What Is 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) was held on December 4, 2019, in Nagoya, Japan, at the Nagoya Dome, marking the first time the event took place in that city. BTS swept the night with eight awards, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for 'Boy With Luv.'

Key Facts

2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards took place on December 4, 2019, at Nagoya Dome, Japan.
BTS won a total of eight awards, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.
The event was hosted by actor Lee Dong-wook for the fourth consecutive year.
Performances included BTS, TWICE, SEVENTEEN, and NCT 127.
This was the first MAMA ceremony held in Nagoya, breaking the previous Seoul and Hong Kong rotation.

Overview

The 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) was a major milestone in K-pop’s global expansion, held on December 4, 2019, at the Nagoya Dome in Japan. This edition marked a shift in venue, moving from its traditional locations in Seoul or Hong Kong to central Japan, highlighting Mnet’s strategy to broaden regional appeal.

Hosted once again by Lee Dong-wook, the ceremony celebrated the year’s most influential artists, albums, and songs across Asia. With a focus on high-production performances and digital engagement, MAMA 2019 emphasized innovation and international reach.

BTS took home eight awards, including the prestigious Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for 'Boy With Luv' featuring Halsey.
Twice won Album of the Year for their compilation album Yes or Yes, cementing their status as one of K-pop’s top girl groups.
The event attracted over 40,000 live attendees at Nagoya Dome and was streamed globally to more than 10 million viewers online.
SEVENTEEN received the Worldwide Icon Award, recognizing their explosive international fanbase and record-breaking concert tours.
NCT 127 made a strong impression with their performance of 'Kick It' and won the Best Dance Performance – Male Group award.

How It Works

The Mnet Asian Music Awards operates through a combination of fan voting, digital sales, expert panels, and social media metrics to determine winners across over 30 categories.

Fan Voting: Accounts for up to 30% of the final score in major categories like Artist of the Year, with votes collected via official websites and apps.
Digital Sales: Includes downloads and streaming data from platforms like Melon, Genie, and Spotify, contributing 40% to the total score for song-based awards.
Expert Panel Review: A committee of music industry professionals evaluates artistic merit, innovation, and influence, contributing 20% to the final decision.
Social Media Metrics: Tracks engagement on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram, measuring shares, views, and hashtags over a four-week evaluation period.
Regional Representation: Awards like Best Asian Artist are divided by country, including China, Thailand, and Indonesia, to promote local talent.
Performance Selection: Artists are invited based on chart performance, cultural impact, and promotional alignment with Mnet’s global broadcasting partners.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2019 MAMA with the 2018 and 2020 editions across key metrics:

Category	2018 MAMA	2019 MAMA	2020 MAMA
Location	Hong Kong & Japan (dual venues)	Nagoya Dome, Japan	Online-only (no live audience)
Host	Lee Dong-wook	Lee Dong-wook	Lee Dong-wook
Artist of the Year	BTS	BTS	BTS
Total Viewers (Live Stream)	8.9 million	10.2 million	12.8 million
Top Winner	BTS (6 awards)	BTS (8 awards)	BTS (8 awards)

While the 2019 event maintained continuity in hosting and top winners, its exclusive Nagoya location distinguished it from previous multi-city formats. The increase in global viewership reflected growing digital accessibility and fan engagement strategies. Despite no pandemic restrictions in 2019, the production already incorporated advanced broadcasting techniques later expanded in 2020’s virtual edition.

Why It Matters

The 2019 MAMA was more than an awards show—it was a cultural moment that underscored K-pop’s global dominance and the industry’s evolving award mechanics. Its success in Japan reinforced the genre’s regional strength and set a precedent for future international hosting.

Global Recognition: BTS’s multiple wins highlighted how K-pop artists now rival Western acts in global popularity and media influence.
Economic Impact: The event generated an estimated $28 million in local revenue from tourism, merchandise, and broadcasting rights.
Technological Innovation: MAMA 2019 used 360-degree stage design and augmented reality effects, raising the bar for live music production.
Fan Engagement: Over 250 million votes were cast online, demonstrating the power of digital communities in shaping award outcomes.
Regional Diplomacy: Hosting in Japan during tense Korea-Japan relations served as a soft-power initiative through cultural exchange.
Industry Benchmark: Winning a MAMA award is now considered a career milestone, influencing record deals and international tours.

Ultimately, the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards solidified its role as a barometer of K-pop’s global reach and a catalyst for industry innovation. Its blend of spectacle, technology, and fan participation continues to define modern music award shows in Asia.