On the 16th, it was revealed by Mnet’s office that they have invited TVXQ, whose members are in the midst of a legal dispute with their management company, to attend their year-end awards “Mnet Asian Music Award” (hereafter known as MAMA). This year’s MAMA will be held on the 21st November, Seoul, Jamsil Gymnasium. Their office said, “MAMA’s aim is to show the rest of Asia Korea’s culture” and “the award ceremeony will be aired across the 10 main countries in Asia, like Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, where TVXQ is the best artist. Thus, Korea’s top artist cannot be excluded from the invitation.”
On MAMA’s end, they have expressed interest in inviting TVXQ to attend their awards. On the 16th, they said that they would get in touch with TVXQ’s management to see whether it would be possible for them to attend or not. However, TVXQ’s company, SM Entertainment has declared that they would not be attending MAMA, so a lot of attention has been cast on TVXQ to see whether or not they will attend.
An official from the KPOP industry said, “Last month, the courts approved a partial injunction to the 3 members’ exclusive contract with the company, and the 3 members are allowed to participate in their own individual activities” and “while we hope that all 5 members can attend together, the possibility of only the 3 members attending is high”.
MAMA is holding their award ceremony on the 21st, which was originally the date of TVXQ’s concert in China. However, SM Entertainment claimed that, “The 3 members expressed that they did not wish to participate in the concert that was to be held on the 21st, and the remaining performances are uncertain.” In contrast, the 3 members’ side claimed that “From the beginning, the China concert (Shenzhen) was not in the contract.”
A representative from a company for idol groups said, “SM Entertainment and the 3 members have differing opinions, and the dispute is becoming more serious. Disbandment might be inevitable.”
On the 19th, the three TVXQ members Xiah Junsu, Micky Yoochun and Youngwoong JaeJoong have decided to attend the MAMA’s which will be held on November 21st. An Mnet representative stated to Starnews:
“Youngwoong JaeJoong, Xiah Junsu and Micky Yoochun will attend the MAMA’s and will be able to greet their fans after being away for a long time.”
In addition they stated:
“However, we are not sure yet whether the 3 members will perform or just greet the fans on stage as of now.”
Well, it’s better than nothing right? Finally some good news for TVXQ fans and for the MAMA’s.
As part of the activities for the XXXVII Japanese Culture Week, the Peruvian Japanese Association organized Bunkan Shuukan, which was designed especially for people who enjoy Japanese animation. Meanwhile, at the AELU the Matsuri 2009, a festival of Japanese fashion, took place (and this happens every year). The Bunka Shuukan had Japanese music, an essential part of pop culture, as it’s main attraction. Different groups demonstrated their dance talents with choreography to the rhythm of Jpop. This year, there was a clear influence of Tohoshinki, as at least three choreographies used the now ‘classic’ Mirotic.
