2022 AAA group photo sparked controversy over discrimination, “Another special treatment for actors?”

On December 13th, the 2022 Asian Artist Awards IN JAPAN (2022 AAA) was held at Nippon Gaishi Hall in Nagoya, Japan. Super Junior Lee Teuk and IVE Jang Won Young hosted the event.

This year’s Daesangs (Grand Prizes) went to NewJeans, Lim Young Woong, IVE, Stray Kids, Seventeen, and actor Lee Jun Ho. Lim Young Woong proved his extraordinary popularity by winning four awards, including the Daesang.

The controversy was raised when the 2022 AAA group photo was released. After the awards ceremony, the group photo of the winners spread rapidly in online communities. The picture was taken using a wide-angle lens because there were so many artists. However, netizens pointed out the unfair placement of artists’ positions with actors in the center and idols standing on the side.

As can be seen from the picture, actors sat on chairs in the front and middle of the stage. Meanwhile, singers and idols were pushed to two sides and had to stand or sit on the floor.

As a result, many fans raised questions about why idols are always placed on the sides every time they take group photos although the awards ceremonies are mostly attended by idol fans.

Netizens criticized, “This reminds me of MAMA”, “I don’t understand why there is discrimination between singers and actors”, “If they’re going to treat singers and idols like that, then just invite actors only”, etc. On the other hand, some raised opposite opinions, saying “Don’t blame the actors”, “That happened because everyone tried to avoid the center spot”, etc.

Earlier, the 2020 MAMA AWARDS caused controversy over discrimination as they provided waiting rooms only for actors while idols had to wait in their personal vehicles.

In addition, actors were criticized for their attitude at several film and drama awards in the past as they did not react while watching performances by famous idols. This discrimination controversy happened not only to idols but also to comedians and MCs. At last year’s Baeksang Art Awards, many actors faced backlash as they were caught not standing up to celebrate Yoo Jae Suk’s Daesang.

However, at recent awards ceremonies, such as the Blue Dragon Film Festival, actors received compliments for their improved appearances with enthusiastic reactions to winners and performances.

Source: Nate