BTS and Blackpink among K-pop stars in the running at MAMA Awards in Osaka

BTS and Blackpink, the two biggest names in K-pop, are among the nominees at this year's MAMA Awards, one of Asia's largest music award shows, which will be held at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, on November 20 and 21.

Stray Kids and TXT are also among the acts in contention, according to reports.

How fans can vote

The MAMA Awards, organised by South Korean entertainment company CJ ENM, give fans a major say. After a first round of voting closed on October 22, the top 20 male and top 20 female acts moved into a second round, which runs from October 28 to November 18 on the Mnet Plus app and X.

A big year for BTS

BTS returned this year after its members completed South Korea's mandatory military service. The group released the album Arirang in March 2026 and launched the Arirang World Tour, which began in April and runs until March 2027, including a headline slot at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in September.

And for Blackpink

Blackpink released the EP Deadline in February 2026 and announced the Deadline World Tour in May. Members have also pursued solo projects, with Jisoo releasing music of her own this year.

Why MAMA matters

MAMA, which began as a Korean awards show, has become a global event, held in cities across Asia and broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. Hosting it in Japan reflects the huge K-pop fan base there, and the event's growing international ambitions.

For fans, the awards are as much about performances as trophies: MAMA is known for elaborate stages and rare collaborations. With K-pop's biggest groups all active again after years of hiatuses, this year's show is expected to be one of the most-watched in its history.