Rosé and G-Dragon Make a Comeback at MAMA 2024 After Nearly a Decade of Feud

The 2024 Mnet Asian Music Awards: A Triumphant Return for BLACKPINK’s Rosé and BIGBANG’s G-Dragon

The highly anticipated 2024 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) commenced with a vibrant three-day celebration starting in the United States on November 21 and transitioning to Osaka, Japan, today, November 22. This year’s event boasts an impressive roster of performers, including global icons like Rosé from BLACKPINK, G-Dragon, IVE, TXT, ENHYPEN, Byeon Woo Seok, Lee Ji Ah, and renowned pop artist Bruno Mars.

Surprising Returns: BLACKPINK’s Rosé and BIGBANG’s G-Dragon

Perhaps the most unexpected highlight of the event is the participation of BLACKPINK’s Rosé and BIGBANG’s G-Dragon. Both artists have stayed away from MAMA for nearly a decade due to past controversies, leading fans to speculate on the motivations behind their return this year.

Understanding the Tension: A Look Back at the Feud

The roots of this tension date back to 2014 when G-Dragon openly voiced his dissatisfaction with MAMA during a performance of his track “Good Boy.”His freestyle rap criticized the awards for prioritizing popularity over true talent, claiming that MAMA “hand[s] it out generously so your children don’t fight.”Following this incident, G-Dragon and his group BIGBANG ceased attending the event altogether.

G-Dragon criticizes MAMA — G-Dragon’s criticism during the 2014 MAMA.

In 2017, BLACKPINK also faced adversity when nominated for Best Female Group. Fans expressed outrage after the group’s image was placed last among nominees and their faces were blurred with red. This incident solidified BLACKPINK’s absence from the award ceremony in subsequent years.

BLACKPINK nominee photo blurred — BLACKPINK’s photo from MAMA 2017.

Rosé and G-Dragon’s 2024 Comeback at MAMA

On November 22, Rosé made headlines by rejoining MAMA, sharing the stage with Bruno Mars while accepting an award for their viral collaboration, “APT.”This significant moment marked the first attendance of any BLACKPINK member at MAMA in seven years, and Rosé captivated the audience with her poise and enthusiasm.

Rosé and Bruno Mars at MAMA 2024 — Rosé celebrating with Bruno Mars at MAMA 2024.

Moreover, G-Dragon’s announcement of his upcoming performance at MAMA 2024 on November 23 has taken fans by storm. This dramatic shift from his previous criticisms raises questions about the nature of his reconciliation with the event organizers after almost a decade.

Possible Reasons for the Reconciliation

Several theories circulate regarding this unexpected return: one possibility suggests that MAMA’s organizers reached out with apologies, paving the way for a more amicable relationship. Alternatively, Rosé may have been motivated by respect for Bruno Mars and the opportunity to promote their collaborative hit, which also aligns with MAMA’s ambition to enhance its global reach after years of dwindling viewership.

G-Dragon arriving at MAMA 2024 — G-Dragon arrives for MAMA 2024.

This renewed interest in MAMA comes at a pivotal time, as both artists are poised for comebacks—Rosé is preparing for her solo album while continuing to promote “APT,”and G-Dragon recently released “Power,”his first music video since 2016’s “Kwon Ji Yong.”

As MAMA aims to redefine its significance in the music industry, this year’s event clearly signals a turning point, bridging the gap between controversy and collaboration.

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