MAMA Awards-second day
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| ▲ Three members of K-pop girl group Babymonster perform "Golden," a track from the original soundtrack of "KPop Demon Hunters" during the 2025 MAMA Awards at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Nov. 29, 2025. This photo was provided by CJ ENM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ Actor Ahn Hyo-seop attends the 2025 MAMA Awards at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Nov. 29, 2025, in this photo provided by CJ ENM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ Actor Kim Hye-soo, the host of the second-day event of the 2025 MAMA Awards, is seen in this photo provided by CJ ENM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
MAMA Awards-second day
MAMA Awards proceeds in subdued mood after Hong Kong fire, recreates scenes from 'Demon Hunters'
By Shim Sun-ah
SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- The second night of the 2025 MAMA Awards was held in a subdued atmosphere in Hong Kong on Saturday as the K-pop industry paid tribute to victims of a deadly fire in the city.
Celebrities and guests dressed in black or muted colors at the ceremony at Kai Tak Stadium to honor those who lost their lives and to show solidarity with Hong Kong residents.
Actor Kim Hye-soo, who hosted the ceremony, opened the evening by saying her "heart grew heavy" after hearing the tragic news. "I sincerely offer condolences to everyone affected by this sudden accident and to those who lost loved ones," she said. "I earnestly hope that some miracles still remain for us."
Presenter Yim Si-wan also extended sympathy for the bereaved, while G-Dragon, one of the winners at evening, pledged to support Hong Kong residents through his art. The singer had earlier donated HK$1 million (US$128,452) to relief efforts.
The ceremony drew global attention with a live-action recreation of scenes from Netflix's hit animated film "KPop Demon Hunters."
Babymonster members Pharita, Ahyeon and Rora took the stage as the in-film trio Huntr/x, performing "What It Sounds Like" and "Golden", following a narrated introduction by actor Ahn Hyo-seop, the voice of lead character Jin-woo.
Ahn delivered a message of hope, saying: "Remember this voice? You gave me my soul back ... May the music guide us into a better tomorrow." However, a planned performance by another in-film idol group, Saja Boys, was canceled amid concerns that its "grim reaper" concept was inappropriate following the city's deadly disaster.
The segment was to feature members of Boynextdoor, Riize, TWS, and Zerobaseone.
Boynextdoor's agency, KOZ Entertainment, confirmed the cancellation in a social media statement, citing "the scaled-down operation" of the ceremony.
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