Hong Kong's large-scale fire disaster is expected to cause changes to the 2025 MAMA proceedings.
On the 26th (local time), a large fire broke out at the high-rise apartment complex 'Wong Fuk Court (Wang Fuk Court)' in the Tai Po area of northern Hong Kong. According to local media on the 27th, John Lee, Hong Kong chief executive, said 44 people died in the fire. In addition, 29 people were taken to hospitals with injuries, and the number of missing persons was counted at 279.
Accordingly, with uncertainty over whether the K-pop awards '2025 MAMA AWARDS,' scheduled to be held at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium on the 28th and 29th, will take place, the production team is discussing response measures.
In particular, global presenters Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh had confirmed attendance at this awards ceremony. But the tragedy that occurred two days before the ceremony has made their attendance difficult.
On the 27th, multiple Chinese-language media outlets reported that the appearances of Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh became uncertain, noting that considering the stature of the two as iconic Hong Kong stars, their appearances would affect not only the ceremony's atmosphere but also local public opinion and perceptions.
Meanwhile, this fire is emerging as possibly the worst fire disaster in Hong Kong since its 1997 handover from Britain to China. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the deceased firefighters and victims' families and urged minimization of damage, state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) reported.
Also, activities related to the Hong Kong Legislative Council election, scheduled for the 7th of next month, have been fully suspended, and John Lee said he would consider the need to postpone the election.
[Photo] CJ ENM
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