M Countdown (Mnet studio)
Where TWICE's dreams become trophy moments.
M Countdown is a legendary music show broadcast by Mnet, serving as a weekly battleground where K-pop artists compete for the coveted first-place trophy. For TWICE, it has been a recurring stage for their comebacks, performances, and historic wins, marking key milestones in their career. The studio, located in Seoul's CJ E&M Center, is a sleek, high-tech venue that fans associate with iconic stages, emotional victory speeches, and the group's rise to global stardom.
- Role
- Weekly music show and performance stage
- Affiliation
- Mnet (CJ ENM)
- First appears
- TWICE's debut stage with 'Like Ooh-Ahh' in 2015
- Status
- Active as of 2023
Lore & Background
M Countdown is more than a broadcast—it's a sacred space in TWICE's journey. From their debut stage on October 22, 2015, where they performed 'Like Ooh-Ahh' with nervous energy, to their first win on this very show with 'Cheer Up' in 2016, the studio has witnessed their transformation from rookies to legends. The show's format, with its live voting and fan engagement, creates a high-stakes atmosphere that amplifies every comeback.
In Their Own Story
The lights dim, and the crowd's roar fades to a hush. TWICE stands backstage, hands clasped, as the MC announces the winner. The screen flashes their faces—Nayeon's eyes wide, Jeongyeon gripping Sana's arm. The trophy is theirs. They rush to the stage, tears streaming, as 'Cheer Up' plays. The M Countdown studio, with its neon glow and polished floor, becomes a blur of joy and confetti, a moment etched in time.
Reader's Guide
The M Countdown studio is a rectangular soundstage with a large LED screen backdrop, often displaying dynamic graphics that match the performing artist's concept. The stage is raised slightly, with a glossy floor that reflects the lights, and the audience area is a mix of seated and standing fans, separated by a barrier. For TWICE's performances, the studio transforms into a colorful, energetic space—like during 'Fancy' in 2019, where the set featured pastel hues and a runway extension. The show airs live every Thursday at 6 PM KST on Mnet, with pre-recorded stages for some segments. The 'M Countdown' logo, a bold red and white design, hangs above the stage, and the winner's trophy is a golden microphone-shaped award. The show's rules include real-time SMS voting and digital score aggregation, making each win a testament to fan support.
Did You Know?
- TWICE's first-ever music show win was on M Countdown with 'Cheer Up' on May 5, 2016.
- The studio's address at CJ E&M Center in Sangam-dong is a pilgrimage site for ONCE.
- M Countdown has a unique 'Global Fan Choice' segment where international votes count toward the winner.
More in Locations & Settings
Elsewhere in the Twice universe
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