The 2025 MAMA AWARDS, held amid the Hong Kong fire disaster, delivered messages of consolation and healing through music.
On the 28th at Hong Kong Kai Tak Stadium, the 2025 MAMA AWARDS (hereinafter MAMA Awards) took place.
The MAMA Awards, a representative K-pop awards ceremony that has continued for 26 years, added significance by returning to Hong Kong after about seven years. However, a large fire broke out on the 26th at Wang Fuk Court, a 32-story residential high-rise complex in Tai Po district in northern Hong Kong, raising an emergency for the event, and the MAMA Awards organizers decided to be cautious in the overall stage composition and proceedings so the performances could offer consolation and hope rather than flashy production.
On the first day of the awards, host Park Bo-gum wore a suit in subdued colors and a black ribbon to express mourning and consolation for the victims. Park Bo-gum said, "There was a very tragic accident. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who lost precious lives and beloved family members and friends in this accident. I fervently hope there will be no further harm, and I believe in the healing and solidarity that music brings. Through the stage, I want to offer consolation and hope and give even a little strength to move forward."
Starting with host Park Bo-gum, presenters and artists alike chose restraint over extravagance. Most wore black outfits and wore black ribbons on their chests as a sign of mourning. Even when announced as winners, they walked calmly to the stage without displaying joy or cheering to console and support the victims and those affected by the Hong Kong fire disaster.
Pyrotechnics and fireworks, which are often used as stage effects, were also absent from this awards ceremony. Because of the fire disaster, stage special effects made greater use of lasers and the like. The audience also refrained from intense cheering, joining in the condolences and memorial.
Artists sought to offer support and consolation and to heal hearts through the power of music and song. Some artists paid attention by changing lyrics for their performances. Notably, MEOVV (Miyao) performed a MAMA Awards version of TURN IT UP, changing "Run to you, even if my breath stops" to "It's okay if there's no end," and reworked lines like "Got me burning up" and "heating up" into "turn it up" and "say what," among others, for the performance.
After the Hong Kong fire disaster, the MAMA Awards added the message Support Hongkong to share sorrow and provide a time for mourning, and contributed funds to support victims. Led by host Park Bo-gum, there was a moment of silent prayer, and ahead of the ceremony they decided to donate 20 million Hong Kong dollars (about 3.781414 billion won).
With the power of music, the 2025 MAMA delivered the Support Hongkong message to people around the world, offering consolation, support and healing. It demonstrated the ceremony's dignity.
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