YG Entertainment chief producer Yang Hyun-suk breaks his silence after 11 years and will appear at a global K-pop awards ceremony. Beyond mere attendance, the return of the "giant" who has led the trends of Korea's popular music scene is expected to further elevate the stature and dignity of this year's 2025 MAMA AWARDS(2025 마마 어워즈).
On the 26th, industry sources said YG Entertainment (hereinafter YG) chief Yang Hyun-suk has confirmed attendance at the 2025 MAMA Awards to be held at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium on the 28th–29th. This marks his on-site return for the first time since 2014, 11 years ago.
Industry attention is focused on chief Yang Hyun-suk's move because of his singular track record. In the 1990s, he overturned the landscape of Korea's popular music with Seo Taiji and Boys, and later transformed into a producer who launched top artists who dominated the era and commanded global markets, including Jinusean, One Time, Seven, Big Bang, 2NE1, Winner, iKON, and Blackpink. As the best performer on stage and a genius-minded planner behind the scenes who helped lay the groundwork for K-pop, chief Yang Hyun-suk's presence alone gives this MAMA a weight beyond a festival.
A decisive reason chief Yang Hyun-suk decided to make his first outing in 11 years is the presence of "TREASURE" and "BABYMONSTER," who will bear YG's future. He plans to watch the stages of both groups in person at the venue and will spare no support and encouragement.
BABYMONSTER will present a collaboration stage at this MAMA with the Netflix hit "K-pop Demon Hunters." With members Parita, Ahyeon and Laura previewing a "wonder stage" that reenacts the film's narrative, expectations are rising about what kind of historic performance will emerge with chief Yang's support and advice. TREASURE, riding the momentum of a successful tour, is also prepared to deliver an overwhelming performance.
Since returning as chief producer last year, Yang Hyun-suk has focused on the essence of music and content quality, bringing YG back to a profitable trajectory, and under his leadership TREASURE and BABYMONSTER have been growing rapidly. The synergy the next-generation K-pop leaders will show amid the support and backing of the "godfather of K-pop" is expected to be the highlight of this MAMA.
[OSEN]