Viewers note the stark difference between MAMA venues in the U.S. and Japan

AKP STAFF

This year, the MAMA Awards expanded its reach to the United States for the first time. The event is being held over three days, with the first day on November 21 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and the second day on November 22 at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan. The third day is scheduled for November 23 at the same venue in Osaka, Japan.

While international fans were thrilled to have the opportunity to attend one of the biggest music award shows in person in the U.S., Korean netizens couldn’t help but notice the stark difference in the size of the venues.

The first day of the 2024 MAMA Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre, renowned for hosting the Academy Awards and seating capacity of about 3,400. In contrast, the MAMA Awards in Japan are taking place at the Kyocera Dome, which is a multi-purpose stadium with a seating capacity of around 55,000.

Dolby Theatre

Kyocera Dome

Korean netizens discussed:

"It seems they chose that venue because of its symbolic significance as the location of the Oscars. Japan wasn't the main focus from the beginning either, but starting in 2017, the scale grew bigger every year. It seems like the U.S. event will also gradually become a central focus starting this year."

"Please stop with the theatrics and just hold it in Korea."

"I still don’t understand why a Korean award show has been held overseas for over 10 years.

The U.S. audience seemed like they were recruited and placed there, which made the atmosphere feel awkward. In contrast, the Japan event was like a full-blown Japanese-language party. Seriously, just hold it in Korea."

"Is it not profitable to hold it in Korea? Why does it always have to be overseas?"

"Symbolism aside, the stage setup was honestly so underwhelming. I feel bad for the artists because this is MAMA—they must have put in a lot of preparation. It felt like they were exiled to a subpar venue."

"I saw my favorite artist perform at the U.S. MAMA, but the stage was honestly so disappointing. Next time, don’t try to show off—just hold it in a bigger venue. This is so frustrating."

"Why even go to the U.S.? Isn’t this supposed to be an Asian Music Festival? Since when did North America count as Asia?"

"That was at the Dolby Theatre, right? The place where the Oscars are held. It’s so like CJ to rent that place just for the name value."

"The stage was way too cramped. Performances that could have been so much more impressive were just wasted like that. This really shows how important the venue is."

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