EXO receives 5 recognitions including 2 of the 3 highest awards in MAMA 2014, proves popularity despite this year’s controversies

By Staff Writer

Dec 03 2014, 21:32 PM EST

EXO went home a big winner at the recently concluded 2014 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA 2014), despite recent controversies the group has gone through this year.

The 10-member group received some of the night's major awards such as UnionPay Album of the Year award for "Overdose," UnionPay Artist of the Year award, Best Male Group, Asian Style award, and Best Asian Artist - Korea.

According to KpopStars, three of the group's awards were given at the last hour of the event. The website also noted that 2014 was a tough year for the idol group as two of its members left the group after filing a lawsuit against their record label SM Entertainment.

Kris, leader of its Chinese language subgroup EXO-M left the group in May while Luhan, another EXO-M member, followed suit in October.

KpopStars also pointed out that despite these controversies, EXO's awards from this year's MAMA goes to prove that they are still one of the most influential and widely supported K-pop groups.

As the group went on the MAMA stage to accept their Artist of the Year award, fans in the crowd cheered them and shouted the group's motto, "We are one."

Enews reported that Suho, the leader of the group, delivered his thank you speech for the third time. "We want to thank Lee Soo Man and SM family members who are always working hard behind us. No matter how many times we say this, tens or hundreds of times, this was possible thanks to EXO-L. We will become the best artist to return your love," he said before the screaming fans in the audience.

Lay said receiving such award as a Chinese member makes him very proud. He added that they are dedicating the award to all the people who helped them get to where they are now.

While accepting their Album of the Year award, Chanyeol also said, "I know how hard it is to not be able to live with a comfortable heart. EXO is staying strong and I hope that you can love us comfortably and be happy. No matter what happens, to EXO-L and the many people who believed us no matter what, we want to thank you."

Tao, meanwhile, said, "2014 was a very hard year for EXO. Thank you to everyone that helped EXO. EXO will continue working hard, so please look forward to it."

MAMA 2014 was held in AWE in Hong Kong on December 3.