G-Dragon and Stray Kids Shine at 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong

G-Dragon and Stray Kids took home the grand prizes at the '2025 MAMA Awards'.

The '2025 MAMA Awards' took place on the 29th at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.

Actress Kim Hye-soo, who hosted the event, appeared in a black suit as a tribute to the victims of a tragic fire that occurred in a high-rise apartment complex in the Tai Po area of northern Hong Kong on the 26th.

Kim Hye-soo expressed her condolences, saying, "Before we begin, I was deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news. I extend my heartfelt condolences to all those who suffered great loss and pain due to the sudden accident."

She added, "I sincerely hope for a miracle. '2025 MAMA' aims to support Hong Kong's recovery with the message 'Support Hong Kong'."

Stray Kids won the Album of the Year award. The members, emotional on stage, expressed their joy. Leader Bang Chan said, "I can't believe we received such a big award at the 'MAMA' ceremony, which I watched as a trainee and always wanted to be a part of." He added, "I want to tell our members that they did a great job."

Bang Chan continued, "We've been through a lot, comforting and understanding each other. I'm happy to share our music and performances with so many people worldwide." He concluded, "This motivates me to work even harder."

G-Dragon was awarded Artist of the Year. On stage, he shared a warm embrace with Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat, the presenter. G-Dragon said, "Thank you. I'll see you again in part three. I made a comeback through MAMA last year, and this year feels different," as he struggled to hold back tears.

After composing himself, G-Dragon added, "It's a happy yet sad day. Many emotions are crossing, and it's an honor to receive this from my idol, Chow Yun-fat, on MAMA's 30th anniversary. Thank you and love you all." He also mentioned, "Next year marks BIGBANG's 20th anniversary. I'll come with friends to celebrate, so I won't be lonely."

Earlier, G-Dragon also won 'Best Dance Performance Male Solo' and 'Best Male Artist', achieving a triple crown.

In the Favorite Rising Artist category, the group izna was awarded. Member Bang Jee-min expressed condolences before saying, "We debuted at MAMA last year, and I didn't expect to receive such a great award this year. Thank you." He added, "Thanks to everyone who supports us, especially our fans, naya."

Member Choi Jung-eun thanked WAKEONE family, THEBLACKLABEL producers, and CJ ENM, saying, "I'm grateful just to be on the MAMA stage. Enjoy the remaining performances."

Netflix's animation 'KPop Demon Hunters' received the 'Music Visionary of the Year' award, given to icons who read and guide the trends of K-pop. Director Maggie Kang expressed condolences during her acceptance speech, saying, "I sincerely extend my condolences to those affected by the recent accident and thank the first responders."

She continued, "Thank you for this great award. I accept it on behalf of Sony Pictures and Netflix, who helped with this film." Maggie Kang added, "I'm amazed that this film opened the hearts of many worldwide. It's a joy to be here with you. Consider it a love letter to K-pop."

Maggie Kang concluded by taking a selfie with the audience, drawing attention.

The group ALLDAY PROJECT received the 'Breakthrough Artist' award. Tarzzan thanked Teddy and all the staff, while Youngseo said, "It's meaningful to have our first 'MAMA' here. We'll continue to break molds and push boundaries."

Annie expressed gratitude to fans who love them as they are, promising to become artists who can repay that love.

The group aespa won 'Best Choreography', 'Best Dance Performance Female Group', and 'Best Female Group'. Karina, accepting the Best Female Group award, said, "Thanks to our beloved fans and everyone who loves our music, we received this precious award. We recently celebrated our 5th anniversary, and this feels like a gift. We'll continue to be with you through our music, creating good memories." She also announced, "Our full album is coming next year. Please look forward to it."

The '2025 MAMA Awards' embraced the concept of 'UH-HEUNG', symbolizing the acceptance of oneself and living fearlessly amidst diverse regions, races, and cultures.

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2025 MAMA Awards Winners

▲VISA Artist of the Year: G-Dragon
▲VISA Album of the Year: Stray Kids 'KARMA'
▲Best Dance Performance Male Solo: G-Dragon
▲Favorite Rising Artist: izna
▲Best Choreography: aespa 'Whiplash'
▲VISA Super Stage Artist: TOMORROW X TOGETHER
▲Best Male Artist: G-Dragon
▲Best Dance Performance Female Group: aespa 'Whiplash'
▲Olive Young K-Beauty Artist: Hearts2Hearts
▲Music Visionary of the Year: Netflix 'KPop Demon Hunters'
▲Favorite Asian Artist: JO1
▲Breakthrough Artist: ALLDAY PROJECT
▲Worldwide KCONers' Choice: ZEROBASEONE
▲Best OST: HUNTR/X 'Golden'
▲Best Female Group: aespa
▲Best Male Group: SEVENTEEN
▲Best Female Artist: Rosé
▲Best Dance Performance Female Solo: Jennie
▲Best Dance Performance Male Group: SEVENTEEN 'THUNDER'
▲Best Vocal Performance Solo: Rosé 'toxic till the end'
▲Best Vocal Performance Group: DAVICHI 'Stitching'
▲Best Band Performance: DAY6 'Maybe Tomorrow'
▲Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance: BIG Naughty (Seo Dong-hyun) 'MUSIC (Feat. Lee Chan-hyuk)'
▲Best Music Video: Jennie 'ZEN'
▲Best Collaboration: Rosé, Bruno Mars 'APT.'

Reporter Min-kyung Lee, TENASIA 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr