Kpop is once again drawing the ire of netizens in China over issues of sovereignty.

The Mnet Asian Music Awards is in the midst of soliciting votes online for its annual music awarding ceremonies.

But organizers are facing backlash from China, after netizens noticed that under the “Voting by Country” category, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau were shown, each with its corresponding flag pictured.

Media reports say “MAMA get out of China” was trending on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with some netizens calling for protection of the “One China” principle.

This new controversy comes after Taiwan Kpop star Chou Tzuyu issued an apology online last year for waving an R.O.C flag during a television appearance, stirring major backlash from mainland internet users.

MAMA is one of the biggest music award shows in Asia, and is broadcast in South Korea, China, Japan, Indonesia, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States.

This year’s show is to be held in Vietnam, late this month or in early December.

Event organizers CJ E&M have yet to issue a statement on the controversy, but since the story broke yesterday, the “Voting by Country” section of the MAMA website has been removed.

 

photo source: Mwave website (top & middle) ; TWICE Facebook page (bottom)