The MAMA awards show Organizado by CJ ENM, MAMA returns to the city after seven years and adopts the theme “Hear My Roar: Uh-Heung”, which highlights the vibrant energy of Korean music.
Capítulo 1, led by actor Park Bo-gum, starts at 6:30pm Hong Kong local time, followed by Capítulo 2 on Saturday at 7pm, with The main ceremony continues as planned, despite the cancellation of the red carpet due to a recent fire in the country. Fãs around the world access content via platforms such as HBO Max and Mnet’s official YouTube.
- Main hosts: Park Bo-gum and Kim Hye-soo, with appearances by Michelle Yeoh as presenter.
- Location: Estádio Kai Tak, capacity for 50 thousand people.
- Broadcast: HBO Max for the first time, plus Mnet Plus and YouTube channels.
Presentation lineup divides focus between veterans and newcomers
New performances mark the first day of MAMA Awards 2025, with groups such as (G)I-DLE and IVE opening the stage. The lineup includes special collaborations, such as CORTIS and TREASURE, designed to highlight innovations in the genre. Esses musical numbers integrate elements of the Uh-Heung theme, incorporating dynamic choreography and impactful visuals.
On the second day, Stray Kids and G-Dragon take the lead, with sets that mix recent hits and classic tracks. Artistas such as TXT and RIIZE complete the lineup, ensuring variety between pop and experimental styles. The selection reflects global sales data and expert assessments, with more than 20 confirmed acts.
Main categories award based on sales and votes
The awards process at MAMA Awards 2025 combines streaming metrics, album sales and fan participation via Mnet Plus. Categorias as Artist of the Year and Song of the Daesang of Fans’ Choice, in turn, results in 100% online votes, which started in October.
Winners in subcategories, such as Best New Male Artist, consider eligible releases from the fiscal year. Real-time voting during the event influences popularity awards, with more than 10 million interactions recorded in previous editions. Resultados finals are released live, with no post-ceremony changes.
This structure maintains the integrity of the process, with panels of international judges evaluating productions. Nomes as ENHYPEN and BABYMONSTER lead nominations across multiple tracks, reflecting the growth of K-pop in Asian and Western markets.
Global broadcast expands access through HBO
The HBO Max platform debuts as the official broadcaster of MAMA Awards 2025, allowing 4K viewing for subscribers in several countries. In Hong Kong local time, the signal starts at 6:30 pm, with replay options available shortly after. Canais as Mnet and TVING cover Coreia of Sul, while official YouTube reaches region-restricted audiences.
Mnet Plus serves as a hub for interactions, including live chats and polls during performances. Espectadores outside of Ásia access via Samsung TV Plus, with subtitles in multiple languages. The expansion reflects the global reach of the event, which attracted 100 million online views in 2024.
Collaborations with Netflix innovate on stage
A partnership with Netflix’s film “K-pop Warriors” brings themed performances to MAMA Awards 2025. BOYNEXTDOOR’s Leehan and RIIZE’s Wonbin participate as Jinu and Mystery, respectively.
These sets mix animation and reality, with choreography synchronized to visual projections. TWS’s Shinyu and members of ZEROBASEONE round out the fictional cast, performing “Your Idol” as a group. The initiative aims to connect cinema and music, attracting new fans to the K-pop universe.
The production involved two weeks of rehearsals, adapting scenes from the film for the stadium. Essa fusion represents a novelty in the history of the award, lasting 10 minutes per act.
Event history in Hong Kong reinforces legacy
MAMA Awards returns to Hong Kong in 2025 after the 2018 edition, which brought together 40 thousand spectators at the venue. The choice of Kai Tak Stadium marks the first time in a 50,000-seat venue, expanding the scale of the festival. Edições spent in the city highlighted collabs between local and international groups, as in 2017 with Blackpink and Big Bang.
Data indicates that the event generated an economic impact of 200 million dollars in accommodation and tourism in the region. In 2025, adjustments to the schedule respect recent local events, maintaining the focus on musical celebrations. The legacy includes 27 years of recognition for K-pop, with awards distributed in 25 annual categories.
Recent adjustments confirm continuity of the schedule
Organizers of MAMA Awards 2025 canceled the red carpet for both days, prioritizing safety after the fire at Tai Po on November 26th. The decision affects performances by rookies like izna and TWS, originally scheduled for the pre-show. Mirror, the group of Hong Kong, withdrew in solidarity, while donations from artists like Stray Kids support victims.
The main ceremony remains intact, with public entry at 5pm local time. Equipes of production implemented extra evacuation protocols in the stadium. Atualizações via official channels confirm unchanged schedules, ensuring that performances continue without interruptions.
Fan Voting Drives People’s Choice Awards
The Mnet Plus platform records peaks of 5 million daily votes for fan categories in MAMA Awards 2025. Usuários log in via X or app to participate, with weekly rounds since October. Prêmios as well as Worldwide Fans’ Choice awards based on global engagement, excluding professional judges.
Campaign strategies include idol lives encouraging votes, increasing rates by 30% compared to 2024. Resultados partials show leadership of groups like aespa in preliminary polls. The system prevents fraud with IP verification and limits per account.
This mechanic strengthens the connection between artists and audience, with live counts broadcast during the event.
