The 2025 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MOM) concluded its two-night event on November 29 in Hong Kong on a somber tone following the tragic fire that broke out in the city. While the atmosphere was subdued, the results were anything but calm: from G-DRAGON’s landslide victories to Rosé’s historic Daesang and a fierce reaction to Album of the Year.
A ceremony marked by reflection
With the recent residential fire killing hundreds of people, MOM 2025 has scaled back its typical greatness. The performances and pageantry of the red carpet were toned down, and attendees held a moment of silence in tribute. However, fans got an up-close look at the biggest names in K-pop competing in one of the most prestigious awards in the industry.
Big winners of the evening
Rosé made headlines with her collaboration with Bruno Mars “APT.” which earned her Song of the Year, along with Best Female Artist, Best Solo Vocal Performance and Best Collaboration. Her individual success marks the first time a BLACKPINK member has won a Daesang at a Korean awards show.
Jennie also had a successful night, taking home Best Female Solo Dance Performance “like JENNIE” and best music video for “ZEN.”
Stray children won Album of the Year with “KARMA”a decision based heavily on global physical sales. Their rise to commercial dominance has positioned them as successors to last year’s winners SEVENTEEN in the domain of the physical album.
G-DRAGON’s Snub Album Sparks Debate
Despite winning four awards, including Artist of the Year (Daesang), Best Male Artist and Best Male Solo Dance Performance (“Sin”), G-DRAGONthe critically acclaimed album Superman was overlooked for Album of the Year, a result that sparked an immediate uproar online.
Fans expressed disappointment, arguing that the artistic influence was unfairly overshadowed by sales figures. Many supported him Superman it was a cultural statement, not just an album. “It’s not just a question of numbers” one fan wrote. “It’s about legacy and artistic value, and G-DRAGON deserves recognition for both.”
Still, G-DRAGON became the first soloist in MOM history to win Artist of the Year twice, cementing his status as a K-pop legend.
Full list of MAMA 2025 winners
🏆 Grand Prix (Daesang)
Artist of the Year: G-DRAGON
Song of the Year: ROSÉ x Bruno Mars – APP.
Album of the Year: Stray children – KARMA
Global Fan Choice (Daesang): ENIPENE
🔟 Top 10 picks from global fans
Male: ENIPENE, RIIZE, Stray children, ZEROBASEON, BAEKHYUN, SEVENTEEN, JIN, G-DRAGONj-I hope, NCT DREAM
Female: MONSTER CHILD, Hearts2Hearts, espa(G)I-DLE, IRENE, UI, YOU, ITZY, THE SERAPHINS, TWICE
🥇Major and Special Prizes
Best New Artists: SHORTS, Hearts2Hearts
Best Male Group: SEVENTEEN
Best Female Group: espa
Best Male Artist: G-DRAGON
Best Female Artist: ROSÉ
Music Visionary of the Year: Kpop Demon Hunters
Excellent stage artist: TXT
🎤Rewards for performance
Best Dance Performance – Male Group: SEVENTEEN – THUNDER
Best Dance Performance – Female Group: espa – Whiplash
Best Dance Performance – Male Solo: G-DRAGON – Sin
Best Dance Performance – Female Soloist: JENNIE – like JENNIE
Best Vocal Performance – Group: DAVICHI – Sewing
Best Vocal Performance – Solo: ROSÉ – toxic to the end
Best band performance: DAY6 – Maybe tomorrow
Best Collaboration: ROSÉ x Bruno Mars – APP.
Best Music Video: JENNIE – ZEN
Best Choreography: espa – Whiplash
Best OST: HUNT/X – Golden
Best Rap/Hip-Hop Performance: BIG bad – MUSIC (featuring Lee Chanhyuk)
💖 Fan favorite awards and trends
Favorite boy band: BOY NEXT DOOR
Favorite girl group: IVE
Favorite Global Female Artist: IVE
Global trending song: IVE – REBEL HEART
Emerging Artist of the Year: Izna
Best Asian Artist: JO1
Breakthrough Artist: PROJECT ALL DAY
Telasa Global Favorite Artist: ENIPENE
The choice of KCONers worldwide: ZEROBASEON
K-Beauty Star: Hearts2Hearts
Inspiring Achievement Award: SUPERJUNIOR
Final thoughts
MOM 2025 will be remembered for its thoughtful tone, emotional tributes, and controversies surrounding its major categories. As K-pop evolves into a global force, the conversation between commercial success AND artistic merit continues – and this year, G-DRAGON he was at the center of it.
Sources: K14, Soompi, Allkpop, Wikipedia
