As K-pop continues to transcend borders, the awards shows within South Korea and China have become pivotal platforms for recognizing talent. However, a notable difference between these two countries'...
As K-pop continues to transcend borders, the awards shows within South Korea and China have become pivotal platforms for recognizing talent. However, a notable difference between these two countries' ceremonies has sparked widespread discussion among fans and industry experts alike. The Defining Difference: Audience Voting Power In recent years, the distinction between Korean and Chinese awards shows has become a hot topic. While Korean ceremonies, such as the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) and Melon Music Awards, rely heavily on metrics like digital sales and judges' evaluations, Chinese awards shows place a significant emphasis on audience voting. For instance, the Tencent Music Entertainment Awards (TMEA), held in Shenzhen on December 15, 2025 , allows fans to heavily influence the outcome through online votes. This year's TMEA saw an unprecedented 100 million votes cast within a week, with BLACKPINK securing the 'Most Popular Overseas Artist' award thanks to their global fanbase's ...