Controversy Over 2024 SMA Winners: Daesang Called a “Joke”, Netizens Demand Justice for NewJeans, SEVENTEEN, Jisoo, and More

huyendoFebruary 9, 2024Last Updated: February 9, 2024

2 minutes read

The Seoul Music Awards (SMA) 2024 took place in Thailand on January 2. The award show, once hailed as the “Korean Grammy,” is caught up in heated debates due to what many consider undeserving results.

Daesang is being dissed as “a joke,”netizens demand justice for NewJeans and SEVENTEEN

SMA has four crucial categories: Daesang, Best Song, Best Album, and 18 Bonsang awards. This year, NCT Dream won the Daesang, however, their achievements pale compared to standout artists like NewJeans, IVE, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, BTS’s Jungkook, and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo.

In the last few years, SMA has been grappling with accusations of favoritism towards SM artists, with the prestigious Daesang becoming a laughingstock due to potential behind-the-scenes deals and lack of transparency. Last year, NCT Dream also caused controversy by taking home the Daesang trophy.

Korean netizens left comments:

I only know NewJeans and SEVENTEEN’s songs
NCT keeps robbing other groups’ Daesangs
Not winning best song and best album, and yet claim the Daesang? Based on what?
This kind of setup makes me doubt all of SM’s achievements so far.
This is a joke. What’s the point of the Daesang?
SM’s artists will always win Daesang at SMA regardless of their achievements. SMA has been SM Awards since 2020.

Jisoo, LE SSERAFIM left empty-handed despite shining achievements

Beyond the Daesang controversy, SMA 2024’s Bonsang results also have fans scratching their heads – BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and LE SSERAFIM missed the cut for the top 18, despite their stellar performances in 2023.

LE SSERAFIM had a productive year, with both “Unforgiven” and “Perfect Night” ranking high on the charts. Jisoo had a successful solo debut with “Flower”.

But in the 18 artists getting Bonsang, these two were no-shows. Fans are calling out SMA for manipulating the results.

SMA 2024 winners:

Daesang: NCT DREAM

Best Album: SEVENTEEN

Best Song: NewJeans

Bonsang: aespa, (G)I-DLE, IVE, Jimin, Jung Kook, Kang Daniel, Lim Young Woong, NCT DREAM, NewJeans, NMIXX, RIIZE, SEVENTEEN, STAYC, Stray Kids, Sunmi, V, Young Tak, ZEROBASEONE

World Best Artist Award: BLACKPINK

World Trend Artist Award: BTS

Rookie of the Year: RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE

Best Performance: Billlie

Fan Choice of the Year: V

OST Award: EXO Baekhyun (“Hello” from “Dr. Romantic 3”)

Ballad Award: DAY6’s Young K

Band Award: Xdinary Heroes

Trot Award: Young Tak

R&B/Hip Hop Award: Dynamic Duo

Discovery of the Year: FIFTY FIFTY

K-Pop Special Award: Sandara Park