G-Dragon became the biggest winner of the '2025 MAMA Awards 'after securing four trophies, including one of the event’s top honors, Artist of the Year. The ceremony took place in Hong Kong at Kai Tak Stadium on November 29.
G-Dragon also won Best Male Artist, Best Dance Performance Male Solo, and Fans’ Choice Top 10 (Male). The last award was announced during Day 1 of the event.
One of the most memorable moments of the night came when Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat appeared as a presenter. With silver hair and lightly tinted sunglasses, he stepped on stage and asked the entire stadium to stand for a moment of silence for the residents affected by the deadly fire in Tai Po’s Wong Fuk Court. Fighting back tears, he said that he wished to offer his deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the tragedy. The stadium lights dimmed as thousands silently paid tribute.
Shortly after the tribute, G-Dragon was announced as the winner. He expressed his gratitude and surprised fans by hinting at Big Bang’s group activities in 2026. “Our group turns 20 next year. I will return with my friends so we can celebrate together,” he said.
Another grand prize, Album of the Year, went to Stray Kids for their fourth full album 'KARMA.' The members became emotional on stage and said that the journey had not been easy and that they hoped to continue giving strength to fans around the world.
One of the most talked-about presences at this year’s awards was the global Netflix hit 'K-Pop Demon Hunters.' Scenes from the animated series were recreated in a full live-action performance.
BABYMONSTER members Pharita, Ahyeon, and Rora appeared as the show’s fictional trio Huntrix and performed “What It Sounds Like” and “Golden.” Before their stage, actor Ahn Hyo Seop, who voices the main character Jinwoo, delivered an opening narration. He asked whether viewers remembered his voice and shared a hopeful message, saying that music could guide everyone toward a better tomorrow.
The series won Music Visionary of the Year and Best Original Soundtrack. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans accepted the awards together. Kang exclaimed, “The soul gate is sealed,” referencing the spiritual barrier created through unified song within the story.
Actor Arden Cho, the voice of Rumi, also appeared as a presenter.
A planned performance by the project unit Saja Boys was cancelled. The concept was inspired by grim reaper imagery, and organizers determined it would be inappropriate in light of the major fire incident in Hong Kong.
The unit was originally expected to include Lee Han of BOYNEXTDOOR, Wonbin of RIIZE, Shinyu of TWS, Park Gunwook of ZEROBASEONE, and Han Yujin. Earlier in the day, BOYNEXTDOOR’s agency KOZ Entertainment posted on social media that they would not be taking part in the scheduled performance due to the ceremony’s scaled-back operation.
Presenters and winners appeared in dark attire as a sign of respect, and many expressed condolences on stage. MC Kim Hye Soo opened the event by saying that her heart felt heavy after hearing such heartbreaking news and that she wished to extend sincere comfort to everyone affected by the sudden tragedy. She added that she hoped there were still miracles left for all who needed them.
Daesang Awards (Grand Prizes)
Artist of the Year (VISA) – G-Dragon
Album of the Year (VISA) – Stray Kids, 'KARMA'
Song of the Year (VISA) – Rosé & Bruno Mars, “APT.”
Fans’ Choice of the Year (VISA) – ENHYPEN
Artist & Performance Categories
Best Male Artist – G-Dragon
Best Dance Performance – Female Group – aespa
Best Dance Performance – Male Solo – G-Dragon
Global Trend Song – IVE, “REBEL HEART”
Best Choreography – aespa, “Whiplash”
Inspiring Achievement Award – Super Junior
Rookie & Rising Artists
Rookie of the Year – CORTIS, Hearts2Hearts
Favorite Rising Artist – izna
Fans’ Choice Top 10 (Male)
Fans’ Choice Top 10 (Female)
Group-Related Awards
Favorite Global Performer – IVE
Favorite Male Group – BOYNEXTDOOR
Favorite Female Group – IVE
Worldwide K-Corners Choice – ZEROBASEONE
Favorite Asian Artist – JO1
Breakthrough Artist – ALLDAY PROJECT
TELASA Favorite Global Artist – ENHYPEN
Olive Young K-Beauty Artist – Hearts2Hearts
Special Awards
Music Visionary of the Year – Netflix’s 'K-Pop Demon Hunters'
Best OST – 'K-Pop Demon Hunters'
VISA Super Stage Artist – TXT
SEE ALSO: Ok Hee, Seoul Sisters leader and early Korean pop pioneer, dies at 73
SEE ALSO: allkpop Lab: let's build the new allkpop together
SEE ALSO: Universal Music Korea announces signing of Korean-Australian alternative hip-hop group 1300
No articles to show.
