The 17th Melon Music Awards (MMA2025) is set to bring together the biggest stars in K-pop, promising a series of spectacular performances that are sure to captivate music fans worldwide.
Hosted by Kakao Entertainment's music platform Melon, the event will take place on December 20 at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. MMA2025 will feature exclusive and diverse performances that can only be witnessed at this prestigious event.
A lineup of global K-pop icons and super rookies, including G-DRAGON, Jay Park, 10CM, ZICO, EXO, WOODZ, JENNIE, aespa, IVE, Hanroro, BOYNEXTDOOR, RIIZE, PLAVE, NCT WISH, ILLIT, Hearts2Hearts, KiiiKiii, ALLDAY PROJECT, IDID, and ALPHA DRIVE ONE, will set the stage ablaze with their performances.
Jay Park returns to the MMA stage after 16 years, delivering an original hip-hop performance with his crew, alongside his newly produced boy group LNGSHOT. 10CM will enchant with his unique voice, singing about 'Falling in Love,' while ZICO will debut his new song on the MMA stage, ahead of its release on December 19. EXO, appearing after eight years, will mark their return with a performance that celebrates their illustrious journey, including a world premiere of a track from their upcoming 8th album, set for release in January. WOODZ, known for his chart-topping success, will present a stage themed around 'Loss of Love,' along with a special dance performance. Global star JENNIE promises a legendary performance where she becomes both the stage and the art.
aespa, continuing their 'Metal Taste' syndrome with 'Dirty Work' and 'Rich Man,' will present a specially arranged version of their performance exclusively for MMA, including the highly anticipated 'Drift.' IVE will showcase their hit songs 'REBEL HEART,' 'ATTITUDE,' and 'XOXZ,' highlighting their dazzling presence on stage.
Hanroro, gaining popularity as the 'Rockstar of Gen Z,' will deliver a message of comfort to 'Loving Youth' with his unique sensibility. BOYNEXTDOOR will captivate with a movie-like spectacle themed around the 'Now,' featuring grand arrangements. RIIZE will narrate their story of 'Growth and Realization' through three concepts: grandeur, intensity, and thrill. Virtual idol PLAVE, returning to the MMA stage for the second consecutive year, will delight fans with a Christmas gift-like transformation.
NCT WISH will weave their chart-topping hits 'COLOR' and 'poppop' into a cohesive story, with a stage debuting for the first time on broadcast. ILLIT will shed their cute image for a darker mood, showcasing new charms, while Hearts2Hearts will present a 'Secret Garden' fairy-themed performance, including a special solo stage by Jiwoo exclusive to MMA. KiiiKiii will heat up the Gocheok Dome with a performance themed around 'A Message to All My Times.'
ALLDAY PROJECT, building a remarkable career since debut, will visualize this year's 'Growth' through their performance, while IDID will prepare a stage filled with passion befitting a rising star. ALPHA DRIVE ONE, set to officially debut on January 12, will make a meaningful first appearance at MMA with a performance themed around an 'Ambitious Flight' towards the top of K-pop.
Sponsored by KakaoBank, MMA2025's main slogan is 'Play The Moment,' inviting audiences to experience all the moments and stories connected and recorded through music at MMA2025. The event will be broadcast live on November 20 from 5 PM via the Melon app/web in Korea, Wavve, Japan's U-NEXT, and Germany's Magenta TV. International viewers can tune in through Melon and 1theK's YouTube channels.
Reporter: Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr