MAMA Awards is considered one of the biggest and most influential award ceremonies in the Asian music industry in general and K-pop in particular. With its long history, grand scale, prestigious categories, and star-studded lineup, MAMA always attracts huge viewership and mαѕѕive discussions across social media platforms during the year-end award season. As a result, the event is not only a place where artists compete for awards but also a platform to establish their names and amplify their fame—one that many K-pop idols dream of standing on.

In his 2020 Daesang acceptance speech, RM once humorously yet pointedly recalled: “Actually, this is the only awards ceremony we weren’t invited to when we were rookies. We really wanted to come to this awards ceremony, and we envied those who did.” Interestingly, ever since winning their first award at MAMA in 2015 with World Performer, BTS went from being the group that "wasn’t invited" to taking home award after award, from about 63 major Daesangs to other category wins, over the following 10 years.

Meanwhile, it has been around five years since BTS last appeared at MAMA as a group due to their military service obligations. Therefore, with BTS having reunited as a group this year, fans had hoped to see them make their return to MAMA 2026, dominate the major categories, and showcase what kind of spectacular performance they could bring to the stage. However, MAMA’s latest announcement seems to indicate that the possibility is becoming increasingly slim!

Recently, MAMA’s official Twitter account announced that MAMA Awards 2026 will take place on November 20 and 21 at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, נαραи. Notably, the dates almost completely overlap with BTS’ ARIRANG World Tour leg in Taiwan, with the group scheduled to hold concerts on November 19, 21, and 22. With such a packed schedule, BTS’ chances of attending MAMA in person this year are considered quite low.

When the news was posted, it dampened the hopes of many fans and netizens who had previously been looking forward to seeing BTS return to the MAMA stage after such a long absence. This year-end award season will likely be one of the rare occasions for BTS to appear as a group after completing their military service, aside from their own showcases and concerts.

In particular, BTS is also being highly regarded by experts and the public this year as a strong contender for major categories such as Artist of the Year and Album of the Year at year-end award ceremonies, including MAMA. In the past, BTS created a true “reign of dominance” at MAMA. During their full-group era, they set an unprecedented record by becoming the only artist to win Artist of the Year for seven consecutive years (2016–2022). Not stopping there, the Album of the Year title also remained firmly in the group’s hands for four straight years (2019–2022).

Therefore, fans had been eagerly hoping since the beginning of this year to see the superstars once again take the stage and dominate the year-end award ceremonies. On top of that, BTS’ performances at MAMA have long been known for their meticulous preparation and grand scale, making fans even more excited to imagine what the group could bring to this year’s ceremony.

As a result, this latest announcement has left some ARMYs feeling wistful. Still, some fans have not completely given up hope. On social media, fans are buzzing with discussions about the possibility:

- Even though the 20th or 22th are free, I think it's unlikely they'll show up, but who knows...

- I was really hoping BTS would be there. The dates really couldn't be worse...

- I’m sad, but of course their tour comes first. Still hoping for a surprise appearance somehow

- Honestly, BTS doesn’t need MAMA, but you know, I love seeing BTS at award shows, interacting with other idols, their reactions, and the admiration and respect they receive from others

- I was really hoping to see BTS back on the MAMA stage this year. This is honestly a little нєαятвяєαкιиg

- I really wanted to see them receive those awards in person. It's been a long time

- It would be such a shame if BTS miss MAMA this year. Their performances at award shows are always soмєтнing special

- Maybe we shouldn’t lose hope just yet. If anyone can pull off a surprise appearance, it’s BTS. I’m still waiting

- I’ve been looking forward to BTS returning to MAMA ever since they reunited. Seeing them dominate those Daesang categories again would be incredible