Singer Seo Taiji and Hong Kong’s top star Andy Lau have been confirmed for the 2014 MAMA. The staff of this year’s Mnet Asian Music Awards held a press conference at CJ E&M Media Hall in Sangam-dong on the 17^th. The organizing committee, which included director Shin Hyung-gwan, department chief Han Dong-chul, and team leader Kim Hyun-soo, introduced this year’s event to the media.  

The organizing team surprised the journalists at the conference by talking frankly about the confirmed events. “The focus of this year’s festival is the participation of the influential celebrities in the Chinese-speaking region,” they explained. “Hong Kong star Andy Lau will attend as an award presenter.”   

Mr. Shin continued, “We are currently contacting other celebrities and trying to work out a schedule. We will be able to reveal the details by the end of this week.”

He made a surprise announcement of Seo Taiji’s participation in the festival. “We have many collaborations in store this year. Collaboration between legendary artists and the hottest stars of the year as well as a sexy competition between girl groups,” he said. “Seo Taiji, an award nominee, could participate if he is confirmed to win.” He further explained that the team concluded all talks with Seo Taiji last Saturday and that he has agreed to put on a special stage at the festival.

“Next year Mnet meets its 20^th anniversary,” the team added. “Both K-pop and Korea have made an astounding growth over the years and that has deepened our sense of responsibility and pride. Our awards ceremony may not be perfect or complete yet, but we will do our best to promote cultural exchange in Asia through music and create higher values.”

The 2014 MAMA kicks off at the AsiaWorld-Expo Arena in Hong Kong on December 3.