The Melon Music Awards Are Almost Here, but Will BTS Be There? Let's Investigate

BTS has a lot going on these days – then again, when do they not? Even when BTS could not jet-set around the world for international events because of the pandemic, they still maintained a packed schedule, attending Korean events in person and U.S. ones virtually. But, on Nov. 17, that all changed because BTS landed in L.A. for their first in-person U.S. promotion spree since February 2020. U.S.-based fans will get live concerts, late-night T.V. appearances, and even award show performances. But with all this going on, the question is: Will BTS attend the Melon Music Awards in Korea? BTS has banked so many unforgettable performances at the show (their 2018 “Idol” performance still lives rent-free in ARMYs’ minds), so it’s hard to imagine the boys not attending. However, there’s a chance this year will be one where BTS won’t be there in person for a couple of reasons.

The Melon Music Awards are scheduled to take place on Dec. 4. Just like last year, they’ll be held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. BTS is nominated for a handful of awards, but they’ll probably be accepting them virtually since their U.S. promotions will seemingly require them to stay Stateside until at least Dec. 4. See, they’re performing “Butter” with Megan Thee Stallion and “My Universe” with Coldplay at the American Music Awards on Nov. 21, appearing on The Late Late Show With James Corden on Nov. 23, and then taking the stage at SoFi Stadium on Nov. 27 and 28 and Dec. 1 and 2 for their sold-out Permission to Dance concerts. As if that wasn’t enough, they’ll then take the stage at iHeart Radio’s Jingle Ball in Los Angeles on Dec. 3, which definitely won’t leave them enough time to get back to Korea for the Melon Music Awards since Korea is 14 hours ahead of the U.S.

Even though an in-person appearance seems impossible, there’s a good chance they’ll make a virtual appearance to accept any awards they win. As for a musical performance, a virtual one for the show feels probable. BTS has performed at the Melon Music Awards consistently in the past several years, and the group’s affinity for the popular award show makes us think that even though they won’t be in Korea, they may still work something out virtually. After all, many of BTS’ now-iconic U.S. performances amid the coronavirus pandemic were filmed ahead of time from Korea, like their “Butter” performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. So they could conceivably do the same thing, but the other way around, to participate in the Melon Music Awards virtually.

Nothing has been confirmed yet, so fans will have to wait and see.