HONG KONG – The prestigious MAMA Awards ceremony, celebrating the best in Asian music, commenced its multi-day event Thursday night at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium. The first evening culminated in a major win for international collaboration, with a chart-topping track featuring Blackpink’s Rosé and American artist Bruno Mars securing the coveted Song of the Year award.
The winning song, “APT.,” a collaboration that blended K-pop star power with Western instrumentation, was presented as the final major honor of the night. Actor Ju Ji-hoon, known for the medical drama Severe Trauma Center, took the stage to present the two final accolades, lending gravitas to the ceremony’s finale.
While Rosé was not present to accept the award in person, she provided a video message expressing her gratitude for the recognition. “APT.” triumphed over several strong contenders in the fiercely contested category. These included a nomination for fellow Blackpink member Jennie’s track “like Jennie,” aespa’s “Whiplash,” G-Dragon’s “Too Bad,” and the virtual act HUNTR/X from Kpop Hunter Squad with their song “Golden.”
ENHYPEN Secures Fan Choice Award Amid Emotional Acceptance
In a testament to dedicated global fandom, the K-pop sensation ENHYPEN claimed the Worldwide Fans’ Choice Award. The group’s members displayed visible emotion as they took the stage to acknowledge the significant honor.
During their acceptance speech, the seven-member boy band reflected on their rapid ascent within the industry. They emphasized their profound appreciation for the continuous support received from their dedicated fanbase, collectively known as ENGENE.
“In just five years since our debut, we have received an incredible amount of love from our fans,” one member stated, thanking ENGENE for their unwavering encouragement and backing. The award highlights the growing influence of global fan engagement in shaping the trajectory and recognition of K-pop acts.
Launching the K-Pop Calendar in Hong Kong
This year’s MAMA Awards selection of the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium marks a significant return to Hong Kong for the annual event, underscoring the city’s role as a key international hub for East Asian entertainment. The early ceremony focused heavily on global impact and fan engagement, setting an energetic tone for the remaining days of awards presentations and performances.
The victory for “APT.” signals the increasing trend of cross-cultural musical partnerships achieving critical and commercial success on the global stage. Industry analysts expect these collaborations to become even more prevalent as K-pop continues its expansion into mainstream Western markets, blurring traditional geographical and genre boundaries within the music industry. The subsequent awards nights are anticipated to celebrate further achievements across performance, artistic style, and technical production.