Singer G-Dragon and Stray Kids received the honor of the grand prize at "2025 MAMA."
On the 29th at Hong Kong Kai Tak Stadium, the "2025 MAMA AWARDS (2025 MAMA Awards)" was held.
At the ceremony the previous day, the song of the year and the fan's choice of the year, which are equivalent to grand prizes, went to Rosé and Bruno Mars's "APT." and ENHYPEN, respectively, while at this ceremony the other two grand prizes—artist of the year and album of the year—were announced.
Stray Kids received album of the year for their fourth studio album "KARMA," earning their first grand prize at MAMA. The members were overcome with emotion and cried immediately after receiving the award.
Bang Chan said, "Since my trainee days I watched MAMA on TV and always wanted to stand on this stage, so to receive such a major award feels unbelievable. I want to tell my members they worked so hard. We went through so much, but we comforted and understood each other and were able to share the music we love and our performances with many people around the world, sharing joy and strength, and that makes me happy."
He continued, "Receiving this award makes us want to work even harder. There are so many people to thank: producer Park Jin-Young, the JYP family, the staff who are by our side, our family, friends and the many people who always support us — thanks to them we could come this far. Above all, our driving force, the source of our strength, is Stay. We want to give this big award to you as a gift. Thank you," he said, expressing gratitude to the fans.
Seungmin said, "The path we have walked so far has not been easy. There were many crossroads within it. Because of the countless choices and struggles we faced, the eight of us can be here now. I want to say a word to the members. From the beginning, we carried each other's dreams on eight shoulders and came this far thanks to the members. I think it's also thanks to Stay, who cheered for us with all their might from the front and the back," he said.
He added, "A few days ago there was a very heartbreaking incident here in Hong Kong. I offer my deepest condolences to the victims and those affected. I hope Stray Kids' music and activities can be even a little source of strength, comfort and support to you. We want to continue to be that kind of group. As the meaning behind our team name Stray Kids suggests, we wander every moment, every minute, every second. We are the same as you and want to be remembered for a long time as a group that can be part of moments you liked in your life without regrets. Thank you sincerely for liking and loving us."
Stray Kids also heated up the stage with intense performances and relaxed stage manner by performing "CREED," "Chk Chk Boom," "신선놀음" and "CEREMONY."
Finally, artist of the year went to G-Dragon. G-Dragon said, "I made my comeback through MAMA last year, and this year's activities felt different from any other year. It's a day of great joy but also sadness, and many emotions cross, and on MAMA's 30th anniversary it's an honor to receive this from my cool eternal idol Chow Yun-fat hyungnim."
He added, "VIP fan club, thank you. I simply thank you. Next year our group will mark its 20th anniversary, and next year I want to come party with friends so we won't be lonely. See you next year," hinting at Big Bang's 20th anniversary comeback and raising expectations.
However, although G-Dragon performed "DRAMA," "Heartbreaker" and "Untitled (無題)," he showed signs of struggling to sing properly due to poor throat condition, which sparked debate among internet users.
[Photo] CJ ENM
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