G-Dragon, Rosé & Bruno Mars, Stray Kids, and ENHYPEN (in order of debut) became the winners of the four major award trophies at the '2025 MAMA Awards'.
The '2025 MAMA Awards', held on the 28th and 29th at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, was a global ceremony summarising the achievements of the K-pop industry over the past year and highlighting the hard work of artists and industry professionals. Especially, as it took place shortly after a high-rise apartment fire that resulted in significant loss of life in Hong Kong, the entire ceremony was heavily imbued with a mourning sentiment under the message 'Support Hong Kong'.
Hosted by Park Bo-gum and Kim Hye-soo, who each led Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, the two took to the stage wearing black ribbons and suggested a moment of silence for the victims during their opening remarks, emphasising the power of healing and solidarity that music provides, reflecting on the significance of the ceremony. Artists and presenters present at the event also wore black ribbons and conveyed messages of comfort and support to the citizens of Hong Kong in their own ways.
This year's 'MAMA Awards' adopted the concept of 'UH-HEUNG', encapsulating the expansiveness of K-pop that encompasses various cultures, regions, and races, and the message of "let's accept ourselves as we are and shout out our true selves without fear". As a stage that summarises a year of K-pop that has led to a global phenomenon, the symbolism and influence of music were emphasised throughout the performances.
The stage was equally heated. From rookies backed by global fandoms to groups that have already established themselves as 'world-class', the performers showcased performances that transcended genres and generations based on solid skills and authenticity in music. Rather than focusing on extravagant productions, the composition centred on live performances and interaction with the audience, naturally revealing the message that "the essence of the awards ceremony is ultimately the stage and music".
In the most anticipated award category, 'Song of the Year' was won by the global hit 'APT. (Apartment)' by BLACKPINK's Rosé and Bruno Mars. 'Album of the Year' went to Stray Kids for their fourth studio album 'KARMA', which recorded seven consecutive weeks at number one on the US Billboard 'Billboard 200'. The title of 'Artist of the Year' was claimed by Big Bang's G-Dragon, reaffirming his status as a solo artist and legendary icon. The 'Fans' Choice of the Year', determined by 100% global fan voting, was awarded to ENHYPEN, proving the strong support of their worldwide fandom.
Additionally, the Rookie of the Year award went to Cortis and Hats to Hats, heralding the emergence of the 'next generation of K-pop contenders'. The Best Male Group award was won by Seventeen, while the Best Female Group award went to aespa. The Best Male Artist award was claimed by G-Dragon, and the Best Female Artist award went to Rosé. Furthermore, the 'Music Visionary of the Year', awarded to content that presented new possibilities in music and visuals over the year, was given to the Netflix animated film 'K-POP DEMON HUNTERS', drawing attention.
Starting in 1999 as Mnet's 'Video Music Awards', the 'MAMA Awards' expanded its scope to an Asian music awards ceremony in 2009, and rebranded as a global brand in 2022, upholding the banner of 'good influence' and 'the power of music'. The 2025 ceremony, held amidst the tragedy of the Hong Kong fire with the message 'Support Hong Kong', served as a testament to K-pop functioning as a cultural platform that conveys comfort and solidarity beyond mere entertainment.
