Jennie Transforms into 'Guanyin' at MMA as GD Sweeps 7 Awards to Become King

The 17th Melon Music Awards (MMA) in South Korea took place on the night of the 20th at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. Returning to the event after 10 years, BIGBANG leader G-DRAGON (GD) swept up major categories including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and won a total of 7 awards, making him the biggest winner of the night. Former labelmate Jennie from BLACKPINK also made a strong showing at the ceremony after 7 years, taking home Record of the Year, Top 10 Million Album Artist Award, and Top 10 Artist of the Year, a total of 3 awards. On stage, she gave a shoutout to her teammates, saying, “I miss you all very, very much.”

GD held his world tour at the same venue just last week. On the 20th, he returned with a crown on his head and a red jacket, performing hit songs such as “DRAMA” and “TOO BAD.” When he sang “CROOKED,” he even ran into the artists’ seats, prompting junior idols to stand up and dance along. ZICO grabbed the mic and sang, sending the crowd into a frenzy. GD received awards continuously—from the opening Top 10 Artist of the Year and Best Male Artist to Best Songwriter—so many awards that his hands were full, and he admitted feeling a bit embarrassed for going on stage so often.

Jennie attended the MMA solo for the first time, appearing with a white veil covered in script. Interestingly, a blooming white lotus also appeared in the background, causing netizens to comment that she resembled Guanyin Bodhisattva or the Virgin Mary. She was recognized with Record of the Year, Top 10 Million Album Artist Award, and Top 10 Artist of the Year, stating, “I just finished performing and got off stage, my mind is a little confused right now.” She continued by saying that releasing her first solo album in 2025 is especially meaningful, thanked her company, staff, and 50 dancers, and concluded, “And also my members—I miss you all very, very much. Being alone is very lonely. And BLINK (the fans), I love you all.”

EXO, returning to the MMA after 8 years, delivered energetic performances of hit songs like “Monster,” “Love Shot,” and “Growl.” The camera panned to the audience where junior groups from SM Entertainment happily sang along, and EXO even unveiled a new track, “Back It Up,” set for release next year, sending the entire venue into a frenzy.