Singer G-Dragon and Stray Kids won the grand prize at the '2025 MAMA'.
On the 29th at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium, the '2025 MAMA AWARDS (2025 MAMA Awards)' was held.
On the 26th (local time) a large fire broke out at the high-rise APT. complex 'Wang Fuk Court' in the Tai Po area of northern Hong Kong. The holding of the '2025 MAMA' in Hong Kong also became uncertain, but organizer CJ ENM said the awards ceremony would proceed as scheduled. The red carpet event was canceled, but the main ceremony was broadcast live as planned.
Host Kim Hye-soo appeared wearing a black ribbon and a black suit and said, "Before we begin, I received such heartbreaking news and my heart is heavy. I offer my condolences to everyone who suffered great wounds from the sudden accident and had to see loved ones depart. I earnestly hope a miracle still remains for us," and added, "2025 MAMA wants to support Hong Kong as a message to help Hong Kong's recovery. We believe in the healing and solidarity power of music and hope you will join us in sharing sorrow and offering comfort."
Earlier, the '2025 MAMA AWARDS' had announced an official collaboration with the globally talked-about Netflix animated film 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' at the press premiere, and although the 'Lion Boys' stage was canceled due to the Hong Kong fire disaster, Ahn Hyo-seop, who voiced Jin-woo in 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' took the stage and opened with a moving narration.
Then BABYMONSTER's Ahyeon, Rora, and Parita each transformed into Lumi, Joy, and Mira of 'Hunt Rix' and performed. They completely transformed into Hunt Rix from hairstyles to costumes, delivering an overwhelming live performance that caught attention. The three started the stage with 'What It Sounds Like' and in the following 'Golden' performance captured the audience's ears with refreshing high notes and smooth harmonies.
Also, 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' won the music visionary of the year award that day. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans took the stage and said, "Thank you for giving us such a big award. We will accept this award on behalf of those who helped make this film possible," sharing their joy at winning.
They continued, "We were truly very surprised. This film really opened many people's hearts around the world, and on this stage it feels like we made this film for K-pop and for you. It is a great joy to be here with you today. I hope you think of it as a love letter to K-pop," and added, "It's a film that shows the power of music; it connects us, gives us healing, and brings light to our world. Being here with you today, I feel the strong power of the community," they said. The two then took out their phones and enjoyed the moment by taking selfies with the audience.
The grand prizes—album of the year and artist of the year—went to Stray Kids and G-Dragon, respectively. Stray Kids, who won album of the year, said, "Since trainee days we've watched MAMA on TV and always wanted to be on this stage; it's unbelievable to win such a grand prize. I want to tell our members they worked so hard. We've been through so much, but by comforting and understanding each other we were able to share the music and stages we love with many people around the world, sharing joy and strength, and we're happy," and they shed tears of emotion.
Chow Yun-fat, who came on stage to present the artist of the year award, led the audience in a moment of silence for the victims of the Hong Kong fire disaster before the presentation. Chow Yun-fat said, "Before presenting the award, I would like to ask a small favor of you. To express sincere support for the residents of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, please stand up," and added, "We will hold a moment of silence to console those who lost their lives in the fire."
The stage lights were turned off and Chow Yun-fat and the audience held a moment of silence to mourn the victims. Chow Yun-fat said, "I want to express my sincere condolences to those who lost beloved family members and those who lost friends," and added, "Thanks to MAMA for giving comfort and helping in this way."
G-Dragon, who won three awards including artist of the year, best dance performance male solo, and male artist, said, "I made my comeback through MAMA last year, and this year's activities feel different than usual. It's a very happy day but also a sad day with many emotions mixed; it's an honor to receive this on MAMA's 30th anniversary from my cool, eternal idol brother Chow Yun-fat."
He continued, "Thank you to the VIP fan club members. I just want to say thanks. Next year our group will turn 20, and I want to come back next year to party with friends so I'm not lonely. See you next year," he promised.
Also that day aespa won three awards including best choreography, best dance performance female group, and female group award. The members expressed condolences for the Hong Kong fire disaster and said, "We recently celebrated our 5th anniversary and feel like this is a gift; we're very grateful. We'll release a full-length album next year. We'll prepare hard and release it, so please love us," expressing gratitude to fans.
Below are the '2025 MAMA AWARDS' winners.
▲ VISA artist of the year: G-Dragon
▲ VISA album of the year: Stray Kids 'KARMA'
▲ Best dance performance male solo: G-Dragon
▲ Favorite rising artist: Iznah
▲ Best choreography: aespa 'Whiplash'
▲ Visa super stage artist: TOMORROW X TOGETHER
▲ Male artist award: G-Dragon
▲ Best dance performance female group: aespa 'Whiplash'
▲ Olive Young K-beauty artist: Hearts2Hearts
▲ Music visionary of the year: Netflix 'K-Pop Demon Hunters'
▲ Favorite Asian artist: JO1
▲ Breakthrough artist: ALLDAY PROJECT
▲ WORLDWIDE KCONERS' CHOICE: ZEROBASEONE
▲ Best OST: Hunt Rix 'Golden'
▲ Female group award: aespa
▲ Male group award: SEVENTEEN
▲ Female artist award: Rosé
▲ Best dance performance female solo: Jennie
▲ Best dance performance male group: SEVENTEEN 'THUNDER'
▲ Best vocal performance solo: Rosé 'toxic till the end'
▲ Best vocal performance group: Davichi 'Don't Call That Love'
▲ Best band performance: DAY6 'Maybe Tomorrow'
▲ Best rap & hip-hop performance: BIG Naughty (Seo Dong-hyun) 'MUSIC (Feat. Lee Chan-hyuk)'
▲ Best music video: Jennie 'ZEN'
▲ Best collaboration: Rosé, Bruno Mars 'APT.'
[Photo] Broadcast screen capture
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