Just two days after the tragic fire in Hong Kong, the 2025 Mnet Asian Music (MAMA) Awards proceeded with a moment of respect. Park Bo-gum stepped onto the stage. His voice was calm, but his eyes showed his sadness as Kai Tak Stadium remembered the victims of the Hong Kong fire tragedy. This was not just an awards show. It united people to honor victims and help Hong Kong heal. Discover how K-pop’s biggest night turned pain into a powerful purpose, including the winners of the 2025 MAMA Awards.
2025 MAMA Awards Proceed with Heart
The Wang Fuk Court fire in Hong Kong was a heartbreaking event and left everyone in shock. The flames burned seven buildings in Tai Po, leaving 128 people dead. Hundreds more were injured or reported missing, and the entire city came together in mourning as rescue teams tirelessly worked to help those affected. Amid all this, CJ ENM found itself in a tough position. Cancel or proceed?
CJ ENM’s Decision to Move Forward
Despite the city’s grief, CJ ENM and the MAMA AWARDS decided to proceed. However, this decision was not made lightly. In their official statement on November 27, they expressed their deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy for everyone affected. They want to show that they care during this difficult time by adding the tagline “Support Hong Kong” and raising donations.
Modifications for Respect
The 2025 MAMA Awards proceed as planned at Kai Tak Stadium, just 20 kilometers from the fire site. The organizer quickly adapted the program. It’s shifting from a celebratory spectacle to a more respectful tribute. The red carpet was canceled. No flashy entrances. No over-the-top celebrations. Instead, a “restrained production” took shape.
Artists wore black ribbons. The opening featured a solemn moment of silence to pure respect. A powerful “Support Hong Kong” message filled the MAMA Awards event, showing respect for everyone affected.
However, the decision received mixed reactions from fans worldwide. Some fans questioned the appropriateness of holding a big event shortly after a tragedy, while others acknowledged the logistical challenges of cancelling it.
A local Hong Kong resident highlighted the potential economic loss from cancellation, saying it would be “too big a loss for the local economy.”
Park Bo Gum’s Opening Tribute
As the lights dimmed, a hush fell over Kai Tak Stadium. Host Park Bo Gum stood solemnly, leading a moment of silence in honor of the victims. He sincerely stated, “I sincerely hope there are no further casualties and believe in the healing and solidarity that music provides.” It was a poignant start, setting a tone of remembrance and unity for both nights.
K-pop Industry Generous Response
The K-pop world united to offer support to the victims of the fire. CJ NM led with a generous pledge of HK$20 million ($2.5 million). SM Entertainment gave HK$1 million to the Hong Kong Red Cross. JYP Entertainment contributed HK$2 million. YG Entertainment donated HK$1 million (~ 130,000 USD). HYB followed with 500 million won (341,390 USD).
Even new groups like KickFlip contributed what they could. Here’s a list of Kpop groups that have generously donated to help residents affected by the fire tragedy.
- aespa: HK$500,000
- BOYNEXTDOOR: HK$500,000
- EXO-CBX: HK$500,000
- GOT7’s Jackson: HK$1 million
- Hyeri: HK$200,000
- (G)I-DLE: 1 million yuan (~ 140,000 USD)
- Im Siwan: HK$200,000
- IVE: HK$500,000
- JYP Entertainment: HK$2 million
- KickFlip: HK$100,000
- PLAVE: HK$250,000
- RIIZE: HK$250,000
- Stray Kids: HK$1 million
- Super Junior: HK$1 million
- THEBLACKLABEL: HK$500,000
- TWS: HK$500,000
- WAKEONE: HK$1 million
- WayV: HK$250,000
- ZEROBASEONE’s Zhang Hao: undisclosed
Artists Who Stepped Back
Some chose absence as respect. Hong Kong’s Mirror withdrew from their scheduled performance. Renowned actors Cho Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh also decided not to attend the event, in recognition of the somber mood in Hong Kong. In addition, the empty seats spoke louder than any speech.
Day-1 Winners
The first night of the 2025 MAMA Awards “UH-HEUNG” was filled with heartfelt tributes and celebratory moments.
