these ceremonies are marathons, lasting several hours. It’s not uncommon to see idols zoning out after long stretches of sitting through performances and speeches. This year, BIG BANG’s G-Dragon made a sly joke while accepting the ‘Music Visionary Artist of the Year’ award at the 2024 MAMA Awards, saying, “Oh, this new award was created so that everyone doesn’t fight.” His comment highlights the fatigue and, perhaps, skepticism artists feel about the ever-expanding awards landscape.

Let’s not forget the timing. These award shows dominate the holiday season—a time when most people gather with loved ones to celebrate. For idols, however, it’s just another workday. It would be refreshing if they could take a well-deserved break during this period to recharge and spend time with their families before diving into the next year.

So, what do you think? Are all these internal award shows worth it, or would fewer but grander events make a bigger impact? It might even be exciting to see some of these shows held in international locations, giving fans worldwide the chance to experience the magic up close.