[Dispatch=Reporter Kim So-jung] The 1995 'Panic' breathes together with 2026 K-pop stars. BIGBANG summons Dooly. Korean contemporary art master Lee Bae harmonizes with K-pop.

The era and genre are different. What unites them is music. '2026 MAMA AWARDS' unfolds the infinite possibilities of music.

This year's concept is 'A MUSIC INTERSTELLAR'. It means erasing the boundaries between time and space, imagination and reality. Stars from different eras and genres gathered in one universe.

Shin Hyung-gwan, head of CJ ENM's music content business division, explained, "The value music gives transcends time and space," and "Through culture and technology, we will provide an experience that transcends spacetime."

CJ ENM held a media day for '2026 MAMA AWARDS' on the 29th at Elena Hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Shin Hyung-gwan, Yoon Shin-hye, head of Mnet's business division, and Park Chan-wook, head of the convention business division, were present.

MAMA has evolved alongside the growth of K-pop. Starting as 'Video Music Awards' in 1999, it has written K-pop history together for 27 years. It started as a domestic music awards ceremony, expanded through Asia, and broadened its stage to the world.

K-pop's stage has widened, and the way music is enjoyed has continuously evolved. MAMA paid attention to these changes and found new possibilities.

Director Yoon explained, "Music is not confined to an era. It's a time when songs from the past are consumed again as hip, and fans around the world enjoy the same music beyond spatial limitations."

"It's an era where people explore their own algorithms and discover new music. This year at MAMA, we wanted to show the power of music that transcends spacetime. It will be a journey of discovering new tastes in an unknown music world." (Yoon Shin-hye, business division head)

It begins with the male duo Panic. Director Yoon introduced, "In 1995 when Mnet was founded, Panic also debuted. They were called rebels who sang of difference at the time, and that message is still felt in Panic's music now."

Panic celebrates their 31st debut anniversary this year. This time, they create a stage that transcends generations with junior artists. CORTIS Martin and Seong-hyun, Wooz, ZEROBASEONE Kim Tae-rae, ALLDAY PROJECT Woo-chan, Hearts2Hearts Yuha, and others participate.

K-pop's realm expands into contemporary art. Artist Lee Bae, the 'charcoal artist,' joins. Lee Bae is an artist who has introduced Korean identity to the world through paintings and installation works using charcoal.

For Lee Bae, charcoal is not merely a material. It symbolizes extinction and creation, time and circulation. MAMA incorporates this philosophy into music. In an age of advanced technology, it reflects on the value of art created by humans.

Director Yoon emphasized, "The value of craftsmanship will not change even as technology advances," and "Collaboration with artist Lee Bae is not simply a combination of art and music. It is to think about what the essence of art is that we must preserve in an era of advancing technology."

Nostalgic characters also appear. Korea's representative animation 'Baby Dinosaur Dooly.' It takes the stage with BIGBANG, who celebrates their 20th debut anniversary. Two icons representing different eras break down the barriers between generations.

A universe on screen unfolds as well. Film 'Dune: Part Three' and ENHYPEN join hands. A performance is planned that incorporates ENHYPEN's unique vampire narrative into an vast universe.

There are also changes in how it proceeds. Official ambassadors are introduced. The first protagonist is actor Park Bo-gum. Since 2017, he has served as sole host of MAMA, except during his military service in 2020 and 2021.

Park Bo-gum works as a storyteller. He connects 'Chapter One' on the first day and 'Chapter Two' on the second day as one story. He takes on the role of guiding audiences into a new music world.

This year, the entire city of Osaka becomes a festival venue. For the first time, MAMA holds a fan-participation festival 'MAMA Fan Festa.' From November 9th, HEP FIVE, Dotonbori, Namba Station Plaza, and Midosuji Street will be connected by MAMA.

Programs are diverse. On the HEP FIVE observation wheel, visitors can enjoy music from nominated artists. 'Star Touch' where you meet artists via video, backstage cam, red carpet experience, and more are prepared.

Director Park said, "Rather than fans ending at watching the awards ceremony, it's a festival where they become the main character," and "We've prepared for people to discover their tastes and enjoy music throughout the city."

New technology is also introduced. A new stage is being prepared with Google Gemini. The idea is to allow on-site audiences and viewers worldwide to experience music beyond spatial limitations.

Director Shin emphasized, "For the past 27 years, we have continually pursued new attempts and challenges. In that process, we experienced many trials and errors," and "There is no business that succeeds 100%. But I think we must not stop challenging ourselves."

He continued, "We are preparing with the mindset of a newcomer starting fresh each time," and pledged, "Together with artists, fans, and partners, we will create the best awards ceremony."

'2026 MAMA AWARDS' will be held over two days, November 20-21, at Kyocera Osaka Dome. It will be broadcast live worldwide through major digital platforms including Mnet Plus.

ALLDAY PROJECT, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, BABYMONSTER, CL, ENHYPEN, Hearts2Hearts, ILLIT, INI, LNGSHOT, Modyssey, NCT Wish, Lisenne, TREASURE, &TEAM, BIGBANG, CORTIS, Hwasa, IVE, Izna, KiiiKiii, KoiKidz, LE SSERAFIM, Nayeon, Wooz, ZEROBASEONE, and others will appear.

Presenters include Kim Yeon-kyung, Kim You-jung, Kim Jae-won, Kim Hye-soo, Monica, Moon Sang-min, Michiedashunnsuke, Seo In-young, Seol In-ah, Ong Seong-woo, Yoo In-na, Yoon Kyung-ho, Lee Da-hee, Lee Sang-yi, Lee Sung-kyung, Lee Sung-min, Lee Junho, Lee Chae-min, Jang Keun-suk, Jang Hang-joon, Cho Yu-ri, Choi Dae-hoon, Carny, Heo Nam-joon, Hwang Min-hyun, and others.

<Photo courtesy=CJ ENM>