The MAMA Awards 2025 have officially been announced, setting the stage for what promises to be a spectacular event. Music fans around the globe are eagerly anticipating the ceremony, scheduled to take place on November 28 and 29 at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. This marks a significant return to Hong Kong after seven years, with the city last hosting the awards in 2018.
The choice of venue is particularly noteworthy. The Kai Tak Stadium, a newly opened, state-of-the-art facility that can accommodate up to 50,000 people, will provide a grand setting for the awards. This new venue underscores the scale and ambition of the 2025 MAMA Awards, promising an immersive experience for attendees and viewers alike.
This year holds special significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of Mnet, the music channel behind the MAMA Awards. Organizers have emphasized their commitment to making this year's event the biggest and most innovative yet. They aim to highlight the artists and industry professionals who have significantly contributed to K-pop trends, showcasing the genre's global competitiveness and influence.
Shin Hyung Kwan, head of CJ ENM's Music Content Division, stated that the company will blend creative stage direction with technical skills unique to the MAMA Awards, delivering iconic moments for fans.
The MAMA Awards have a rich history of celebrating Asian music. First launched in 1999 as the Mnet Music Video Festival, the show has evolved into one of the most prestigious annual music awards in the K-pop industry. Over the years, the ceremony has been held in various locations across Asia, including Macau, Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam. In 2024, the awards show made its debut in the United States, before heading to Osaka, Japan, drawing a total audience of approximately 93,000.
The return to Hong Kong is strategically important, as the city remains a major hub for the K-pop concert market. Hong Kong previously hosted the MAMA Awards for seven consecutive years, from 2012 to 2018, before political unrest and pandemic-related travel restrictions led to a pause.
While the nominees and performers for the 2025 MAMA Awards are yet to be announced, anticipation is already building. Last year’s ceremony featured notable performances, including G-Dragon's solo comeback and a duet of "APT" by Rose and Bruno Mars. Seventeen emerged as the biggest winner, taking home seven trophies, including the grand prize for Album of the Year, while Aespa secured six awards, including Song of the Year for “Supernova.”
Visa will be returning as the title sponsor for the third consecutive year, underscoring the event's significance and global appeal.
The MAMA Awards ceremony will be broadcast live worldwide via Mnet, TVING, tvN Asia, Mnet Japan, Mnet Smart+, other CJ ENM channels, and YouTube through Mnet K-POP, Mnet TV, M2, and KCON channels. This extensive network ensures that fans across the globe can experience the excitement of the event.
As the date approaches, fans eagerly await further details on the nominees, performers, and presenters. The 2025 MAMA Awards promises to be a historic celebration of K-pop and Asian music, marking a significant milestone for Mnet and the industry as a whole.
