‘2013 Mnet Asian Music Awards’ Better than Last Year’s? Here’s Why

The staff from '2013 MAMA' (aka '2013 Mnet Asian Music Awards) stated, "We will make a show that is better than last year's. We will do our best to make the awards event something than Asians can relate to."

On November 13th, the opening press conference of '2013 MAMA' took place at the CJ E&M Center. Many higher-ups including directors and leaders attended the event, and introduced 'MAMA' and had a Q&A session with the reporters.

The concept for this year's 'MAMA' is 'factory.' It's an analogy to how the artists come together to each contribute a part in creating a special stage.

Managing Director Shin Hyun Kwan stated, "We wanted to put the focus on the fact that music has the energy to transcend all international borders and races. We compared the show to a factory that is fueled by the energy produced by music. We were determined to utilize the artist's creativity, Mnet's technology, global partnership, and the enthusiasm of global music fans to create this show."

The highlight of the press conference was, as always, the international artist line-up at the event. Pop maestro Stevie Wonder is to make an appearance, as well as Icona Pop and even Ylvis.

Shin Hyung Kwan said, "It was amazing when Stevie Wonder was confirmed to appear at 'MAMA.' People started commenting that we should send the person responsible on a paid holiday as a reward."

There weren't any specific remarks on the foreign artists' performances; only that YouTube star Ylvis and Korean girl group Crayon Pop would collaborate onstage.

Team leader An So Yeon explained, "Norway's Ylvis and Crayon Pop are planning a unique collaboration that can only be soon on 'MAMA,' so you can look forward to that."

When asked to comment about the fact that Hong Kong was chosen for the place of venue for 2 consecutive years, they answered, "We found China's strategy and potential growth opportunity to be desirable. Hong Kong has a well-established infrastructure where the Western and Eastern cultures blend exceptionally well. It is the economical industrial center, and the prime location for contents marketing." Shin Hyung Kwan ended by saying, "The 'flower' of contents is the artist. Our goal is to make the artist look good and help lay the foundation for them to do so. We believe this to be our industrial enterprise." He continued, "The Hallyu wave is changing. Before it was carried by drama and singers, but now it's focused on movies and star's lifestyles. Incorporated into music is also movie, style, and even food."

'MAMA' will be held in Hong Kong for the 2nd consecutive year. It will be held on Novemer 22nd at the Hong Kong Asia Expo Arena, which seats 11,000.

There is a huge line-up of Korean artists that will be participating 'MAMA.' The new male and female singer award nominees include Roy Kim, Lim Kim, Yoo Seung Woo, Yoo Sung Eun, Lee Hi, Jung Joon Young, Ladies' Code, BTS and Crayon Pop. Solo artists nominated for this event include G-Dragon, Psy, Lee Seung Ki, Jo Yong Pil, Baek Ji Young, Lee Hyori, Ailee, and Sunmi. Bands such as CN BLUE, Dick Punks, and Busker and Busker will attend, as well as hip-hop musicians such as MFBTY, Baechigi, Dynamic Duo, and Verbal Jint.

Photo credit: CJ E&M

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MAMA
Stevie Wonder
Icona Pop
Ylvis
Crayon Pop
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