The 2025 Mama Awards are coming back to Hong Kong this November, promising two nights of unforgettable K-pop magic at the brand-new Kai Tak Stadium with an incredible lineup of performers and nominees ready to celebrate the best in music!

TL;DR: Quick Bites on the 2025 MAMA Awards!

  • The 2025 MAMA Awards will be held in Hong Kong at the new Kai Tak Stadium on November 28 and 29.
  • K-pop powerhouses like Stray Kids, IVE, ENHYPEN, Super Junior, BABYMONSTER, and ZEROBASEONE are among the first wave of confirmed performers.
  • BLACKPINK's Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé, along with Aespa, are dominating the nominations, with Jennie and Aespa each bagging nine nods across various categories.
  • Tickets for this epic two-day event went on general sale starting October 20, following exclusive Visa presales.
Get Ready for the "Uh-Heung" Vibe at the 2025 MAMA Awards!

K-pop fans, mark your calendars and get your lightsticks ready because the 2025 MAMA Awards are just around the corner, and they're bringing all the "Uh-Heung" energy to Hong Kong! This year, the world's number one K-Pop awards ceremony is all about celebrating "HEUNG"—that distinctly Korean spirit of fun and excitement that's captivated audiences globally. CJ ENM, the powerhouse behind MAMA, describes "HEUNG" as a vibe that just naturally comes alive when you're in pure joy and excitement. And the slogan, "UH-HEUNG," echoes the powerful roar of a tiger, symbolizing Korea's strength and the bold declaration to embrace oneself, no matter where you're from.

It's a really special year for Mnet, as 2025 marks their 30th anniversary! So, it's fitting that the MAMA Awards are returning to Hong Kong, a city that holds a significant place in the awards' history, having hosted the ceremony for seven consecutive years from 2012 to 2018. After a seven-year hiatus, the return is highly anticipated, and it's happening at an impressive new landmark: the Kai Tak Stadium within the Kai Tak Sports Park. This state-of-the-art 50,000-capacity venue promises a grand scale, cutting-edge production, and iconic performances that will dazzle both live audiences and millions watching worldwide.

Who's Hitting the Stage? The First Performer Lineup Revealed for Both Nights!

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The excitement for the 2025 MAMA Awards truly escalated with the announcement of the first wave of performers! Seventeen incredible acts are confirmed to grace the stage across two electrifying nights, showcasing the vibrant breadth and diversity of today's K-pop scene. From seasoned veterans to the freshest rookie groups, there's something for every fan to look forward to.

Here’s who you can expect to see:

2025 MAMA Awards Performers Chapter 1 (November 28)

  • ALPHA DRIVE ONE: Fresh off Boys Planet II, these rookies are making their pre-debut stage.
  • BABYMONSTER: A powerful fourth-generation group on the rise.
  • BOYNEXTDOOR: Known for their unique sound and captivating performances.
  • BUMSUP: Bringing his distinctive artistry to the MAMA stage.
  • ENHYPEN: Global chart-toppers ready to deliver high-impact choreography.
  • Hearts2Hearts: An exciting new rookie act.
  • IVE: Beloved for their charisma and hit songs.
  • MEOVV: Another promising rookie group making their mark.
  • Super Junior: K-pop legends bringing their iconic presence.
  • TWS: A group gaining traction with their fresh concepts.

2025 MAMA Awards Performers Chapter 2 (November 29)

  • ALLDAY PROJECT: A new act among the exciting rookies this year.
  • CORTIS: Another fresh face hitting the scene.
  • izna: Ready to showcase their talent on a global platform.
  • KickFlip: Adding to the vibrant mix of rookie performers.
  • RIIZE: A popular group known for their dynamic stages.
  • Stray Kids: Internationally acclaimed superstars, known for their powerful performances.
  • ZEROBASEONE: A fan-favorite group with a strong following.

This initial lineup alone promises stadium-scale visuals, high-impact choreography, and musical moments designed to absolutely dazzle. And don't forget, CJ ENM has hinted that more performers will be revealed in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for even more star-studded surprises!

And The Nominees Are... K-Pop's Best of the Best Fighting for the Top Spots!

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The competition at the 2025 MAMA Awards is absolutely fierce! The nominations were unveiled on October 16, and some of K-pop’s biggest names are vying for top honors. To qualify, music had to be released between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, ensuring that the awards truly reflect the past year's best and brightest.

Leading the pack in individual nominations are none other than Aespa and BLACKPINK's Jennie, both with a staggering nine nods each!

A Closer Look at the Top Nominees:

  • BLACKPINK: The group itself is nominated for "JUMP" in Best Dance Performance Female Group and Best Music Video. But it’s their solo members who are truly shining!
    • Jennie: Her solo hits are making waves, earning her nominations for Best Female Artist, Best Dance Performance Female Solo ("like JENNIE"), Best Collaboration ("ExtraL" feat. Doechii), Best Music Video ("ZEN"), and Best Choreography ("like JENNIE"). She also has three nominations in Song of the Year for "like JENNIE," "Zen," and "ExtraL"!
    • Jisoo: Also recognized for her solo work, including a nod for Best Female Artist and Best Dance Performance Female Solo ("earthquake").
    • Rosé: Rounding out the BLACKPINK solo power, Rosé is nominated for Best Female Artist, Best Vocal Performance Solo ("toxic till the end"), and Best Collaboration ("APT." with Bruno Mars).
  • Aespa: With nine nominations, Aespa is a force to be reckoned with. They're up for major awards like Album of the Year for Whiplash, Song of the Year (for both "Whiplash" and "Dirty Work"), Best Female Group, Best Dance Performance Female Group ("Whiplash"), Best Music Video ("Dirty Work"), and Best Choreography ("Whiplash"). Karina also bagged a solo nomination for Best Dance Performance Female Solo ("UP").
  • BTS Members: Even as they pursue individual projects, the global impact of BTS members is undeniable. Jin and j-hope are nominated for Best Male Artist, while V received a nod for Best Collaboration ("Winter Ahead" with Park Hyo Shin).
  • Other Heavy Hitters: Beyond these, you'll find numerous other beloved groups and artists nominated across various categories, including SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, BOYNEXTDOOR, ENHYPEN, RIIZE, Stray Kids, ZEROBASEONE (for Best Male Group), IVE, LE SSERAFIM, and TWICE (for Best Female Group). Categories like Best Band Performance, Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance, Best OST, and Best Collaboration feature a diverse range of artists, from DAY6 and N.Flying to TABLO & RM and Dynamicduo & GUMMY.

Winners for the 2025 MAMA Awards will be decided through a combination of expert judging, sales data, and, crucially, fan votes. So, your support truly matters!

Your Guide to Snagging Tickets for the 2025 MAMA Awards Experience!

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Ready to be part of the "Uh-Heung" excitement live in Hong Kong? Getting your hands on tickets for the 2025 MAMA Awards is key! Given the incredible lineup and the event's return to the city after years, tickets are expected to sell out super fast. Here's everything you need to know to secure your spot:

Ticket Sale Dates & Times (All times HKT - Hong Kong Time):

  • Visa Infinite Presale: This exclusive window for Visa Infinite cardholders already happened on October 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. via Cityline.
  • Visa Presale: All Visa cardholders worldwide had access to this presale from October 17 at 6 p.m. until October 18 at 2 p.m., also through Cityline. Visa is the title sponsor for the second year in a row, making their cardholders privileged with early access!
  • General Sale: If you missed the presales, don't fret! General public tickets became available starting October 20 at 10 a.m. HKT.

