KAI, ATEEZ and more: 5 artists fans believe were robbed of MAMA 2021 nominations

MAMA 2021 nominations were met with multiple fandoms’ disgruntled lamentations as they believed their favorites were robbed of their much-deserved nominations. These included fans of artists like EXO’s KAI and Taemin as solo artists and groups such as ATEEZ. The Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) are considered one of the top year-end music shows in South Korea.

Even being nominated at the coveted MAMA awards is considered a big feat. To see their favorite artists, who broke records throughout the year and went viral, not to be nominated for the awards has left many fans furious.

MAMA 2021 nominations: K-pop celebrities that deserved a nomination according to fans

As BTS, Stray Kids, aespa, STAYC, Brave Girls, SEVENTEEN, and more earned a couple of nominations, fans of multiple K-pop artists noticed that their idols had been snubbed entirely. The artists did make a spot in the Worldwide Fans’ Choice Top 10 (which has 30+ names), but not in categories that they truly deserved, as per fans.

1) ATEEZ

The popular fourth-generation boy group ATEEZ made its fierce mark on the K-pop world the moment they debuted. ATEEZ’s stage aura is no joke. Their phenomenal performances on Kingdom: Legendary War and their latest comeback with Deja Vu have been well-lauded.

With always showcasing powerful performances, almost-theatrical moves, synchronization, and more, fans were disappointed to not find ATEEZ in the Best Performance Group Male category.

2) EXO’s Kai

No conversation about K-pop’s best dancers of all time can go around without mentioning EXO’s Kai. A legendary dancer, Kai did receive a nomination in the Best Male Artist category. Still, fans believe his iconic dance for Mmmh deserved a Best Dance Performance Solo nomination.

The body wave in the chorus even made headlines as no:ze, his backup dancer, went viral. Meanwhile, Kai has finally released a teaser for his upcoming solo album, Peaches.

3) THE BOYZ

Another incredible performance group, fans believe THE BOYZ were snubbed from their much-deserved Best Dance Performance nomination at the MAMA 2021. They’ve shown energetic, grandiose stages in the entirety of 2021, whether it be on Kingdom: Legendary War or their recent comebacks. Fans called Mnet “anti talent.”

4) EXO’s Taemin

Taemin’s solo song Advice was released before he left for his enlistment, and garnered an epic reception. Classic catchy moves, dissing haters in the lyrics, Taemin's attire, and more made his solo EP of the same name stand out and go viral. A fan captured the disappointment perfectly by saying, “Taemin doesn’t need MAMA, MAMA needs Taemin,” and added a clip of one of his legendary MAMA stages.

5) SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi

Last but not least, Hoshi’s intricate choreography with metal-frame props for his solo mixtape Spider’s title track of the same name not receiving a nomination stunned fans. Hoshi and his dancers, at various intervals, replicate a spider’s body and movements as Hoshi sways from one metal frame to the next. He even starts the performance hanging upside down like a spider.

Other artists fans believe were snubbed at the MAMA 2021 are Sunmi, MAMAMOO, Chungha, and KEY, among others.

About the author

Afreen has been a K-Pop Content Specialist at Sportskeeda since 2021. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, along with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Afreen has over 4+ years of working in various positions including being an entertainment content writer with Pinkvilla’s K-pop division Hallyutalk and CineDope, and as a copywriter at Flying Cursor.

As per Afreen, she loves her work because she gets to write about the things she is obsessed with. Her thorough research and following the two-genuine-source rule of journalism helps her produce the most accurate content, along with helping her be up-to-date with the industry.

Afreen has had the privilege to interview The Rose's frontrunner, WOOSUNG, and LIONESSES, K-pop's first openly LGBTQ+ group. She is a big fan of SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, BTS, and The Rose for their hard work, sincerity, and the comic relief their shows provide.

When she is off her shift, Afreen explores the streets of Nottingham in the UK, cooks, and listens to new music.

Know More