THE MAMA Awards 2025 opened on November 28 TO Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong below gloomy circumstancesfollowing a deadly apartment fire that killed more than 100 people just 20 kilometers away.
Exhausting black ribbonsparticipants, artists and guest Bo Gum Park paid tribute to the victims. With no fireworks or celebratory effectsthe ceremony opened with Park tearfully saying: “We offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones. Let us take a moment of silence.”
Despite the tragic context, the awards ceremony went ahead, emphasizing unity and healing through music. Two of the biggest honors of the night:Grand Prix (Daesang)—were assigned to:
- ENIPENE: Visa Fans’ Choice of the Yeardetermined by 100% fan vote.
- Rose: Visa Song of the Year for “Apartment,” his chart-topping global collaboration with Bruno Mars
Among the candidates included BLACKPINK’s Jennie (“Jennie”), aespa (“Whiplash”), G-Dragon (“Too Bad”)AND Hunttrix (“Golden”)era Rosé’s global collaboration with Bruno Mars, “Apartment,” who took the crown.
Rosé, who was unable to attend in person, accepted via video: “Thank you so much to the fans for all the love this year. I’m so grateful to the staff, composers and everyone who helped bring this music to life.”
She also addressed her collaborator directly, saying: “Bruno, we won Song of the Year! I’m so happy to share it with you.”
concluded Rosè “I will continue to bring you great songs and music. Thanks again.”
