The 2025 MAMA Awards were held over the past weekend, November 28 and 29, at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium.
The event’s schedule fell on the music calendar just days after the massive November 26 fire tragedy in the city’s Wang Fuk Court apartment complex that killed over 100 people. As a result, organisers had to announced shortly ahead of the two-day ceremony that the show would be proceeding as planned, but with certain adjustments in place.
The first and foremost revision to this year’s MAMA Awards involved the cancellation of the red carpet event on both days. Thereafter, hosts Park Bo Gum and Kim Hye Soo kicked off main event ceremonies on Day 1 and Day 2, respectively, while paying a solemn tribute to the victims of the deadly level five blaze in Hong Kong. A moment of silence was also observed to honour those who lost their lives in the fatal incident.
Among other changes and instances of “restrained production” introduced throughout the ceremony, Hong Kong star Michelle Yeoh even cancelled her appearance at the Kai Tak Stadium. Contrarily, Chow Yun Fat step onto the MAMA stage as planned, but expressed his deepest condolences to those affected by the life-changing tragedy,
On top of that, performing artists opted to wear black and neutral outfits on stage, as organiser also cut down on special effects evoking fire imagery.
Organised by the South Korean entertainment company CJ ENM through music channel Mnet, the MAMA Awards 2025 carried forth its long-running legacy with a new slogan this year. The 27the edition of the awards series ran along with the Korean expression, “Hear My Roar: uh-heung” this year.
During the Chapter 1 festivities, Park Bo Gum described it as an echo of a tiger’s fierce roar. “It’s about embracing your true self. It’s about embracing your true self and boldly living as who you are,” the K-drama actor said during his opening-ment on Friday.
BLACKPINK’s Rose, G-Dragon and aespa emerged as the top-most awarded artists at the event, as each music act took home four trophies. Here is a full list of MAMA Awards 2025 winners from November 28 and 29.
2025 MAMA Awards Daesang winners – Grand Prize honours
VISA Artist of the Year: G-Dragon
VISA Album of the Year: “KARMA” by Stray Kids
VISA Song of the Year: “APT” by BLACKPINK’s Rose (and Bruno Mars)
VISA Fans’ Choice of the Year: ENHYPEN
2025 MAMA Awards Popularity vote winners
Fans’ Choice Top 10 (Female) – Bonsang
- aespa
- Hearts2Hearts
- IU
- ITZY
- ILLIT
- BABYMONSTER
- i-dle
- Red Velvet’s Irene
- LE SSERAFIM
- TWICE
Fans’ Choice Top 10 (Male) – Bonsang
- ENHYPEN
- Stray Kids
- ZEROBASEONE
- SEVENTEEN
- G-Dragon
- BTS’ Jin
- BTS’ J-Hope
- RIIZE
- EXO’s Baekhyun
- NCT DREAM
Worldwide KCONer’s Choice: “Blue” by ZEROBASEONE
Olive Young K-Beauty Artist: Hearts2Hearts
2025 MAMA Awards winners list – Day 1 and 2 compiled
Best New Artist: CORTIS, Hearts2Hearts
Best Female Group: aespa
Best Female Artist – Solo: Rose (BLACKPINK)
Best Male Group: SEVENTEEN
Best Male Artist – Solo: G-Dragon
Best Vocal Performance Group: “Stitching” by DAVICHI
Best Vocal Performance Solo: “toxic till the end” by Rose
Best Dance Performance – Female Group: “Whiplash” by aespa
Best Dance Performance – Male Group: “Thunder” by SEVENTEEN
Best Dance Performance – Female Solo: “like JENNIE” by BLACKPINK’s Jennie
Best Dance Performance – Male Solo: “Too Bad” by G-Dragon (ft Anderson .Paak)
Best Choreography: “Whiplash” by aespa
Best Band Performance: “Maybe Tomorrow” by DAY6
Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance: “Music” by Big Naughty (ft Lee Chanhyuk)
Best Collaboration: “APT” by Rose and Bruno Mars
Best Music Video: “Zen” by Jennie
Best OST: “Golden” by HUNTRIX (KPop Demon Hunters)
Favourite Rising Star: izna
Breakthrough Artist: ALLDAY PROJECT
Favourite Global Performer: IVE
TELASA Favourite Global Artist: ENHYPEN
Favourite Female Group: IVE
Favourite Male Group: BOYNEXTDOOR
Favourite Asian Artist: JO1
Global Trend Song: “Rebel Heart” by IVE
Music Visionary of the Year: KPop Demon Hunters
Inspiring Achievement: SUPER JUNIOR
