According to CJ ENM, the theme for the 2025 MAMA Awards is 'UH-HEUNG,' symbolizing an embrace of diversity across regions, races, and cultures, and encouraging individuals to live authentically without fear. The event will take place on November 28-29 at the newly established Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, marking the first K-POP awards ceremony to be held at this landmark venue, with over 70,000 seats available.
Lee Young-joo, the director of Chapter 1 of the 2025 MAMA Awards, announced that the event will be broadcast live in 4K ultra-high definition to over 250 regions worldwide via Mnet Plus. This year, the awards will feature more stages with live performances by artists accompanied by the MAMA house band.
In a first for the awards, global presenter Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress, will be presenting at the 2025 MAMA Awards.
The theme stage, which annually showcases collaborations across various genres, will feature hosts Park Bo-gum and ZEROBASEONE's Sung Han-bin, who teased the opening performances through a video.
Chapter 1 will kick off with a performance by the team from 'World of Street Woman Fighter,' known for their mega crew mission 'Mongkyung.' Hosts Park Bo-gum, artists BOYNEXTDOOR, Cortis, and TREASURE will reinterpret 'K-Hip' with a fresh take on 'Kwaejinachingching(쾌지나칭칭).'
Chapter 2 will open with a message performance by host Kim Hye-soo and Stray Kids' Felix. ZEROBASEONE's Sung Han-bin and world-renowned dancer Kyoka, known from 'World of Street Woman Fighter,' will present an exclusive theme stage.
An epic collaboration stage has also been announced. Ma Doo-sik, the chief director of the 2025 MAMA Awards from CJ ENM, revealed a special collaboration with the globally acclaimed Netflix animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters.' This stage will feature an original performance that blends animation and reality, showcasing a legendary showdown between 'Saja Boys' and 'HUNTR/X' on stage.
Park Chan-wook, head of CJ ENM's Convention Business Division, stated, "The MAMA Awards is not just an awards ceremony but a testament to the stature of K-POP in the global music market. As we celebrate Mnet's 30th anniversary, we are committed to making this event in Hong Kong, held after seven years, a celebration for everyone to enjoy."
Ma Doo-sik added, "Last year, many people loved the MAMA Awards stage. This year, we have prepared even more spectacular performances, so please look forward to it." Lee Young-joo also expressed confidence, saying, "The MAMA Awards has always been a pioneer, and we will showcase an upgraded stage and production to take another leap forward."
Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr