MBC Gayo Daejejeon 2024 brightens Lunar New Year

The first night of the 2024 MBC Gayo Daejejeon WANNABE, a spectacular K-pop festival lighting up the Lunar New Year holidays, aired on 29 January, with the second part set for 30 January.

This year’s event was hosted by YoonA, the beloved "idol's wannabe" and a decade-long MC of MBC Gayo Daejejeon; SHINee's Minho, returning for the second consecutive year as the "backbone of K-pop"; and TWS's Dohoon, a "next-generation wannabe," bringing fresh energy to the stage.

Boasting a star-studded lineup, the 2024 MBC Gayo Daejejeon WANNABE featured some of the biggest names in K-pop, including aespa, ATEEZ, BOYNEXTDOOR, DAY6, ENHYPEN, ITZY, IVE, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, NCT U, NewJeans, P1Harmony, RIIZE, Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, TWS, ZEROBASEONE, (G)I-DLE, Young Tak, Lee Chan Won, SHINee's Taemin, CLASS:y, CRAVITY, Fantasy Boys, KISS OF LIFE, NMIXX, STAYC, Lee Young Ji, John Park, and fromis_9. The stage came alive with breathtaking performances, making for an unforgettable night of music.

Marking a poignant moment in the event’s history, YoonA bid farewell to her MC role after ten years. Looking back on her journey, she shared, “I have been an MC for MBC Gayo Daejejeon for ten years now. I will continue to support and watch over the show. I had such a great time, but today, more than ever, I wish time would slow down.”

Beyond the powerful solo and group performances, the festival featured special collaborations that thrilled fans. The dynamic unit Kemiz — comprising Lee Eun Ji, Oh My Girl’s Mimi, Lee Young Ji, and IVE’s Yujin — delivered an electrifying cover of 2NE1's "Fire" and "I Am The Best." Rising groups BOYNEXTDOOR and ZEROBASEONE also performed "No.1" by BoA.

Another standout moment came from ITZY’s Yuna, aespa’s Karina, and NMIXX’s Sullyoon, who showcased their aura and star power with their "Pocket, Locket" performance. Adding to the excitement, Lee Young Ji and NCT’s Mark set the stage ablaze with unforgettable performances of "Small Girl" and "Fraktsiya."