POPSEOUL!

One word: FIERCE~

The 2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards (where’s the rest of Asia?) kicked off its first show on November 21st. I find that the awards themselves aren’t really all that important because the nominee list is just a lot of name dropping and, even from the nominees, the ones that deserve to win never do in any of these awards show. The only legitimate music awards show is the Korean Music Awards out there, but not as many overseas fans pay attention to it because it isn’t congested with idols. So I’m just going to focus on some of the many great collaboration stages that took place at MAMA.

Check ‘em out~

As a sort of celebration of this year’s biggest dance crazes, the ladies of KARA and Brown Eyed Girls performed a joint stage of leathery sexiness. The audio during this performance left much to be desired, but the payoff at the end with a superb mash-up of “Abracadabra” and “Mister” was well worth it. Only shame was that it wasn’t longer and there were just way too many unneeded background dancers. Harem overload~

2PM is back in full force with the heart-wrenching “Heartbeat“. Master conductor JYP makes an appearance alongside the boys flinging his wand like there is no tomorrow and no apparent knowledge of how to look like he knows how to conduct either. Despite the fact that Mnet told the press that they were trying to get Jae-bum to perform with 2PM, he wasn’t there, but he was there in spirit as their formation for “Again and Again” maintained a spot for their fallen leader.

Superstar K winner, Seo In-gook, has really taken the KPOP world by storm as of late. Alongside impressive balladry of Baek Ji-young‘s latest “Do Not Forget“, Seo In-gook sits behind his piano, looking all adorable. The performance would have also been much better if the fans would have shut up. We know you love them, let them show their appreciation.

2NE1 probably had the most extensive stage design with their “21st Street” musical. Although the dance formations and the transitions were a little sloppy, the girls were on fire as each of them performed their special singles. Dara looks fierce in her “KISS” image. Minzy and CL‘s “Please Don’t Go” performance was filled with energy, as expected of these talented youngsters. Bom‘s “You and I” performance was a bit boring compared to that of her fellow members, but she’s the only one actively promoting her single on the broadcast programs so she doesn’t need that much special attention.

This performance is my personal favorite of the night. Four rappers from female groups spit out some flow, with a special appearance from the female rapper virtuso T (Tasha). The concept was interesting, and everyone was enjoying themselves. The audience shots added to the incredible energy of the performance. Miryo of Brown Eyed Girls is really the only legit female group rapper that should be standing alongside Tasha, but I can’t say that Jewelry‘s Baby J and 4minute‘s Hyun-ah and Ji-yoon didn’t do an amazing job as well. Check these ladies out~

The performance fueling the most controversy among netizens is Ivy having 2PM‘s Nichkhun “Touch Me” too much. The set-up and stage is very elaborate with a sort of vampiress theme going on with Nichkhun as the embarrased, but more than willing prey. I can understand that this performance was rather suggestive, but for people to call this a “porn” is really stretching the imagination. A lot of the fury is really coming from Nichkhun fans who don’t like their precious prince charming touched. I feel bad for Ivy’s boobs; they are just pushed up and spilling out like crazy in her Victorian style corset outfit.

The solo boys of Big Bang came together to fulfill everyone’s “Korean Dream“. G-Dragon in all his winged glory performed “Heartbreaker“, and Tae-yang performed “Where U At” and “Wedding Dress” showcasing his smooth dancing prowess. Then bringing black and white together, Tae-yang and G-Dragon proceeds to show the crowd what they’re good at.