2025 MAMA Awards Day 1: ENHYPEN wins Fans’ Choice of the Year, Rosé takes Song of the Year [Photo: X]
The 2025 MAMA Awards opened its first night on November 28 with powerful performances, emotional speeches, and major wins for ENHYPEN and BLACKPINK’s Rosé. The event, hosted by actor Park Bo Gum, took place at 7:30 pm KST (4 pm IST), marking the start of a two-day celebration of K-pop excellence.
Park Bo Gum walked on stage alone to begin the ceremony. He opened with condolences for the victims of the Hong Kong apartment fire that took place on Wednesday. The organisers, CJ ENM, had earlier confirmed that the red carpet event would be cancelled. The awards night also observed a moment of silence before any performance began.
Throughout the show, every artist who came on stage addressed the tragedy and shared heartfelt messages for the families affected.
The night began with a powerful act by dance crew BUMSUP from Street Woman Fighter. Their performance reflected the year’s theme “UH-HEUNG,” which Park Bo Gum described as “a Korean expression that echoes the fierce roar of a tiger. It’s about embracing your true self and boldly living as who you are.”
Actors Ahn Eun Jin, Lee Joon Hyuk, and Lee Jun Young joined other major names as presenters.
The lineup of performers included TREASURE, TWS, NCT WISH, MEOVV, MIRROR, Hearts2Hearts, IVE, (G)I-DLE, ENHYPEN, BABYMONSTER, BOYNEXTDOOR, ALPHA DRIVE ONE and Yeonjun of TXT.
The first set of Daesangs (Grand Prizes) went to ENHYPEN and Rosé. ENHYPEN won the VISA Fans’ Choice of the Year, reaffirming their massive global fandom.
Rosé won VISA Song of the Year for “APT,” her collaboration with Bruno Mars.
Her win marks one of the most significant solo achievements for a BLACKPINK member this year. More Daesangs will be announced on Day 2.
This year’s MAMA Awards began with a heavier emotional tone due to the Hong Kong tragedy. Yet the night also showed the resilience and unity of the global K-pop community. The performances, speeches, and special tributes highlighted how the industry values empathy as much as entertainment.
Chapter 2 of the 2025 MAMA Awards returns tomorrow (November 29) at 7:30 pm KST. Park Bo Gum will hand over hosting duties to legendary actress Kim Hye Soo, who will present the final day of performances and awards. More winners will be announced tomorrow.
