Red carpet canceled, artists don't dare smile at awards ceremony

Amid the city's mourning, MAMA 2025 was still held on November 28 and 29 at Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong. This is the first time in 7 years that the music awards ceremony dubbed the "Asian Grammy" has returned to Hong Kong.

Thảm đỏ bị hủy, nghệ sĩ không dám cười tại lễ trao giải - 1 — Korean artists restrained their emotions when arriving in Hong Kong to attend the 2025 MAMA awards ceremony (Photo: Osen).

The program honors outstanding artists and music products from October 2024 to September, with the theme "Hear My Roar: uh-heung", emphasizing the excitement and emotions typical of Kpop (Korean youth music).

The event featured a series of famous artists such as: Stray Kids, IVE, ENHYPEN, aespa, G-Dragon, TXT and rookies like KickFlip and ALPHA DRIVE ONE.

However, just days before the awards ceremony, a serious apartment fire in Hong Kong led many to propose canceling the event. The organizers decided to continue MAMA 2025 but made many adjustments.

Accordingly, the red carpet - a familiar part of the MAMA awards ceremony - was canceled. The organizers also asked artists to keep a serious face when entering the country and called for the message "Support Hong Kong", affirming that music can help soothe the pain.

“We believe in the healing power of music. This year’s event focuses on comfort and hope, rather than grandiose performances,” said a representative of the organizing committee.

Thảm đỏ bị hủy, nghệ sĩ không dám cười tại lễ trao giải - 2 — MC Park Bo Gum always bowed his head and did not smile while hosting the awards ceremony (Screenshot).

Stage effects that could evoke fire, such as fireworks or flaming LED graphics, were eliminated. Some bands adjusted their costumes to fit the memorial atmosphere.

From November 25 to 28, artists and crews arrived in Hong Kong to prepare. Many wore masks or kept a serious face when entering the country. Fire safety regulations were tightened throughout the event.

Over the past 2 days, HYBE Group and 6 affiliated companies such as BigHit Music, Belift Lab, Pledis Entertainment, ADOR... sent condolences and donated to help overcome the consequences.

HYBE donated over $340,000 USD through the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association. Major companies such as JYP, YG, SM, and many artists such as Super Junior, aespa, and RIIZE also contributed.

Thảm đỏ bị hủy, nghệ sĩ không dám cười tại lễ trao giải - 3 — The groups performing or receiving awards did not smile at MAMA 2025 (Screenshot).

However, the Korean media still criticized the decision to hold MAMA 2025 at a sensitive time. iMBC called it a “shameful act”, saying that the event did not take into account social feelings and could put artists in an awkward position. Many viewers agreed with this view.

“The event took place in a city that had just suffered a serious tragedy. Minimal responsibility in considering social feelings and sensitivities was almost not shown. The decision not to postpone the event made the public think they were insensitive, and the image of Kpop was seriously affected,” iMBC wrote.

The awards ceremony officially took place on the evening of November 28. MC Park Bo Gum opened with a memorial speech and a moment of silence for the victims. The atmosphere of the program was kept to a minimum; the artists wore dark outfits, black ribbons, and maintained a serious attitude.

Thảm đỏ bị hủy, nghệ sĩ không dám cười tại lễ trao giải - 4 — Rosé accepts the Song of the Year award for "APT." (Screenshot).

Elements that could evoke fire were completely removed. Girl group MEOVV even changed the lyrics from Burning Up to Turn It Up to suit the context.

The Song of the Year award went to Rosé (Blackpink) and Bruno Mars for APT . The group IVE shined with 3 categories: Favorite Global Artist, Favorite Female Group and Global Trending Song.

The two groups Cortis and Hearts2Hearts won the Best Newcomer award. Cortis representative shared: “We have only debuted for 100 days but have already received this award. This is a once-in-a-lifetime honor so it is very special.”

Some awards at the 2025 MAMA awards ceremony:

Song of the Year: APT. by Rosé (Blackpink) and Bruno Mars