South Korean actor Park Bo Gum is returning to one of K-pop’s biggest annual music ceremonies, taking on an expanded role at the 2026 MAMA AWARDS.
In addition to hosting the event, he has been named the awards ceremony’s first-ever ambassador, marking a new milestone in his longstanding relationship with the show.
On October 29, 2026, the announcement was made during a media event in Seoul attended by representatives from CJ ENM and Mnet.
Park Bo Gum will host the ceremony for the eighth time, having first taken on the role in 2017.
The introduction of the ambassador position adds another dimension to his involvement.
Rather than simply guiding viewers through the awards, Park Bo Gum will help connect the ceremony’s performances and stories across its two days, bringing audiences into this year’s overarching concept.
The 2026 MAMA AWARDS will take place on November 20 and 21 at Kyocera Dome Osaka in Japan.
With its theme centered on music transcending time and space, the event promises a series of performances and collaborations designed to bring artists and fans together.
Park Bo Gum Takes on a New Role as MAMA Ambassador
Park Bo Gum’s appointment as the first MAMA AWARDS ambassador reflects his long association with the ceremony.
Since his hosting debut in 2017, the actor has become a familiar presence at the event, returning for several editions as the awards expanded its international reach.
According to Mnet business division head Yoon Shin Hye, Park Bo Gum’s passion for music and his connection with the ceremony made him a fitting choice for the newly introduced position.
She expressed confidence that his involvement would help communicate the meaning behind this year’s event and connect its different segments.
Park Bo Gum also shared his thoughts through a video message, expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity. He said,
“This year, as the MAMA AWARDS Ambassador, I will do my best to sincerely convey the musical messages over the two days.”
He continued by describing the ceremony’s theme and his role in bringing its story to audiences.
“As a storyteller, I’ll share a variety of stories with you,” he said, adding that viewers could look forward to performances filled with surprises and emotion, including special stages and collaborative performances.
The ambassador position is intended to help bridge the two days of the ceremony and give the event a more connected narrative.
Park Bo Gum will serve as a guide through the musical journey, introducing audiences to the performances and stories that shape the overall experience.
His return is also notable for fans who have followed his hosting career at MAMA.
Having first appeared as host in 2017, he now takes on a role that combines his familiar presence with a broader responsibility for communicating the ceremony’s concept.
“MUSIC INTERSTELLAR” Sets the Theme for the 2026 MAMA AWARDS
This year’s ceremony will follow the concept “MUSIC INTERSTELLAR,” built around the idea of a musical universe in which artists and fans connect beyond the boundaries of time and space.
The theme reflects MAMA’s broader message, “MUSIC MAKES ONE,” emphasizing music’s ability to connect people across generations, cultures and musical preferences.
Through its staging and storytelling, the ceremony aims to create an immersive experience that brings different musical worlds together.
The 2026 MAMA AWARDS will be held over two days at Kyocera Dome Osaka.
The event is expected to feature a wide range of performances, including collaborations between artists from different generations and genres.
The Osaka venue continues the awards’ international presence, following previous editions that have expanded beyond South Korea.
Japan has been an important location for the ceremony, providing a large stage for K-pop artists to reach audiences from across the region and around the world.
Alongside the main event, organizers are also preparing fan-focused activities intended to extend the MAMA experience beyond the awards venue.
These initiatives will allow fans to engage with the event through additional experiences in Osaka and online.
For Park Bo Gum, the new ambassador role offers an opportunity to contribute to the ceremony in a way that goes beyond conventional hosting.
His task will be to help audiences follow the narrative connecting the performances, artists and messages across both nights.
As the November 20 and 21 dates approach, anticipation is building for the 2026 MAMA AWARDS.
With Park Bo Gum returning as host and becoming its first-ever ambassador, the ceremony is preparing to deliver a new edition centered on musical discovery, collaboration and the connections that bring global K-pop fans together.
