GOT7's BamBam reacts to technical difficulties at the 2024 Seoul Music Awards, says he never wants to attend one again
In response to technical issues after his performance at the 2024 Seoul Music Awards, GOT7 member and Thai idol BamBam said he would "never go to award shows again."
This came after the Korean superstar aired his grievances on X about the various problems he encountered in the said music awards which was held at Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium last January 2.
"The WORST sound system in my life," he wrote.
the WORST sound system in my life
— BamBam (@BamBam1A) January 2, 2024
The singer performed a unique mash-up of his solo hits Pandora, Sour & Sweet, and Ribbon. As seen in the videos shared online, the backtrack and microphone audio were cut out for lengthy periods, disrupting the performance.
Likewise, Youngjae, also a member of GOT7, experienced the same technical difficulties during his solo performance. The group's main vocalist supported BamBam's remarks about the awards night's sound system.
"It's something I agree with, BamBam hyung," he said based on a translated version of an X user, @sevendless.
More than the sound system, the idol also claimed on X that the music award exploited him and other K-pop stars for financial gain.
they're just want to make money from us
— BamBam (@BamBam1A) January 3, 2024
i'll never go to award shows again
"[They] just want to make money from us," BamBam said as a response to social media users who also believed that these award ceremonies "are not caring much at all anymore" and that "they were trying to sell a concert rather than a professional awards show."
"I'll never go to award shows again," he added.
Social media users react
Fans of BamBam on social media lauded him for the courage to voice out his opinions and "protect not just members of GOT7, but also for other artists and their fans."
"Event participants shouldn't be taken advantage of by the organizers like that—be it the artists or the fans. This is revolutionary, thank you for always being one of the few artists who stood up to talk about things that should be addressed," an X user wrote.
"Thank you for speaking up not only for artists but also in fans' stead. This level of unprofessional for an award show [on] that scale isn't acceptable. Artists and fans deserve more. Despite everything you performed amazingly as always," another one commented.
"You were still amazing! You performed like a true and very skilled professional," one user chided.
It was the first time the 33rd Seoul Music Awards was held outside South Korea. The occasion aims to commemorate yet another stellar year for K-pop.
Among the big winners is the NCT Dream, which bagged the Daesang Award or the Grand Prize for the second year in a row.
K-pop boy band SEVENTEEN, on the other hand, clinched the Best Album Award for their mini-album, FML, and the Best Song Award goes to NewJean's January single OMG.
Other awardees include BLACKPINK, BTS, RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE, Dara, and Baekhyun, who won World Best Artist, World Trend Artist, Rookies of the Year, K-pop Special Award, and OST Award, respectively.
Meanwhile, BamBam graced his Filipino fans last September at the Araneta Coliseum for his 1st World Tour [Area 52]. The Thai Idol performed alongside former 2NE1 member Sandara Park, his colleague at Abyss Company, and girl group DreamNote.