The 2020 Melon Music Awards ceremony is the 12th ceremony in the history of the show, hosted by Kakao M via its online music store, Melon, was announced to take place in South Korea virtually from 2nd December to 5th December 2020 which was dubbed ‘MMA Week’, with the main ceremony being held at 19:00 KST on 5th December. This award show is the first one to be performed online over the four-day period because of the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to quarantine and social distancing, was therefore held without an audience and artists performed online.

In 2020, South Korean singer-songwriter IU released “Eight,” a collaborative single featuring Suga of the globally renowned boy band BTS. This track not only showcased a harmonious blend of their artistic talents but also achieved significant recognition, notably winning the Best Rock Track award at the Melon Music Awards (MMA) that year.

“Eight” was unveiled on May 6, 2020, marking IU’s return after her 2019 EP “Love Poem.” The song was a product of collaboration between IU and Suga, who took on roles as co-writers and co-composers, with Suga also handling the production alongside EL CAPITXN. Musically, “Eight” is characterized as a pop-rock track that fuses acoustic EDM elements with rock sounds, creating a nostalgic and emotive atmosphere. The lyrics delve into themes of youth, self-reflection, and the passage of time, with IU describing them as a confession from a twenty-eight-year-old, utilizing virtual figures and metaphors.

Upon its release, “Eight” received widespread acclaim for its introspective lyrics and innovative production. The song achieved a perfect “all-kill” on South Korean music charts, debuting at the top of the Gaon Digital Chart and securing the number one spot on Billboard’s World Digital Songs chart. Critics praised the track, drawing comparisons to works by artists like Avicii and Zedd, and highlighting its blend of feel-good and nostalgic vibes.

The Melon Music Awards, one of South Korea’s most prestigious music award ceremonies, recognized “Eight” in multiple categories. Notably, the song won the Best Rock Track award, a testament to its impact and the seamless collaboration between IU and Suga. Additionally, “Eight” was nominated for Song of the Year at both the Melon Music Awards and the Mnet Asian Music Awards, underscoring its widespread acclaim.

BTS’s achievements at the Melon Music Awards in 2020 were remarkable. The group swept all three Daesang (grand prize) categories: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for “Map of the Soul: 7,” and Song of the Year for “Dynamite.” They also secured awards for Best Dance (Male) with “Dynamite” and the Netizen’s Choice award, bringing their total to six awards. Notably, IU’s “Eight,” produced by and featuring Suga, won the Best Rock Track award, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the Korean music industry.

The collaboration between IU and Suga was highly anticipated and well-received. It marked a fusion of IU’s emotive vocal style with Suga’s distinctive production and rap, offering listeners a fresh and compelling musical experience. The song’s introspective lyrics and innovative sound resonated with a broad audience, contributing to its commercial success and critical acclaim.

“Eight” stands as a testament to the dynamic collaborations within the Korean music industry. The track’s success at the Melon Music Awards, coupled with its positive reception from both critics and audiences, underscores the enduring appeal of IU and Suga as individual artists and as collaborators. Their ability to blend introspective themes with innovative musical styles continues to captivate listeners worldwide.

Watch the beautiful MV below

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