The MMA2025 can be summed up in one name: G-Dragon. Opening and closing the event, G-Dragon showcased his enduring prowess by sweeping major awards.
On the 20th, the 'MMA2025' (Melon Music Awards 2025) took place at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. The event featured performances by G-Dragon, Jennie, Jay Park, 10CM, Zico, WOODZ, EXO, aespa, IVE, PLAVE, BOYNEXTDOOR, RIIZE, NCT WISH, ILLIT, Hearts2Hearts, KiiiKiii, ALLDAY PROJECT, Hanroro, IDID, and ALPHA DRIVE ONE. Over five hours, 39 awards were presented.
G-Dragon was the first to take the stage as a 'Top 10' awardee. He consecutively won 'Millions TOP10', 'Best Solo (Male)', and 'Best Songwriter'. He further claimed three out of four grand prizes, including 'Artist of the Year', 'Album of the Year', and 'Song of the Year', achieving a total of seven awards.
G-Dragon received the 'Album of the Year' award for his third studio album 'Übermensch', released in February. He explained, "The album title 'Übermensch' means 'one who transcends, one who surpasses'. It's a self-incantation, a mindset I had while creating the album."
He was also named 'Artist of the Year'. Having already expressed his gratitude multiple times, he humorously remarked, "This is not a rerun." He added, "I believe everyone here is an artist, the protagonist of their own life. Each story is different, and there is no right answer," moving the audience.
G-Dragon's 'Home Sweet Home' was chosen as 'Song of the Year'. He commented, "The path to receiving an award is long and arduous, but it's meaningful, so it's more joyful than difficult." He concluded by saying, "'Home Sweet Home' is the first track of my album. It's a warm song because my members joined me. It seems like it was released around this time last year, and I've spent a warm year. I hope you all wrap up the year well and have a happy new year."
G-Dragon also showcased a stage that bridged generations with junior artists. He prepared performances of 'Power', 'Too Bad', and 'Crooked'. During 'Crooked', he approached the audience, handing the mic to BOYNEXTDOOR, who engaged the crowd in his stead. G-Dragon then completed the performance with Zico. Notably absent from the audience was BLACKPINK's Jennie, who was previously rumored to be romantically linked with G-Dragon.
Jennie took home the 'Record of the Year' award for her first solo album 'Ruby', released in March. She expressed, "Thank you for this significant award. This year has been meaningful. My first album was released, and many things happened, so I'm happy to end the year like this." She added, "I miss my members so much. It's lonely being alone," mentioning BLACKPINK, which drew cheers from the audience.
EXO, who are set for a group comeback early next year, also attended the ceremony. Member D.O. showed his loyalty by making a surprise appearance at Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-a's wedding, despite being scheduled to perform at the awards.
D.O. appeared on the 'MMA' red carpet with EXO members at 4:30 PM. Initially expected to miss the wedding due to the awards, he surprised everyone by attending the wedding at 6:15 PM, greeting Kim Woo-bin briefly before returning to Gocheok Dome to perform with EXO. EXO premiered 'Back It Up', a track from their upcoming eighth studio album, heating up the stage.
An unexpected incident occurred when the broadcast of an acceptance speech was interrupted. Virtual idol group PLAVE was announced as a 'TOP 10' winner, but their speech was cut short due to a technical glitch, resulting in a brief blackout and a view of the audience.
aespa's Winter made her first public appearance since being rumored to be dating BTS's Jungkook. Without any official statements from either side, aespa won the 'Stage of the Year' award. Winter shared, "Performing virtually at the start of our debut was daunting, but performing with fans and audiences has been joyful and fulfilling." She added, "Thank you for allowing us to perform happily. We will strive to become artists who bring happiness and energy."
MMA2025 Winners List
<<Major Awards>
Artist of the Year: G-DRAGON
KakaoBank Album of the Year: G-DRAGON <Übermensch>
Song of the Year: G-DRAGON - HOME SWEET HOME (feat. Taeyang, Daesung)
Record of the Year: Jennie (JENNIE)
New Artist of the Year: ALLDAY PROJECT / Hearts2Hearts
<<TOP10>
Rosé, Lim Young-woong, Jennie, aespa, BOYNEXTDOOR, G-DRAGON, IVE, NCT WISH, PLAVE, RIIZE
<<Millions TOP10>
Rosé – rosie
SEVENTEEN - SEVENTEEN 5th Album ‘HAPPY BURSTDAY’
IU - A Flower Bookmark, Pt. 3
Lim Young-woong - IM HERO 2
Jennie – Ruby
BOYNEXTDOOR - No Genre
G-DRAGON – Übermensch
IVE - IVE EMPATHY
PLAVE - Caligo Pt.1
RIIZE - ODYSSEY - The 1st Album
<<Best Awards>
Best Solo Female: Rosé
Best Solo Male: G-DRAGON
Best Group Female: IVE
Best Group Male: BOYNEXTDOOR
Best OST: HUNTR/X – Golden
Best Pop Artist: Ed Sheeran
<<Special Awards>
Best Songwriter: G-DRAGON
Best Music Video: KiiiKiii - I DO ME
Best Performance Female: ILLIT
Best Performance Male: RIIZE
Best Music Style: 10CM, ALLDAY PROJECT
Global Artist: aespa
Global Rising Artist: IDID
1theK Global Icon: KiiiKiii
J-POP Favorite Artist: Kenshi Yonezu
Stage of the Year: aespa
Hot Trend: WOODZ
Best Producer: ZICO
<<Popularity Awards>
TrackZero Choice: Hanroro - Goodbye, My Summer
Berriz Global Fans' Choice: Hearts2Hearts
Japan Favorite Artist by U-NEXT: BOYNEXTDOOR
KakaoBank Everyone's Star: NCT WISH
Kim Ji-won, TENASIA Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr