Get ready, K-pop fans! The 2025 MAMA Awards are set to light up Hong Kong with a dazzling two-night event, featuring groundbreaking collaborations, star-studded performances, and a scale seven times larger than its last visit.
TL;DR: Quick Bites on the 2025 MAMA Awards
- The 2025 MAMA Awards are happening November 28-29 in Hong Kong, returning seven years after its last visit and marking the first K-pop awards show in a stadium, promising an audience seven times larger than before.
- Expect a "groundbreaking collaboration" with Netflix's hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, bringing the Saja Boys and HUNTR/X's climactic battle to a live stage with K-pop idols.
- The event boasts an incredible lineup of performers like Stray Kids (debuting a new track "DIVINE"), Super Junior celebrating their 20th anniversary, and rookie group ALPHA DRIVE ONE's debut, alongside hosts Park Bo Gum and Kim Hye Su, and presenters including Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh.
Imagine a K-pop awards show that has grown so exponentially it now commands a venue seven times larger than its previous outing in the same city. That’s precisely what the 2025 MAMA Awards are doing, returning to Hong Kong's impressive Kai Tak Stadium after a seven-year hiatus. In 2018, the event drew around 10,000 attendees; this year, it’s gearing up for a colossal 70,000 concertgoers over two days, making it the first K-pop awards ceremony ever to take place in a stadium. Source: [Korea JoongAng Daily, 'The most Korean, most global': MAMA 2025 roars with KPop Demon Hunters, Michelle Yeoh, November 11, 2025].
This massive scale isn't just about numbers; it's a testament to K-pop's undeniable global dominance. Hosted by CJ ENM, the annual MAMA Awards have continuously pushed boundaries since their inception as the Mnet Music Video Festival in 1999. From their rebranding in 2022 to simply "MAMA Awards" to reflect their international reach, to becoming the first K-pop awards held in the United States in 2024, this show is always about breaking new ground. Source: [Malay Mail, Michelle Yeoh to be a presenter at 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong, November 11, 2025].
Get ready for the 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong! Discover the full list of performers, top nominees like BLACKPINK members and Aespa, and how to snag your tickets for the biggest K-pop event of the year.
Unleashing the "UH-HEUNG" Spirit: This Year's Electrifying Theme
Every MAMA Awards event comes with a powerful theme, and 2025 is no exception with "HEAR MY ROAR: UH-HEUNG." That "uh-heung" isn't just a fun sound; it’s an onomatopoeic word reminiscent of a tiger's roar in Korean, fused with "heung," which means joy and excitement. This concept embodies a "bold shout of self-acceptance," encouraging everyone to embrace their true selves across different regions, cultures, and backgrounds. Source: [Forbes, Mama Awards 2025 Promise Surprises With KPop Demon Hunters, Stray Kids & More, November 12, 2025].
Producer Lee Young-joo highlighted this ethos, stating that the theme represents a "confident roar, a declaration to embrace oneself as they are, transcending regions, race and culture." It's about freely singing and dancing together, celebrating the vibrant energy that K-pop fosters globally. This sentiment truly captures the essence of K-pop's universal appeal and its ability to unite fans.
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The Most Anticipated Crossover: KPop Demon Hunters Live!
One of the biggest buzzes around this year's MAMA Awards is the "groundbreaking collaboration" with Netflix's animated film sensation, KPop Demon Hunters. If you haven't seen it, the film, released on June 20, 2025, became Netflix's most-watched animated original, racking up over 325 million views. Its soundtrack also made Billboard history with four simultaneous Top 10 songs on the Hot 100, and "Golden" hit #1 globally. Source: [Korea Portal, Michelle Yeoh Joins MAMA Awards 2025 as Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters Takes the Stage, November 11, 2025].
Now, MAMA is promising to "bring the film’s climactic battle between Saja Boys and HUNTR/X from screen to stage." While details are still a bit shrouded in mystery – for instance, which K-pop idols will step into the roles of these animated groups remains unconfirmed – the idea itself is electrifying. Will we see current idols embodying the demon boy band Saja Boys and the formidable girl group HUNTR/X? Producer Ma Doo-sik teased that K-pop idols will appear, creating "a special performance that would unite all K-pop fans around the world." Source: [Korea JoongAng Daily, 'The most Korean, most global': MAMA 2025 roars with KPop Demon Hunters, Michelle Yeoh, November 11, 2025].
This collaboration offers a unique opportunity for MAMA to blur the lines between animation and reality, providing a truly immersive experience for fans. While some might wonder if the film's original soundtrack singers like EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami (who performed "Golden" on The Tonight Show) will take the stage, the focus seems to be on recreating the "climactic battle" songs like Saja Boy's "Idol" or HUNTR/X's triumphant "What It Sounds Like." The anticipation is building, and fans are eagerly awaiting casting announcements.
"MAMA AWARDS has always pioneered a new path, so we will once again show you a leap forward with an upgraded stage and direction."
— Lee Young-joo, Producer of the 2025 MAMA Awards
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A Galaxy of K-Pop Stars: Performances, Debuts, and Anniversaries
Beyond the cinematic spectacle, the MAMA Awards are packed with signature K-pop moments. Get ready for Stray Kids to drop the first live performance of "DIVINE," a brand-new track from their upcoming album, DO IT, which hits shelves just before the awards on November 21. Felix of Stray Kids will also join host Kim Hye Su for a special opening performance on Chapter 2. This mega stage celebrates Stray Kids' incredibly successful 2025, featuring multiple chart-topping albums and a record-breaking stadium world tour. Source: [Forbes, MAMA Awards 2025 Promise Surprises With KPop Demon Hunters, Stray Kids & More, November 12, 2025].
It's also a big year for veterans and rookies alike. Legendary group Super Junior will mark their incredible 20th anniversary with a special "legend stage" performance, paying homage to two decades of hits. Meanwhile, the newly formed rookie group ALPHA DRIVE ONE, born from Boys Planet II, will make their official stage debut. Other confirmed performers span the spectrum of K-pop, including aespa, G-Dragon, (G)I-DLE, IVE, NCT WISH, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), TREASURE, ZEROBASEONE, BOYNEXTDOOR, ENHYPEN, and many more across the two nights.
For fans who crave raw, live sound, MAMA is stepping up its game. Several performances will feature live bands, promising an even richer and more dynamic auditory experience. Producer Lee Young-joo emphasized that they are "upgrading video and sound systems to capture K-pop's explosive energy with vivid clarity. The house band will deliver fuller, richer performances that showcase what makes these moments unforgettable." Source: [Korea Portal, Michelle Yeoh Joins MAMA Awards 2025 as Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters Takes the Stage, November 11, 2025].
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The Star-Powered Hosts and Presenters Making the Event Shine
Guiding us through these two nights of K-pop glory are some familiar and esteemed faces. Actor Park Bo Gum returns for his seventh time as host, leading Chapter 1 on November 28. He expressed his honor and hinted at a "special secret gift – an exciting and joyful performance." Source: [StarNews, Park Bo Gum To Share the Stage with ‘BEOMJUP’ from Street Woman Fighter at 2025 MAMA, November 11, 2025].
For Chapter 2 on November 29, the esteemed actress Kim Hye Su will take the helm, marking her first time hosting a music awards show. Known for her 30-year tenure as MC of the Blue Dragon Film Awards, PD Lee Young-ju noted that Kim Hye Su was chosen for her ability to "effectively convey the spirit and uniquely Korean concepts" with sincerity and enthusiasm. Source: [Naver, "Expected to Convey the Spirit of Korea Well" – Reason for Selecting Kim Hye-soo as Host of MAMA Awards, November 11, 2025].
The presenter lineup is equally star-studded, featuring Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, whose participation "adds deeper significance" as K-pop establishes itself globally. She'll be joined by a host of beloved actors and personalities, including KPop Demon Hunters voice actors Arden Cho and Ahn Hyo Seop, Squid Game stars Jo Yuri and Yim Siwan, Pachinko actor Noh Sanghyun, and many more. Source: [Forbes, MAMA Awards 2025 Promise Surprises With KPop Demon Hunters, Stray Kids & More, November 12, 2025].
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Why Hong Kong? A Global Hub for K-Pop's Biggest Night
The choice of Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium isn't random; it's a strategic move to underscore MAMA's global ambitions. CJ ENM's Park Chan-uk explained, "We've pursued our 'Music Makes One' vision since 2010, leading K-pop's globalization by meeting fans worldwide. Hong Kong offers easy access for global K-pop fans and serves as Asia's mega-event hub." Source: [Korea Portal, Michelle Yeoh Joins MAMA Awards 2025 as Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters Takes the Stage, November 11, 2025].
