MAMA Awards 2025 Day 1 Crowns New Daesang Winners in Hong Kong

The Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) kicked off its 2025 ceremony on November 28. The event took place at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park. Day 1 of the prestigious awards show delivered stunning performances and historic wins.

Two major Daesang awards were presented, honoring the year’s top song and most popular artist. The night was also marked by a somber tone following a recent local tragedy.

Historic Daesang Honors for Rosé and ENHYPEN

The Visa Song of the Year Daesang went to “APT.” by BLACKPINK’s Rosé featuring Bruno Mars. This collaboration between a K-pop superstar and a global pop icon was a massive commercial success. According to Reuters, the track dominated charts worldwide upon its release.

ENHYPEN clinched the Visa Fans’ Choice of the Year Daesang. The win was a testament to their dedicated global fanbase. Their victory was celebrated with an energetic performance later in the show.

New Artists and Fan Favorites Shine

Beyond the Daesang, the ceremony highlighted the industry’s future. The Best New Artist awards were given to two groups: CORTIS and Hearts2Hearts. Their wins signal a fresh wave of talent entering the K-pop scene.

Several fan-voted categories recognized widespread popularity. IVE won Favourite Global Performer and Favourite Female Group. BOYNEXTDOOR took home the award for Favourite Male Group.

Veteran group Super Junior received the Inspiring Achievement award. Their enduring legacy was celebrated with a special performance of their classic hits.

Performances Light Up the Stage

Eleven groups delivered memorable performances throughout the night. The show opened with a collaborative stage featuring Hearts2Hearts and NCT WISH. The set was vibrant and set a high energy standard.

BABYMONSTER performed their tracks “We Go Up” and “Drip.” IVE took the stage with their Global Trend Song winner, “Rebel Heart.” ENHYPEN’s powerful medley of “No Doubt,” “Bridge,” and “Bad Desire” was a standout moment.

Super Junior brought a dose of nostalgia with “Mr. Simple” and “Sorry, Sorry.” The crowd’s enthusiastic sing-along highlighted the timeless appeal of these songs.

A Celebration Tempered by Tragedy

The glamorous red carpet event was cancelled this year. This decision was made as a mark of respect for the victims of a deadly fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. The tragedy cast a shadow over the festivities.

Host Kim Hye-soo addressed the incident during the broadcast. The audience observed a moment of silence to honor those affected. This gesture underscored the community’s resilience.

The MAMA Awards 2025 Day 1 successfully balanced celebration with solemn respect. The Daesang winners, Rosé and ENHYPEN, now join an elite group of K-pop legends. Their achievements highlight the genre’s continued global expansion and artistic innovation.

Thought you’d like to know-

What does Daesang mean?

Daesang translates to “Grand Prize.” It is the highest honor awarded at ceremonies like the MAMA Awards. Winning a Daesang is considered a major career milestone.

Where was MAMA 2025 held?

The 2025 MAMA Awards were held in Hong Kong. The specific venue was the Kai Tak Sports Park. This continues the show’s tradition of hosting events in major Asian cities.

Who performed on Day 1?

Eleven acts performed, including IVE, ENHYPEN, and BABYMONSTER. Veteran group Super Junior also had a special stage. The lineup featured a mix of new artists and established stars.

Why was the red carpet cancelled?

Organizers cancelled the red carpet due to a tragic fire in Hong Kong. The decision was made as a gesture of mourning and respect. The incident occurred just days before the event.

How many Daesang awards are there?

On Day 1, two Daesang awards were given out. These were for Song of the Year and Fans’ Choice of the Year. More Daesang categories may be presented on Day 2.