Rumored 2021 MAMA Lineup Includes Justin Bieber, BTS, AKB48, And More

Netizen response has been divided.

A rumored lineup for the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards, also known as MAMA, has netizens buzzing. The list, posted by a netizen on an online community forum, includes K-Pop acts such as BTSTWICE, and NCT 127, as well as international acts like Japanese idol group AKB48 and Canadian singer Justin Bieber.

Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Bieber. | @justinbieber/Instagram

Lee Hyori was revealed to be the host for the award ceremony earlier this month, heightening anticipation for the performer lineup.

Furthermore, Mnet released a sneak peek at a documentary special featuring artists like JY ParkPsy, and CL to be released on October 28.

The rumored lineup includes many of JYP Entertainment‘s Korean acts as well as the Japanese group NiziU, forming the prediction that the company will hold a collaboration stage “JYP Party.” Furthermore, HYBE artists BTS, TXT, and Justin Bieber, whose management company was acquired by HYBE this year, appear on the rumored list.

| Naver
  • 1st lineup – BTS, TWICE
  • 2nd lineup – STRAY KIDS, ATEEZ, TXT
  • 3rd lineup – SEVENTEEN, ITZY, NCT 127, Red Velvet, aespa
  • 4th lineup – Lee Hyori, JY Park, Psy, BoA, Street Woman Fighter
  • 5th lineup – Justin Bieber, AKB48, NiziU, JO1

It wouldn’t be the first time a non-Asian singer attended or performed at the Mnet Asian Music Awards. In 2019, English singer Dua Lipa performed at MAMA in collaboration with MAMAMOO‘s Hwasa. Justin Bieber consistently tops the music charts in Korea, as well; just this month, his song “Stay” with Australian artist The Kid LAROI ranked No. 1 on Gaon‘s digital chart, overtaking BTS’s collaboration with Coldplay and aespa’s “Savage.”

The Gaon digital chart for the week of October 3, 2021, to October 9, 2021. | Gaon

Netizen response online has been divided, with numerous Korean netizens expressing disapproval over Japanese artists attending the event. Another common focus is the absence of groups like BLACKPINKMonsta X, and NCT DREAM who saw commercial success with their releases this year.

Top-voted comments on Korean website Nate Pann. | Nate
  • “I don’t understand, why do these lineups keep letting Japanese groups butt in?”
  • “Justin who now?”
  • “Uh… What is NiziU doing in this lineup? I seriously don’t understand.”

On the other hand, international fans have focused more on Justin Bieber’s rumored appearance, especially since many idols are vocal fans of the singer. Fans of Bieber are tweeting members of his team in hopes of convincing them to allow his attendance.

The official lineup for the event has yet to be confirmed. The 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards will be held on December 11, 2021.

Source: Nate, Naver, Gaon and Instagram
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