Lee Ji-ah’s 2024 MAMA Performance Raises Questions, Byun Woo-seok Receives Praise
Held on November 22 and 23 at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, the MAMA AWARDS is the largest music award ceremony in Korea, hosted by CJ ENM, which primarily focuses on recognizing singers through awards and performances. It is rare for actors to take the stage as performers, which made Lee Ji-ah’s appearance even more attention-grabbing.
On the 22nd, Lee Ji-ah appeared on stage in a dress, greeting the audience and delivering a message about wanting to break free from constraints and boundaries to carve new paths. She later changed into hot pants and a hoodie, and performed the rap stage “CTL” (Cross the Line) with Lee Young-ji, showcasing her rapping skills.
Lee Ji-ah, who has made her mark in various dramas such as “The Legend”, “Beethoven Virus”, “Athena: Goddess of War”, and “Penthouse”, surprised fans with her transformation. However, her lack of experience as a singer left some questioning how she ended up performing at the MAMA AWARDS.
The MAMA AWARDS, a prestigious event for renowned singers, drew criticism for Lee Ji-ah’s performance, with some fans questioning why an actress took the stage instead of giving singers more opportunities. Critics suggested she could have performed at a fan meeting or non-music event if she wanted to rap.
On the other hand, Byun Woo-seok received a more positive reception. After presenting an award on the 22nd, he took the stage again on the 23rd as a performer, singing the OST track “Sudden Shower” from his popular role in the tvN drama “Lovely Runner”, where he portrayed a band member. Fans were excited to see his band “Eclipse” live, and his stage was met with enthusiastic applause. Since he had previously played a singer in the drama, his performance felt more natural and was accepted without resistance.
Both Lee Ji-ah and Byun Woo-seok likely shared the desire to showcase their musical talents to their fans. However, Lee Ji-ah’s lack of connection to rapping felt somewhat out of place. Some argued that the performance slot at the MAMA AWARDS should have been reserved for singers who were eager for the opportunity. In contrast, Byun Woo-seok’s performance, given his background as a singer in a drama, seamlessly fit the occasion and earned praise as a perfect match for the event’s spirit.
The controversy highlighted the organizers’ responsibility to ensure the lineup aligns with the MAMA AWARDS’ identity and provide a relatable, acceptable performance for the audience.
Source: Naver