This week's MelOn Music Awards ceremony honored some of K-Pop's brightest stars for their musical achievements this year.

SHINee won the top distinction at this year's event, taking home the award for Artist of the Year. Their SM Entertainment label-mates EXO won Song of the Year for the track "Growl" and were also given the Netizen's Choice Award for their strong international fan following and internet presence.

Both groups were also included in the MelOn top ten.  While on stage collecting their awards, the members of both groups shouted out, "We are SM Town!"

At the time it seemed as though the SHINee and EXO members were just excited about their awards, but now that things have settled a bit, their statement is still ringing in the ears of many netizens.

Perhaps because the MelOn Music Awards have the distinction of being based on online music sales and public votes to determine the winners in each category, this year's victories seemed a tad skewed in favor of artists signed under SM Entertainment.

Not that the organizers or fans really can do anything about it, many are now criticizing the program for essentially turning into a SM Town festival rather than a display of the best talents from the past year.

The MelOn Music Awards basically confirmed the power the large entertainment agencies have over the Korean music industry. It also raises another interesting point - aren't awards shows just popularity contests anyway?

A lot of negative comments have been directed towards MelOn and the SM artists - but are they really at fault? The MMA are based on online sales and fan votes - just because SHINee, EXO and many other SM artists have large fandoms doesn't mean they are any less deserving of recognition.

So sure, it is disappointing that other artists with arguably better music didn't win while those with a huge company behind them did, but is it really a problem? After all, there are countless other awards ceremonies - and if the music is good, it will get the attention it deserves.