Where to Buy Tickets:

For the general sale, you can grab your tickets from multiple platforms:

  • Cityline
  • Damai
  • Trip.com
  • Qoo10

Ticket Pricing:

Tickets are priced to offer various viewing experiences at the Kai Tak Stadium:

  • Partially Restricted Views: Priced at $1,299, $1,699, or $2,599 HKD.
  • Seated Entry: Ranging from $899 to $2,599 HKD.
  • Exclusive Perks: If you opt for the top-tier $2,599 HKD tickets, you'll also get access to an exclusive entrance at the venue, adding a VIP touch to your experience!

Remember to check the official ticket pages for detailed seat maps and local time conversions to make sure you're ready when sales go live in your region. These tickets are hot commodities, so act fast to avoid disappointment!

The MAMA Awards: A Global K-Pop Journey and Legacy

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The MAMA Awards isn't just another awards show; it's a testament to the global phenomenon of K-pop. What started in 1999 as Korea's first music video ceremony by Mnet has evolved into a powerhouse event that celebrates K-pop's creativity, artistry, and innovation. It's truly a cultural conversation moment, blending an awards show with a vibrant music festival experience.

Over the decades, MAMA has been at the forefront of K-pop's global expansion, traveling the world to host its ceremonies in major cities like Macao, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, and the United States, in addition to its frequent visits to Hong Kong. The 2025 edition, with its "Uh-Heung" theme, aims to further highlight K-pop's artistic growth through its signature large-scale performances, cutting-edge stage production, and unique collaborations. It's an event that not only honors the best in music but also documents the genre's expanding global reach and its power to connect people across all boundaries. This year, Hong Kong will once again be at the heart of this global celebration, showcasing the magnetic appeal of Korean culture and its music to millions of fans worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 MAMA Awards

When and where are the 2025 MAMA Awards taking place? The 2025 MAMA Awards will be held on November 28 and 29, 2025, at the new Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. How can I watch the 2025 MAMA Awards if I can't attend in person? The ceremony will be broadcast live and streamed globally across multiple digital platforms, ensuring K-pop fans around the world can tune in! What is the significance of the "Uh-Heung" concept for this year's awards? "Uh-Heung" is this year's core concept, embodying "HEUNG," the distinctly Korean spirit of fun and excitement. It represents a bold declaration to embrace oneself and celebrates the unifying power of music, aiming to create a festival where everyone comes together beyond boundaries, much like the roar of a tiger. Who are some of the key nominees for the 2025 MAMA Awards? BLACKPINK members Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé, along with Aespa, are among the most nominated acts. Jennie and Aespa each received nine nominations. Other prominent nominees include Stray Kids, IVE, ENHYPEN, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ZEROBASEONE, and solo releases from BTS members like Jin, j-hope, and V.

Sources:

  • "BLACKPINK leads MAMA 2025 as most-nominated act, topping both group and solo categories" - Push Team, Published Oct 18, 2025 03:37 PM PHT
  • "MAMA Awards 2025: First Wave Of Performers Revealed For Hong Kong Show" - By Jeff Benjamin, Senior Contributor, Forbes, Oct 16, 2025, 09:05pm EDT
  • "Stray Kids among top K-pop acts performing at MAMA in Hong Kong" - Kim Jae-heun, Published : Oct. 17, 2025 - 15:25:40
  • "2025 MAMA Awards tickets will go on sale this Friday" - Edited by Catharina Cheung, Written by: Celia Lee, Time Out Hong Kong, Friday 17 October 2025
  • "'2025 MAMA AWARDS' Unveils Concept Slogan 'UH-HEUNG'... Nominees to Be Announced on the 16th" - Lee Da-gyeom, Published October 16, 2025
  • "Stray Kids, IVE, MEOVV and More To Perform at 2025 MAMA Awards" - InMusic, Published October 16, 2025
  • "Visa cardholders worldwide to get early access to 2025 MAMA AWARDS tickets" - Visa Worldwide Pte. Limited, 2025-10-13 13:00
  • "Tickets for K-pop’s MAMA Awards in Hong Kong go on sale as nominees revealed" - Harvey Kong, South China Morning Post, Published: 9:11pm, 16 Oct 2025