The Melon Music Awards of 2023, held on December 2, was a gala event celebrating the achievements of numerous Kpop idol. It provides a platform for every Kpop idol to dazzle the audience with their performances. Ordinarily, this event is a joyous occasion, but a particular observation by fans of specific groups cast a shadow on the festivities. Some fans pointed out that during the award acceptance speeches of IVE and NewJeans, there appeared to be a noticeable scarcity of lightsticks in the audience. It created an effect akin to ‘black oceans.’
NewJeans and IVE Received Black Ocean at MMA 2023?
The music awards event usually serves as a joyful celebration, showcasing spectacular performances by the artists. However, this MMA 2023 was tinged with a bit of controversy. Observant fans noticed something unusual during the acceptance speeches of IVE and NewJeans. There seemed to be a distinct lack of lightsticks being waved in the audience. It suggested a phenomenon known as the ‘black ocean’ in Kpop, which cast a shadow on the otherwise festive atmosphere. This observation led to a deeper examination of the incident and its implications within the Kpop community.
a black ocean in 2023 is crazy and very disrespectful to both groups 4th gen ggs have been on top lately and they are VERY weird for doing this to them https://t.co/Le6RQBp6cK
— ♡︎Jɪɴ’s Bᴅᴀʏ Tᴍʀᴡ⁷⁺⁹⟬⟭ (@haeminkoo) December 2, 2023
What is the Black Ocean?
At events featuring multiple Kpop groups, it’s common to see fans from various fandoms. Additionally, regardless of their primary allegiance, they typically display their lightsticks in a show of courteous support during other groups’ performances.
Yet, there have been instances where audiences have deliberately turned off their lightsticks, creating a ‘black ocean’ effect. This act, often a form of protest, leaves the performing group in near darkness. The ‘black ocean’ had happened when fans expressed disapproval of Jisoo joining Lovelyz at the 2015 Pepsi Concert.
When Seventeen was still a rookie group, they experienced a similar moment of darkness. During the 2015 MAMA Awards, fans of other performing groups chose to switch off their lightsticks. As Seventeen was relatively new at the time, their fans did not possess lightsticks, which resulted in the stadium being enveloped in darkness.
A notable recent example was the audience’s reaction to Rain at KCON LA in 2023, sparked by controversies surrounding his interactions with other groups.
Experiencing a black ocean is a significant and troubling event, understandably causing distress among fans. This occurrence led to speculation and concern, with some pointing fingers at boy group fans at the event for lack of support and others puzzled over why such popular groups would face this reaction.
It’s All Misunderstanding
Amidst the festive and celebratory ambiance, keen-eyed fans observed an unusual phenomenon during the award acceptance speeches of IVE and NewJeans. There was a noticeable scarcity of illuminated lightsticks in the crowd, giving rise to what appeared to be a “black ocean” effect for these groups.
The occurrence of a black ocean is a matter of significant concern. Accusations were directed towards the fans of boy groups at the event, suggesting they showed insufficient support for female idols such as IVE and NewJeans.
However, it’s crucial to examine the validity of this claim more closely. Conventionally, event-goers, regardless of which group they support, typically lift their lightsticks in a sign of solidarity during performances by other groups.
Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that these girl groups did not experience a ‘black ocean.’ The photographs taken might give the impression of disrespect towards these groups by fans of others, but this isn’t entirely accurate. Observers have noted that other idol groups, including male idols, also had fewer lightsticks visible at various points.
black ocean is a serious issue why do kpop stans lie about getting this treatment when its just a lighting issue & the audience filming them on the phone so theres less lightsticks? Its literally the same for the boys too. watch the performances u see no one got any blackocean pic.twitter.com/Swhqbl01zs
— jungkook's gf (@fixonagustdd) December 2, 2023
For anyone still misunderstanding, it's not a black ocean. I watched from beginning to end. On the ground, many people were holding phones and cameras, and from this side, there were barely any fanlights. It's not just with GIRL GROUP but also BOY BAND too. https://t.co/zSD1woZ9L4 pic.twitter.com/GGO0tsqR9L
— ซอนโซงุนนัมม้าคคั้บ! ◡̈ (@oohscchs26) December 2, 2023
There’s No “Black Ocean” during MMA 2023
The more likely explanation is that fans often chose to lower their lightsticks during the award acceptance moments, opting instead to record the event. This trend was also observable during performances. For example, in a fan-captured video of NewJeans’s Hanni, lightsticks belonging to fans of different groups are visible in the background. At the same time, those closer to the stage are busy filming with their cameras. The same can be seen in NCT’s Jaemin and Jeno fan cam.
Hanni cool w you fancam at MMA 2023#뉴진스 #하니 #NewJeans #Hanni pic.twitter.com/4G1KEnFvOs
— ?????⁷³ (@onlyhanni2k4) December 2, 2023
231202 MMA 멜론뮤직어워드
— 연 (@woalsluv) December 2, 2023
재민제노 페어안무..? pic.twitter.com/d9M0K0U0MF
Thankfully, this was just an understandable misunderstanding!
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It's just bunnies looking for attention! What black ocean?