This return to Hong Kong for the first time in seven years also aligns perfectly with Mnet's 30th anniversary, symbolizing a full circle moment for the network that has been instrumental in K-pop's rise. The city previously hosted MAMA consecutively from 2012-2018, making it the city with the most MAMA ceremonies in the event's 26-year history. The Kai Tak Stadium itself is a newly opened landmark in March 2025, having already hosted major acts like Coldplay, NCT, and SEVENTEEN.
Ensuring a Fair Stage: Transparency in Awards SelectionWhen it comes to awards, transparency is key. The MAMA Awards have a robust system in place to ensure fairness. Awards are determined through a combination of music sales data, album performance, and expert judging. To further solidify trust, PwC (Samil) conducts independent auditing, verifying the transparency and fairness of the process. This meticulous approach ensures that the winners truly reflect their impact and achievements in the K-pop landscape. Source: [Korea Portal, Michelle Yeoh Joins MAMA Awards 2025 as Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters Takes the Stage, November 11, 2025].
A slight counterpoint or limitation could be the ongoing excitement and speculation around the KPop Demon Hunters stage. While the promise of K-pop idols bringing the characters to life is thrilling, the lack of specific casting details might leave some fans wishing for more concrete information sooner. This anticipation, however, is part of MAMA's charm, building excitement right up to the live event.
A Global Spectacle: The Fan Experience From AfarFor global viewers unable to make it to Hong Kong, CJ ENM is expanding access like never before. The entire ceremony will be livestreamed in stunning 4K ultra-high definition across more than 250 regions worldwide via the Mnet Plus platform. This means enhanced camera angles and a truly immersive experience for those watching from home. Source: [Sports Chosun, 2025 MAMA AWARDS World Star Quantum Awards Participation...Kedeheon's official collaboration stage is also prepared, November 12, 2025].
As an example, imagine Sarah, a K-pop fan living in London. She's got her Mnet Plus subscription ready, a giant bowl of snacks, and her favorite lightstick charged. With the 4K livestream and multiple camera angles, she’ll feel like she has a front-row seat to Stray Kids' new track debut and the epic KPop Demon Hunters battle, all from the comfort of her living room. It's this kind of expanded access that truly makes the MAMA Awards a global festival.
Practical Takeaways for the 2025 MAMA Awards- Mark Your Calendars: Clear your schedule for November 28 and 29, 2025, as K-pop's biggest night takes over Hong Kong.
- Anticipate the Unexpected: The KPop Demon Hunters collaboration and special stages promise unique, never-before-seen performances. Keep an eye out for surprise idol casting announcements!
- Prepare for a Visual Feast: With 4K livestreaming and enhanced camera angles on Mnet Plus, the at-home viewing experience will be top-tier.
- Celebrate K-Pop's Growth: Witness Super Junior's 20th anniversary and ALPHA DRIVE ONE's debut, showcasing the genre's enduring legacy and exciting future.
- Connect Globally: The MAMA Awards are a truly international event, uniting fans from over 250 regions under the vibrant "UH-HEUNG" theme.
- Forbes, "MAMA Awards 2025 Promise Surprises With KPop Demon Hunters, Stray Kids & More", by Jeff Benjamin, November 12, 2025.
- StarNews, "Park Bo Gum To Share the Stage with ‘BEOMJUP’ from Street Woman Fighter at 2025 MAMA", by Park Bo Geom, translated by Lee So Yun, November 11, 2025.
- Naver, "Expected to Convey the Spirit of Korea Well” – Reason for Selecting Kim Hye-soo as Host of MAMA Awards [2025 MAMA]", by Ji Seung-hoon, translated by GripLabs Mingo AI, November 11, 2025.
- Korea JoongAng Daily, "'The most Korean, most global': MAMA 2025 roars with KPop Demon Hunters, Michelle Yeoh", by SHIN HA-NEE, November 11, 2025.
- Sports Chosun, "2025 MAMA AWARDS World Star Quantum Awards Participation...Kedeheon's official collaboration stage is also prepared", by Jaewan, Ko, November 12, 2025.
- Soompi, "2025 MAMA AWARDS Announces Part Of Special Stages Including "KPop Demon Hunters" Performances", by S Nam, November 11, 2025.
- NME, "Here are all of the performers and presenters for the 2025 MAMA Awards", by Surej Singh, November 4, 2025.
- Malay Mail, "Michelle Yeoh to be a presenter at 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong", November 11, 2025.
- Korea Portal, "Michelle Yeoh Joins MAMA Awards 2025 as Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters Takes the Stage", by Hannah, November 11, 2025.