The 33rd Seoul Music Awards (SMA) held on Tuesday, January 2 was supposed to be a celebration of achievements. However, several artists and attendees, including GOT7’s BamBam, were left disappointed due to the poor execution show.
Held in Bangkok, Thailand, the SMA was hosted by GOT7 members BamBam and Youngjae, Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany Young and actor Lee Seung-Gi.
MC BamBam at The 33rd Seoul Music Awards
ARTIST & MC BAMBAM #BamBamSMAinBKK pic.twitter.com/XUuT7KG9Zz
— 𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐜𝐞 (@cyjprint) January 2, 2024
Several K-Pop groups in the likes of NCT Dream, ZEROBASEONE, Riize, STAYC, and Nmixx were in attendance. Soloists Kang Daniel, Sandara Park, and trot singer Young Tak also made an appearance in the show.
However, despite the star-studded lineup of performers, the event drew attention with the events’ mishaps being exposed on social media.
In his personal X (formerly Twitter) account, BamBam, who was both an MC and a performer at the SMA, expressed his frustration over the experience. Furthermore, he directly called the event as “the WORST sound system” of his life.
the WORST sound system in my life
— BamBam (@BamBam1A) January 2, 2024
In the same social media platform, several clips of BamBam’s performance surfaced with the idol seemingly challenged with the played music. One clip also showed the audio being completely cut off for a few seconds.
YOU THOUGHT THE DISASTER END THERE??? Hahahaha
THEY FKED UP BAMBAM’s AUDIO #33rdSeoulMusicAwardsinBKK #SeoulMusicAwards #SeoulMusicAwardInBKK #SMAinBKK pic.twitter.com/1arPiFXabr
— gemilang (@nandoongg) January 2, 2024
Moreover, some attendees echoed the singer’s criticism, as well as chiming the numerous setbacks they’ve experienced at the event. Among these complaints include a brief and late soundcheck, disorganized flow, and prolonged delays including its online broadcast.
"There is a problem at the site of the Seoul Music Awards, leading to a delay in broadcasting. We apologize for the late live performance of the host."#The33rdSMAxZeeNuNew pic.twitter.com/gqfCaezEtx
— 🧡※Kïmï※💙🖤 (@StephyKim10) January 2, 2024
When one X user shared his thoughts about the mishap saying that they feel sorry for the artists involved, the Thai idol had another candid response. “They just want to make money from us. I’ll never go to awards shows again,” he declared.
they're just want to make money from us
i'll never go to award shows again
— BamBam (@BamBam1A) January 3, 2024
Fans applaud the professionalism of BamBam
Despite the poor management of the event, BamBam was still showered with positive remarks. After sharing his disappointment, fans immediately reassured the idol that he did a great job in handling the situation.
“You performed like a true and very skilled professional,” one fan wrote. Meanwhile another stated that given all their hard work and preparations, BamBam and the other artists did great during the event. “We are so proud of you,” a number of fans told the singer.
You were still amazing! You performed like a true and very skilled professional ❤️🔥
— OT7Ahga Int Fanclub (@OT7Ahga) January 2, 2024
i’m sorry you had to go through that despite all your hard work and preparations T^T but you guys still did so great and i’m so proud of you 🥺🫶🏻
— 암나 | 영재⋆˙⟡♡ (@hya895) January 2, 2024
Even though there were many unexpected things happening at this event, But you handled it very well. We are so proud of you. We know that you put so much effort into every show for your fans.
«You are truly the artist we have always dreamed of my Boy❤️#BamBam @BamBam1A pic.twitter.com/XXI5O8MxMh— F🅱️world🌏 (@FBraathe) January 2, 2024
Other fans also took the opportunity to thank BamBam for speaking out. As it is not a common sight to see idols share their honest remarks about certain issues, K-pop fans were shocked to read his posts.
“This is revolutionary. Thank you for always being one of the few artists who stood up to talk about things that should be addressed,” one fan said.
Bammie thank you for voicing out and protecting not just only members of GOT7, but also for other artists and their fans. Events participants shouldn't be taken advantage of by the organizers like that – be it the artists or the fans.
This is revolutionary, thank you for always…
— LING➷영재⋆˚♡ (@lingerinmeadow) January 3, 2024
As of writing, the organizers and management of SMA has yet to address BamBam’s post.
Featured image: BamBam performs at the Seoul Music Awards. Credit: Twitter/ABYSS