CJ ENM has unveiled the creative plan for the 2026 MAMA Awards, scheduled for November 20 and 21 at Kyocera Dome Osaka. Rather than presenting the ceremony only as a music-industry event, organizers say this year’s edition will connect K-pop with contemporary art, film and Korean popular culture under the theme “A Music Interstellar.” One of the headline collaborations pairs the South Korean artist Lee Bae, widely known for his charcoal-based work, with the awards show. His art will be incorporated into the event’s visual and stage design, extending MAMA’s presentation beyond conventional idol performances. The program will also link BIGBANG’s 20th anniversary with the classic Korean cartoon character Dooly, while ENHYPEN is set to be paired with the science-fiction film “Dune: Part Three,” due in theaters in December. The two-day structure is designed to separate fan-voted recognition from performance-focused awards. November 20 will feature the Fans’ Choice Top 10 and artist categories covering new acts, soloists and groups.
The second night will introduce the Best Song Top 10 and highlight vocals, dance performance, music videos and albums. The lineup spans multiple generations. Panic, the influential Korean duo formed around the time Mnet launched in 1995, will open the show for its 31st anniversary. They are expected to share the stage with younger artists including CORTIS, WOODZ, ZEROBASEONE, ALLDAY PROJECT and Hearts2Hearts. Other announced performers include BABYMONSTER, ENHYPEN, ILLIT, NCT WISH, RESCENE, LE SSERAFIM, Nayeon, KiiiKiii and more. Actor Park Bo-gum, who has hosted major editions of MAMA since 2017, will serve as the ceremony’s first official MAMA Ambassador.
Organizers describe him as a storyteller who will help connect the two-night narrative for viewers. The event will also expand into Osaka with MAMA Fan Festa activities from November 9 through 21. Planned attractions include fan spaces in Namba, a Ferris-wheel listening experience, illuminated streets, food-and-beverage partnerships and digital participation through Mnet Plus. For international viewers, the broader plan reflects how Korean entertainment events increasingly function as multimedia cultural showcases, combining music, visual identity, local tourism and global content franchises.