The Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) is one of the biggest nights in K-pop, but the event has been plagued by rumors that SM Entertainment artists may not perform and allegations of rigged fan votes.
On Nov. 24, organizers for the upcoming award show addressed growing concerns from journalists and K-pop fans, through a statement published by OSEN.
"Starring singers [performers] and the lineup will soon be announced to the public," said a spokesperson for Mnet, in an official statement. "The final lineup has not been finalized, [but] we will announce the complete lineup, soon."
The response from Mnet follows rumors centered on MAMA performers, including reports that SM and FNC Entertainment may boycott the show, following increased attention on the booking of YG artists.
Insiders previously speculated that YG artists would not attend, but these reports were negated when Mnet announced the inclusion of Big Bang, 2NE1's CL, iKON, and PSY, as performers at the December award program.
Other previously announced performers include BTS, GOT7, f(x), Pet Shop Boys, and Zion.T.
The root of rumors surrounding the MAMA 2015 lineup remains unknown, but a contributing factor to the reports could be the expansion of fan voting to include 17 categories. While popularity votes attribute to a small percentage in key divisions like Artist and Song of the Year, audiences have expressed concerns about the domination of acts like Big Bang.
While an alleged boycott by SM or FNC Entertainment may seem like media play to international audiences, domestic fans have expressed their concerns, following the absence of several top stars at the 52nd Daejong Film Awards.
The event, which is also known as the Grand Bell Award, experienced the unprecedented absence of top stars including the recipients of Best Actress and Best Actor honors. However, MAMA 2015 will witness the appearance of a bevy of television and film performers including actresses Park Shin Hye, Gong Hyo Jin, and Kim So Eun.
The 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the AsianWorld-Expo Center in Hong Kong.
