TWS wins two awards, as the 2024 MAMA Awards makes its historic debut on U.S. soil. / Courtesy of 2024 MAMA Awards
The 2024 MAMA Awards kicked off at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with the night's Best New Male and Female Artist awards being presented to K-pop groups TWS and ILLIT, respectively.
TWS expressed their gratitude after receiving the Best New Male Artist award. “We are truly thankful for this meaningful award. To our official fandom, 42 (SAI), we sincerely thank you. Our motto has always been to strive for a better today than yesterday, and we'll continue running forward with this mindset,” they said in a statement.
TWS also clinched the Best Dance Performance (Male Group) award, becoming double winners of the night.
The group reflected on their hard work and perseverance. “Winning this award, which we've always dreamed of, is incredibly meaningful. We've spent countless hours practicing, day and night, striving to create meaningful performances and become a better team. Receiving this recognition proves that our efforts weren't in vain,” the statement said.
The group also highlighted the significance of this achievement ahead of their comeback next week, promising to end the year on a high note.
K-pop girl group ILLIT waves to the camera. The group won Best New Female Artist at the 2024 MAMA Awards. / Courtesy of 2024 MAMA Awards
ILLIT: Best New Female Artist
Rookie group ILLIT claimed the Best New Female Artist award. The members, overwhelmed with emotion, took to the stage and shed tears before delivering their acceptance speech.
Member Yuna expressed her gratitude, saying, “It's an honor just to perform on the big stage of the MAMA Awards, something we've dreamed of since our trainee days, and we are sincerely thankful for receiving this meaningful rookie award.”
She expressed appreciation for her fellow members' hard work. “The struggles we faced as trainees come to mind the most. I want to tell my fellow members they've worked so hard," she said.
She also expressed gratitude to their dedicated fans, GLLIT, acknowledging that the award would not have been possible without their support.
"Without GLLIT, we wouldn't have won this award this year. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will strive to shine beside GLLIT for a long time, just as you have shone for us. Moving forward, we will show more of what makes ILLIT unique and bring you performances that are truly ours.”
RIIZE: Best Global Performance (Male Group)
K-pop boy group RIIZE took home the Best Global Performance (Male Group) award, thanking their fans and agency for their continued support.
“Despite the challenges we've faced, we promise to work harder and show our fans the best of ourselves. We hope to continue walking alongside our fans into RIIZE's future,” the group said in a statement.
RIIZE addressed former member Seunghan's departure following a controversy over his private life for the first time during their acceptance speech.
Seunghan's withdrawal had sparked controversy, including a retracted comeback announcement, and backlash toward their agency.
K-pop boy group RIIZE won the Favorite Global Performance (Male Group) award at the 2024 MAMA Awards. Courtesy of 2024 MAMA Awards
Member Anton acknowledged the situation, saying, “We are having open conversations with our agency and receiving a lot of support. We are grateful to our fans for standing by us through this process. What we hope for is for RIIZE and BRIIZE to always be there for each other. Thank you once again.”
The 2024 MAMA Awards will move to Japan, with Chapter 1 taking place at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka at 6 p.m. on Nov. 22, followed by Chapter 2 at 3 p.m. on Nov. 23. The ceremonies will be streamed live on Mnet and its YouTube channels, Mnet K-POP and Mnet Plus.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.