Mnet Launches ROAD TO MAX, Details – Here's Why It Receives Divided Opinions

Mnet's "ROAD TO MAX," a special project supposedly for rookies and "underrated" groups, drew mixed reactions from fans for THIS reason.

Mnet's ROAD TO MAX: Details, Tutorial, More Details You Need To Know

On April 26, the broadcasting company Mnet released a guide to its new project, "ROAD TO MAX," which includes a tutorial and a promotion video and poster.

ROAD TO MAX (RTM) will be a special online content where fans can personally recommend, promote and vote to support their idols.

In the poster, the entire journey of ROAD TO MAX will be divided into three levels:

(1) Road to MCD (M Countdown)
(2) Road to KCON (music festival)
(3) Road to MAMA (Mnet Asian Music Awards)

In particular, prior to the first round, an artist recommendation will be held from April 26 to May 10. Fans can nominate all artists regardless of genre if any only they still have no experience of winning first place in M Countdown but have released their debut album.

READ ALSO: 'I-Land 2,' 'Queendom 2,' More: Mnet Drops 2022 Lineup for K-pop & Music Reality Shows

The fan recommendation will undergo screening and an official list of nominees will, later on, be released by Mnet to compete for "Road to MCD."

The winning artist will have the opportunity to appear on M Countdown special stage. They will also receive a "seed ticket," a special pass to enter the next round, which is "Road to KCON."

Another voting/elimination will happen, and the winner can participate in the music festival's special stage along with receiving another seed ticket for "Road to MAMA."

Mnet is planning to launch a "fandom sales war" with the final goal of appearing in MAMA, one of the largest music awards ceremonies in Korea.

Mnet Embroiled in Controversy Over Demanding Voting With 'ROAD TO MAX' Launch

Currently, the recommendation of candidates for the first round of ROAD TO MAX is ongoing. However, the public's reaction is divided. International fans showed positive response and are busy recommending their favorite artists.

Foreign fans highlighted how Mnet's RTM may have been made to give opportunities to rookies who still haven't appeared in MCD, KCON and MAMA, or talented artists that the public does not know yet but deserve more recognition.

However, Koreans' reactions are rather cold. They expressed being against the project, with some saying:

"They are leaving all the work to fans."

"I hope people will boycott it.

"That's too much."

"Isn't it a power trip at a broadcasting company?"

They imply that the excessive demand for votes will only create discord among fans. Some also emphasize it will still not be fair for some talented artists, especially those who don't have stable and large fandoms compared to other artists.

What are your thoughts on this?

READ MORE: Mnet's 'Queendom 2' a 'Failure'? Music Critic Highlights Show's Pros & Cons

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Written by Eunice Dawson