On the morning before the historic MAMA Awards in the US, a media day was organized where reporters had the chance to engage with J.Y. Park, RIIZE, and the head of CJ ENM convention business, Park Chan Uk. This impactful press conference set the stage for discussions about the future of K-pop and its global reach.

Central to the discussions was the theme of K-pop’s international expansion. Park, the visionary founder and major shareholder of JYP Entertainment, highlighted the importance of creating localized acts to ensure global resonance. He unveiled plans for the upcoming girl group VCHA, which emerged from the reality show A2K [America to Korea], with a series of singles set to launch from late 2023 to March of the following year, showcasing the group’s fresh sound and appeal.

“We are gearing up for full-scale activities next year for VCHA,” Park stated confidently. “Our goal is to set this group apart from our existing K-pop roster by offering innovative and distinctive content. The preparation phase has taken longer than expected, but we’re committed to ensuring that VCHA delivers a unique experience.”

Park further elaborated on his vision for VCHA, emphasizing the desire to ensure they stand out in the music industry beyond the K-pop label. He expressed, “I want them to be authentic and true to themselves. While they will be produced by a K-pop company, their music and visuals will reflect their individual backgrounds. They are not influenced by Korean culture but rather represent the diversity and talent from the U.S. We are collaborating with American producers and creatives to ensure that their upcoming album truly represents who they are.”

Seating dynamics at award shows often spark lively discussions, and the MAMA Awards in the US witnessed constant changes among the K-pop acts present. Throughout the event, fans observed artists like RIIZE, TWS, Young Posse, ILLIT, and KATSEYE frequently shifting seats, depending on performances and interactions. Unlike American shows that typically utilize seat fillers, the MAMA Awards showcased a more fluid arrangement, yet the televised production maintained a polished appearance for viewers at home.

With his extensive experience in music award shows, *NSYNC member Lance Bass presented the Favorite Global Performer Male award to his fellow boy band members in RIIZE, fully immersing himself in the inaugural MAMA event on U.S. soil. Located on the same floor as esteemed guest presenters like Dustin Hoffman, Bass shared respectful interactions with RIIZE following their acceptance speech and connected with the evening’s host, actor Park Bo-Gum, for memorable photos.

As fans continue to adjust to the news of original member Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE, who will now debut as a solo artist in 2025 according to SM Entertainment, local fans in Los Angeles passionately expressed their support for the 21-year-old. Outside the venue, fans displayed banners reading “Idols Are Human SM Protect Seunghan” alongside flags featuring his likeness, showcasing their devotion.

While the vocal support was evident outside, attendees inside the Dolby Theatre faced challenges regarding RIIZE-related merchandise, leading to confusion and disappointment among fans. Reports circulated on social media about various items being confiscated or prohibited from entry, particularly anything in orange, the group’s unofficial color, creating a divide between passionate supporters and venue regulations.

Amidst the tense atmosphere, RIIZE member Anton acknowledged the fans’ struggles during his acceptance speech for Favorite Global Performer Male, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. He stated, “We truly appreciate our fans for standing by us through everything. In the past year, we’ve faced numerous challenges, and all we can promise is to work hard and present the best versions of ourselves. We hope our fans continue to support RIIZE and our journey.”

KATSEYE captivated the audience with an exhilarating performance of their hits “Debut” and “Touch,” collaborating with the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders. Following their dynamic set, six cheerleaders joined the K-pop group in the audience, forming a delightful bond that showcased the excitement and camaraderie present during the ceremony.

American award shows often have a reputation for being more lively than typical K-pop ceremonies, and the MAMA Awards were no exception. A heckler shouted at Dustin Hoffman while he presented the Best New Male Artist award, surprising both the audience and the reporters present. Despite the unexpected interruption, the event maintained its energy and excitement throughout the evening.

K-pop rookie sensation TWS dazzled the audience with a stunning performance of “Oh Mymy : 7s” and “Plot Twist,” incorporating a school-themed concept that featured desks as part of their choreography. The performance culminated in a thrilling finale with a marching band joining them on stage, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

As reported by Los Angeles Times contributor Christine Terrisse, the marching band members were from the local Tetlaff Junior High in Cerritos. These students had to write essays explaining their desire to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, showcasing their passion for music and K-pop culture.

“I’m really excited to see all the different groups I’ve seen so far,” said Gia, a 14-year-old alto saxophonist. “I find it really fun being up on stage; it’s such a new experience.” The enthusiasm echoed through the venue, highlighting the impact of K-pop on younger generations.

“This is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I’m probably never gonna have again,” added Anushree, who plays clarinet. “Meeting all these different people and having this experience is also gonna help me grow while having a good time.” Their sentiments reflect the transformative power of music events like the MAMA Awards.

The young performers also shared their thoughts on the importance of inclusivity in music. “One of the best things happening is the inclusivity,” Anushree remarked about the MAMAs coming to the U.S., emphasizing, “But I think one of the worst things is that they’re focusing too much on the categorization. K-pop stars are amazing, but they could just be considered pop artists too. But I’ll still listen to them.”

While viewers at home were on the edge of their seats waiting for the announcement of the Best New Female Artist winner, the camera crew at the venue was less discreet. Both ILLIT and Young Posse were nominated for the award and present in the audience, but the cameraman focused solely on ILLIT, leaving Young Posse seemingly overlooked.

The first MAMA Awards held in the Dolby Theatre, known for hosting the Oscars, was a remarkable event; however, the camera work highlighted a stark contrast to the Academy Awards, where every nominee’s reaction is captured in real time. This difference raised discussions about production quality