At this stage, it might just be a personal sentiment, but the overwhelming number of award shows that crop up as the year winds down and spills into the new year has, for me, somewhat diminished the once palpable excitement surrounding these events. The endless sequence of red carpets, high-fashion ensembles, and acceptance speeches has turned somewhat formulaic, transforming the once electrifying experience of tuning into these events into a more predictable affair. Despite the noble goal of celebrating artistic milestones, this repetitiveness has ushered in a sense of boredom towards award shows, eroding the distinctive charm and eager anticipation that formerly defined each ceremony.
The announcement of the Asia Star Entertainer Awards added to the calendar, along with the Hanteo Music Awards revealing its third lineup, brings us to two major award shows already, and it’s only February 2024.
Reflecting on the end of 2023, the roster of award shows is exhaustive: MAMA, The Fact Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, Genie Music Awards, the trio of gayos (MBC, SBS, KBS), Asia Artist Awards, Seoul Music Awards, among others. The list seems endless.
The core appeal of these award ceremonies undoubtedly rests in the anticipation and suspense of finding out which artists will be honored with awards. This moment of revelation is what traditionally infuses these events with excitement and significance, as it celebrates the hard work, talent, and achievements of the artists. However, the burgeoning number of ceremonies has led to a saturation point where it appears that broadcasters could feasibly distribute awards to every group in the industry. This abundance risks diluting the specialness of receiving an award, as the exclusivity and prestige that should accompany such recognition seem undermined by the sheer frequency of the accolades being handed out. In this context, the original intent of distinguishing exceptional artistic contributions may be lost, turning what should be a moment of significant professional acknowledgment into a routine occurrence.
The increase in award ceremonies seems to be leading to a situation where every music group gets recognized with some award. It’s great that all these groups are getting acknowledged for their hard work and dedication. But when there are so many awards being handed out, it makes you wonder if it takes away from the specialness of getting recognized. With each new award show added to the calendar, artists have to put in extra hours rehearsing. They often need to come up with new versions of their songs, special dance routines, and other performances. This all adds up on top of their already busy lives filled with tours, recording sessions, and promotional events. While the goal is to celebrate their talent, it ends up just adding more to their to-do lists. This raises questions about how much is too much and what the impact is on the artists’ health and their ability to stay creative.
What’s your take? As a fan of K-pop, are you thrilled by the multitude of award ceremonies, or would you prefer a more selective approach, with fewer, perhaps more meaningful, events scattered throughout the year?
