HONG KONG – The 2025 MAMA Awards ceremony commenced Friday at the Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium, adopting a distinctly somber tone as organizers and participating artists offered deep condolences and solidarity with Hong Kong following a devastating recent fire. Before the broadcast, which was streamed in Hong Kong via HBO Max, a black-and-white message displayed on screen stating, “The 2025 MAMA Awards extends its deepest condolences to the victims of the Hong Kong fire.” Throughout the ceremony, the message “Support Hong Kong” appeared beneath the MAMA logo, a direct rally of encouragement to the local community.
The annual celebration of Asian music quickly transformed into a global platform for mourning and support. Many artists and presenters adhered to a muted, monochrome dress code, appearing in black, white, and grey attire, with several also visibly wearing black ribbons as a mark of respect.
During their acceptance speeches, several award winners took time to address the tragedy directly, speaking to the emotional weight of the moment. RIIZE member Anton, whose group received the Fan’s Choice award, delivered his heartfelt thanks in Cantonese. “We understand that many people are going through a heavy time right now,” Anton stated. “We accept this award with a peaceful heart today, and we extend our most sincere care to those who need strength and support.”
The sentiment was echoed by other international artists. Martin, a member of the group CORTIS, conveyed his sympathies in English after the group was honored with the Best New Artist award. Similarly, the popular boy group BOYNEXTDOOR, winners of the Most Popular Boy Group award, offered encouraging words in Mandarin. “We hope the people of Hong Kong successfully overcome this adversity, and that everyone remains safe and peaceful,” a member remarked.
This unified expression of grief highlights the interconnected relationship between the global K-pop industry and its deeply dedicated Asian fanbase. Award shows like MAMA, while primarily focused on entertainment and artistic achievement, frequently serve as cultural touchstones, reflecting and responding to significant events impacting host cities and regions.
The decision by event organizers to proceed with the ceremony while actively integrating messages of mourning and tribute demonstrated a commitment to acknowledging the community’s pain, positioning the awards not just as a spectacle, but as an act of shared, empathetic global citizenship. The broadcast served as a highly visible moment where celebrity and collective grief intersected, using one of Asia’s largest cultural events to provide comfort and encouragement during a period of local tragedy.
As the music industry continues its engagement with the local community, these acts of solidarity from high-profile figures provide a potent form of emotional support, underscoring the unifying power of shared culture across borders during times of crisis. The 2025 MAMA Awards’ modified presentation underscored that even amidst celebration, recognizing humanity and sorrow remains paramount.