: MAMA 2021 introduced a major change in how winners were selected. To better reflect professional artistry and global impact, the major Daesang categories—Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year—removed fan voting from their criteria, relying instead on data and a panel of expert judges.
: The event heavily spotlighted the "Fourth Generation" of K-pop. The opening performance, " BlooM The Sound ," featured a collaboration between representative members of leading new-gen groups: Hyunjin (Stray Kids), Yeji (ITZY), Karina (aespa), Heeseung (ENHYPEN), Yeonjun (TXT), and Wooyoung (ATEEZ). Performance Highlights Dinamika M.A.M.A. 2021
: Performances by aespa and NCT Dream utilized advanced Augmented Reality (AR) and avatars to create immersive stages. Major Winners at a Glance Best New Male Artist Best New Female Artist Best Male Group Best Female Group Best Male Artist BAEKHYUN (EXO) Best Female Artist Best Dance Performance (Female) aespa ("Next Level") Best Band Performance : MAMA 2021 introduced a major change in
: British superstar Ed Sheeran performed a special mash-up of "Bad Habits" and "Shivers," emphasizing the awards' global reach. The opening performance, " BlooM The Sound ,"