Korean stars shine at music festival in Hong Kong

The two most popular K-pop bands in Asia, Big Bang and EXO didn’t let down their fans as they took home the biggest awards at the 2014 Mnet Asia Music Awards (2014 MAMA), which was held in Hong Kong on December 3.

The Mnet Asia Music Awards is one of the major K-pop music celebrations held annually by CJ E&M, one of the largest entertainment companies in Korea, through its music channel Mnet.

It had been held in Seoul annually from 1999 to 2008. Hong Kong has been the host city since 2012. The event has attracted a broad audience from East and Southeast Asia.

Stars from China, Korea and other Asian countries, such as Andy Lau, Choi Ji-woo and Song Seung Hun, attended this year’s celebration in Hong Kong.

The three major awards, including Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Artist of the Year in Asia, went to Big Bang's Taeyang and EXO. Taeyang also won the award for Best Male Vocal Performance.

The event offers 18 awards, including Best Male/Female Group, Best Global Group - Male/Female, Best Male/Female Artist, Best Dance Performance for Male/Female Groups, Best New Male Artist, Best New Female Artist, Best Band Performance, Best Rap Performance, Best Vocal Performance Solo, Best Vocal Performance Group, Best Music Video, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year.

This year's event was sponsored by UnionPay International, a subsidiary of China UnionPay (CUP) focusing on the growth and support of UnionPay’s global business. CUP cardholders worldwide enjoyed exclusive advanced ticket purchase privileges for the ceremony. Its services for this year’s ceremony have received positive reviews especially in Hong Kong and South Korea.

CUP gives priority to young consumers, who are close followers of popular culture. Many services, such as the UnionPay Haigou platform for overseas shopping and UnionPay online payment services, are designed to cater to the young generation’s consumption habits.