Returning to Hong Kong after seven years, the 2025 MAMA Awards was a decidedly sombre affair. It paid tribute to those affected by the fires in Tai Po
The show must go on, as they say in showbiz. Despite apprehension, the 2025 MAMA Awards at Kai Tak Stadium proceeded with tact and sensitivity. Taking place on November 28 and 19, the awards show skipped the typical red carpet section. The award show’s main host Park Bo-gum led a tribute before the show began, according to Yonhap News Agency.
“We are deeply pained by this tragedy and extend our heartfelt condolences to all residents affected by the fire and the families who lost their loved ones. We will carefully adjust the production to deliver a thoughtfully prepared show that offers both comfort and strength to the public. To pay tribute, we will hold a moment of silence during the event and make donations to support the affected families. The 2025 MAMA Awards will be themed ‘Support Hong Kong’ to bring positive energy to the city,” a statement by the show’s organisers read. Some celebrities, like Michelle Yeoh, chose to abstain from making an appearance out of respect for those affected.
However, Hong Kong acting #legend Chow Yun Fat appeared on-stage to pay tribute to victims of the city’s deadly residential fire. He asked in Cantonese, Mandarin and English for the audience to stand in silent tribute with him.
Later on, Chow presented an award to K-pop star G-Dragon. “I hope to become an artist who can provide even a small amount of strength to Hong Kong citizens grieving from the sudden tragedy. Today is a joyful day, but also one filled with mixed emotions,” G-Dragon said in his acceptance speech.
G-Dragon took to the stage in black, with a single ribbon pinned to his chest. For his planned performance, he made a last minute switch to do his song “Untitled” instead of his originally planned performances as a message of solace to Hong Kongers. He also won praise for his generous donation of HK$1million to the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court.
Other performers also made adjustments to their planned performances. K-pop group Meovv wisely changed the lyrics of their song from “Burning Up” to “Turn It Up”. (G)I-DLE avoided singing certain lines from “Good Thing” and also made waves for their donation of over HK$1.1million (KR₩200million) to the Fosun Foundation.
All in all, the awards show turned out to be a huge show of solidarity with the victims of the Hong Kong fires.
CJ Group, which hosted the 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong on Nov. 28 and 29 after the fire, pledged HK$20million to a relief fund. Other K-pop companies and stars known to make financial contributions include Hybe (HK$2.66million/KR₩500million), JYP Entertainment (HK$2million), YG Entertainment (HK$1million), SM Entertainment (HK$1million), GOT7’s Jackson Wang (HK$1million), Super Junior (HK$1million), Stray Kids (HK$1million), Aespa (HK$500,000), Plave (HK$250,000), recent #legend cover star Yim Siwan (HK$200,000), and many more,
Also see: Where and how to help the victims of the 2025 Hong Kong fires
