One of this year’s most ambitious collaborations: MAMA is teaming up with animated film K‑Pop Demon Hunters.
If you’re into K-pop, you already know the 2025 MAMA Awards is the year-end show to watch. Formerly known as the Mnet Asian Music Awards, it’s where idols, rookies and legends share one stage.
Since its first edition in 1999, MAMA has evolved from a domestic TV event into one of Asia’s largest entertainment events, known for show-stopping idol performances, cross-label collaborations and viral moments in KPop.
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This year, MAMA 2025 returns to Hong Kong for the first time in seven years, occupying the brand-new Kai Tak Stadium on November 28 and 29. The theme is officially “UH-HEUNG” a blend of heung (흥) the Korean word capturing joy and excitement and the “uh!” you shout when something’s just too good.
“‘Heung’ represents the joy that rises when we sing and dance freely,” said Mnet producer Lee Young-joo. “It’s a confident cry to live as your authentic self, transcending regions, races, and cultures. This year’s show will amplify that energy more than ever.”
The K-Pop Demon Hunters stage
One of this year’s most ambitious collaborations: MAMA is teaming up with the animated film KPop Demon Hunters. produced by Sony Pictures Animation and Studio Mir. There will also be selected K-pop artists who will perform songs by HUNTR/X and Saja Boys.
A two-day lineup packed with collabs
The ceremony is divided into two chapters, each with its own theme and exclusive performances.
Chapter 1 (Nov 28)
- The dance crew BUMSUP (from Street Woman Fighter) joins BOYNEXTDOOR, CORTIS and TREASURE in a modern reimagining of the traditional Korean folk song Kwaejina Ching Ching, mixing tradition and street choreography.
- Actor Park Bo‑gum returns to host and makes a special appearance.
- Additional confirmed performers: ALPHA DRIVE ONE (debut group from “Boys II Planet”), BABYMONSTER, BOYNEXTDOOR, ENHYPEN, IVE, MEOVV, NCT WISH, Super Junior, TWS.
Chapter 2 (Nov 29)
- Actress Kim Hye‑soo and Stray Kids’ Felix will perform
- ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Han-bin will team up with Japanese dancer Kyoka for a contemporary duet.
- Performers include aespa, G-Dragon, i-dle, RIIZE, JO1, Tomorrow X Together and more.
- Super Junior will mark their 20th debut anniversary with a “Legend Stage.”
The votes are in
Fan voting opened on October 16 via the Mnet Plus app; the first round ran until October 26, followed by a second round which closed on November 11 (KST). Categories include Fans’ Choice Male/Female and the global VISA Fans’ Choice of the Year, alongside judge-and data-driven awards like Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. The winners will be revealed live during the broadcast.
Global broadcast
The 2025 MAMA will stream live from Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on November 28–29 via Mnet, TVING and global platforms including YouTube (Mnet K-POP, Mnet TV, M2) reaching more than 250 regions worldwide
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