Part 2 of AllReviews' thoughts on Mnet Asian Music Awards

By: Sean Lim

The Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) have come and gone.

Mnet Asian Music Awards 2011 - Singapore Indoor Stadium

During the show itself, I remember my twitter timeline being flooded with updates regarding how the acts dressed, performed and impressed the capacity-packed crowd at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. It was also then that I reflected on how much K-Pop has evolved over the years.

Personally, I am not a big K-Pop fan. Quiz me on K-Pop songs - the only ones I can think of would be the smash Wonder Girls hit Nobody, and of course the 13 piece boyband Super Junior, who got the world shuffling their hands and feet with Sorry, Sorry even before American duo LMFAO did.

The idea of K-Pop to me is really simple. A big glitzy stage, male and female artists who are really easy on the eyes and songs which are upbeat. This is why K-Pop is able to reach fans that do not speak or even understand the Korean language. It is the electro music, the deep resounding bass and model-esque performers that hook fans and keeps them coming back for more.



However, I am left unfazed.

Those artists who have won awards at MAMA deserve commendation and applause for their hard work, no doubt. With that in mind, it is still simply not enough to convert me into a full on K-Pop fan.

The main reason is because I do not understand what they are singing! You can have the catchiest tunes and sleekest beats, but so long I do not understand what I am listening to, I find that an absolute no-no. Fans who do not speak Korean are just mirroring the words (or at least, humming along) with what they hear. I want to be able to understand the lyrics; I want to be able to feel that connection with the artist.

K-Pop: as much as I’d love to like you and know you better, we simply aren’t on the same wavelength.