This Saturday, the Korean music scene will converge at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome for one of its most prestigious annual events: the 17th Melon Music Awards (MMA). This year’s ceremony, themed “Play the Moment,” promises a spectacular evening celebrating the year’s biggest hits and most influential artists, featuring a powerhouse lineup headlined by G-Dragon of BIGBANG and Jennie of BLACKPINK.
Organized by Kakao Entertainment, the MMA is renowned for its data-driven approach, primarily reflecting the digital streaming trends that dominate the domestic market. The red carpet is scheduled to commence at 4 p.m. KST, offering fans a first glimpse of their favorite stars, with the main awards ceremony following at 5 p.m.
The roster of performing artists is a veritable who’s who of the K-pop industry, ensuring a night of unforgettable stages. The list includes iconic soloists like Zico and Jay Park, the long-awaited group return of EXO, and performances from some of the most prominent acts of the current generation, including aespa, IVE, RIIZE, PLAVE, NCT WISH, ILLIT, Hearts2Hearts, Allday Project, and Alpha Drive One.
A major highlight of the evening will be EXO’s highly-anticipated performance, which marks their first appearance at the MMA in eight years. The group is set to unveil a never-before-seen stage for a B-side track from their forthcoming eighth full-length album, scheduled for release in January. This special preview is sure to be a monumental moment for the group’s dedicated global fanbase.
Adding to the star power, the event will feature an esteemed group of presenters, including acclaimed actress Park Eun-bin, veteran singer-songwriter Yoon Jong-shin, and celebrated figure skater Cha Jun-hwan.
Launched in 2009 and hosted by the Melon music streaming service, the MMA has cemented its status as a cornerstone of Korea’s year-end awards season. While Melon historically dominated the domestic music streaming landscape, the recent surge of global platforms like YouTube Music has seen it settle into a strong second place in terms of monthly active users. Nonetheless, its awards remain a crucial barometer of a song’s digital popularity and cultural impact within Korea.
The defining characteristic of the MMA is its heavy reliance on streaming data. Unlike other major awards, physical album sales are not a factor in determining its top winners. For the most coveted accolades—Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year—the selection criteria is a weighted mix: 60% from digital streaming performance on the Melon platform, 20% from judging panel scores, and 20% from fan votes. A fourth major award, Record of the Year, is decided solely by the judges’ evaluation of an artist’s musical artistry and contribution.
The eligibility period for nominees this year spanned from October 31, 2024, to November 19, 2025, encompassing over a year of chart-topping music. As the industry prepares to “Play the Moment,” this Saturday’s ceremony is poised to be a dazzling showcase of the sounds and artists that defined the year in Korean music.