However, the awards were given naturally, and the winners accepted them with humble heads and quiet gratitude. This event felt different and more meaningful.
Check out the winners from Day 1:
[#2025MAMA] VISA FANS' CHOICE OF THE YEAR🏆 ENHYPEN (엔하이픈)
— MAMA AWARDS (@MnetMAMA) November 28, 2025
Presenting the winner of the 2025 MAMA AWARDS.
2025 MAMA AWARDS의 수상자를 소개합니다.
HEAR MY ROAR, UH-HEUNG
2025 MAMA AWARDS#MAMAAWARDS #2025MAMAAWARDS pic.twitter.com/5IccJgFQ0d
- Fans’ Choice of the Year: ENHYPEN
- Song of the Year: Rosé and Bruno Mars – “APT.”
- Fans’ Choice Male Top 10: Baekhyun, SEVENTEEN, Jin, ENHYPEN, G-Dragon, j-hope, NCT DREAM, RIIZE, Stray Kids, ZEROBASEONE
- Fans’ Choice Female Top 10: Irene, IU, ILLIT, aespa, BABYMONSTER, Hearts2Hearts, i-dle, ITZY, LE SSERAFIM, TWICE
- Inspiring Achievement: Super Junior
- Global Trend Song: IVE – “REBEL HEART”
- Best New Artist: CORTIS, Hearts2Hearts
- Favorite Male Group: BOYNEXTDOOR
- Favorite Female Group: IVE
- TELASA Favorite Global Artist: ENHYPEN
- Favorite Global Performer: IVE
Day-2 Winners
- Artist of the Year: G-Dragon
- Album of the Year: Stray Kids – “KARMA”
- Best Female Group: aespa
- Best Male Group: SEVENTEEN
- Best Dance Performance Female Group: aespa – “Whiplash”
- Best Dance Performance Male Solo: G-Dragon – “TOO BAD (feat. Anderson .Paak)”
- Favorite Rising Artist: izna
- Best Choreography: aespa – “Whiplash”
- Visa Super Stage Artist: TXT
- Best Female Artist: Rosé
- Best Male Artist: G-Dragon
- Olive Young K-Beauty Artist: Hearts2Hearts
- Music Visionary of the Year: “KPop Demon Hunters”
- Favorite Asian Artist: JO1
- Breakthrough Artist: ALLDAY PROJECT
- Worldwide KCONers’ Choice: ZEROBASEONE
- Best OST: HUNTR/X – “Golden” (“KPop Demon Hunters” OST)
- Best Dance Performance Female Solo: Jennie – “like JENNIE”
- Best Dance Performance Male Group: SEVENTEEN – “THUNDER”
- Best Vocal Performance Solo: Rosé – “toxic till the end”
- Best Vocal Performance Group: DAVICHI – “Stitching”
- Best Band Performance: DAY6 – “Maybe Tomorrow”
- Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance: BIG Naughty – “MUSIC (feat. Lee Chanhyuk)”
- Best Music Video: Jennie – “ZEN”
- Best Collaboration: Rosé and Bruno Mars – “APT.
Fun Facts You Might Have Missed
- Rosé made history. She became the first female soloist ever to win Song of the Year at MAMA. No group member beside her. Just Rosé. Standing alone. Proving solo artists belong at K-pop’s highest table.
- Carmen of Hearts2Hearts became the first Indonesian K-pop idol to perform at MAMA.
- KickFlip stole the audience’s hearts. Made their debut on January 1, 2025, and the 2025 MAMA Awards became their biggest experience.
- This year marks the 11th year of IU’s absence from the event.
- Kim Hye-soo will make her debut as MAMA host on Day 2.
Music That Mends
This year’s MAMA Awards faced a hard decision to make after the Hong Kong fire tragedy. Even though music can’t change the condition, it can bring a meaningful purpose.
The 2025 MAMA Awards reminded us of what really matters. It’s not trophies or ratings. But it’s a community. MAMA shows how a music event can transform into an event with a meaningful purpose by turning celebration into compassion.
Please share your thoughts about the MAMA Awards this year in the comments below. Stay tuned for the winners of the MAMA Awards today.
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