MAMA 2025one of Asia’s highest profile music awards ceremonies opened on November 28 at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium under a heavy cloud of mourning. Just days before the event, a massive residential fire broke out at Wang Fook Court in Tai Po, killing nearly 100 people and sending shockwaves around the world.
In response to the tragedy, Mnet and the organizing committee significantly changed the scope and tone of the event. The red carpet was completely erasedpyrotechnic effects and explosive LED effects were REMOVEDand the artists were asked to do it reduce emotions out of respect for the victims.
Guest Bo Gum Park he came on stage wearing a black ribbon across his chest. Before announcing any awards, he led to a minute of silence to honor the lives lost in the fire. The entire production reflected a quiet solemnity, in stark contrast to the usual high-energy pageantry of its predecessor MOM shows.
Most of the performers wore black clothes on stage. Groups like (G)I-DLE, ENIPENEand others modified their choreography and avoided overly flashy effects. Even during emotional acceptance speeches, the artists refrained from smiling or celebrating exuberantly. Observers noticed “hardly anyone dared to smile” during transmission.
Despite the subdued tone, the event still provided key moments of recognition:
- Rose won Song of the Year (Daesang) for its smash hit “APT.” characterized Bruno Mars. The song previously earned a Perfect All-Kill and its MV surpassed 2.1 billion views in just 378 days. Although he was unable to attend in person, Rose sent a heartfelt video message, becoming the first female solo artist to win this award since PSY, Cho Yong PilAND Taeyang.
- ENIPENE took home their fourth Daesang of the year, winning Fan’s Choice of the Year, following previous wins at the D-Awards, ASEA and TMA.
- Rookie group on the rise SHORTSunder the HYBE labels, they received the award for best new artist, just over three months after their debut, together Hearts2Hearts.
Other major winners included IVE (Global Performance Artist, Most Popular Girl Group), BOY NEXT DOOR (Most popular boy group) e Super Juniorwho were rewarded for inspiring results.
ARTISTS WON AWARDS AT MAMA 2025 (DAY 1)
- Daesang – Fans’ Choice of the Year: ENIPENE
- Daesang – Song of the Year: APP. (ROSE, Bruno Mars)
- Fans’ Choice Award: Enpen, Riize, Babymonster, Stray Kids, Hearts2hearts, Zerobaseone, Aespa, Aespa, (G)I-Dle, Baekhyun, Seventeen, Ire, IU, Illit, Jin, G-Dragon, ITZY, ITZY, LE SSERAFIM, NCT Dream, Twice
- Best New Artist: SHORTS, CUORI2CUORI
- Global Performance Artist: IVE
- Most Popular Global Artist (TELASA): ENIPENE
- Favorite girl group: IVE
- Favorite boy band: BOY NEXT DOOR
- Inspiring Achievement Award: Super Junior
With the first day over, the anticipation for the second day grows MAMA 2025set for November 29th. Among the most anticipated moments is the return of G-DRAGONsparking excitement in the global K-pop community. Many of Daesang’s major categories remain unrevealed, keeping fans in suspense for what comes next in this emotionally charged yet historic edition of MOM.
Sources: Kenh14, Tuoi Tre
