BTS Jimin performs inside Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul's Jongno District in September 2020 wearing a hanbok suit designed by Kim Rieul. Courtesy of Myart Auction
Jimin, a member of global K-pop sensation BTS, claimed one of the four grand prizes at the 2024 MAMA Awards, which were held across Los Angeles and Osaka, Japan.
He was honored with the Visa Fans' Choice of the Year award on Friday, the first day of the two-day event at the Kyocera Dome Osaka.
Hosted by CJ ENM, a Korean entertainment and media company, through its cable music channel Mnet, the annual MAMA Awards is one of K-pop's biggest annual music awards.
Although Jimin could not attend the ceremony due to his mandatory military service in Korea, his presence was felt as he also secured a spot in the Fans' Choice Male Top 10, alongside fellow BTS members Jungkook, V and RM.
Other winners in the category included prominent boy groups such as NCT Dream, Tomorrow X Together, Zerobaseone, Stray Kids, Seventeen and Enhypen.
One of the most talked-about moments of the evening was the debut live performance of "APT." by BLACKPINK's Rose and global pop icon Bruno Mars.
The duo took to the stage dressed in black suits, recreating the atmosphere of a lively nightclub. Their electrifying collaboration captivated the audience, and they received the Global Sensation award prior to their performance.
Bruno Mars, left, and BLACKPINK's Rose are seen in this photo provided by CJ ENM. Courtesy of CJ ENM
Rose reflected on the song's success during her acceptance speech: "It started with my favorite drinking game, which led to writing this fun song. I didn't expect it to receive so much love, and I'm really grateful. I also want to thank Bruno for everything."
Bruno Mars echoed her sentiment with a brief but heartfelt comment "Thank you" in Korean.
Among the evening's top winners was the girl group Ive, who took home three prestigious awards: Fans' Choice Female Top 10, Favorite Global Performer Female and the CJ Global Performance Award.
Joining Ive in the Fans' Choice Female Top 10 category were aespa, (G)I-dle, Babymonster, IU, BLACKPINK's Jennie, Lee Young Ji, NewJeans, TWICE and Unis.
On Thursday (U.S. time), the event held at Hollywood's iconic Dolby Theatre spotlighted emerging talent, with boy group TWS winning Best New Male Artist and Best Dance Performance Male Group.
In their acceptance speech, the group shared its gratitude, saying, "We've always worked hard with the motto 'Let's make today better than yesterday,' and we'll continue to do so. We're incredibly happy to receive the rookie award at such a prestigious event as the MAMA Awards."
J.Y. Park, the legendary founder of JYP Entertainment, was honored with the Inspiring Achievement award, commemorating his 30-year career.
He performed his latest single, "Easy Lover," accompanied by Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak on drums.
K-pop boy group TWS is seen in this photo provided by Mnet. Courtesy of Mnet
"I'm grateful for this award that embodies my desire to inspire and support younger artists," Park said.
Other notable winners in the U.S. event included ILLIT for Best New Female Artist and Riize for Favorite Global Male Performer.
This year's MAMA Awards, marking its 25th anniversary, made history by hosting part of the event in the United States for the first time.
The second day of the event in Japan, scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, will announce the winners of the remaining three main categories: Visa Artist of the Year, Visa Song of the Year and Visa Album of the Year.
G-Dragon, aespa, (G)I-dle and Zerobaseone are among the artists set to perform on the second day. (Yonhap)