HONG KONG – The highly anticipated 2025 MAMA Awards (Mnet Asian Music Awards) commenced its first night of performances at the Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium in Hong Kong on Thursday, yet the atmosphere was markedly altered. Following a high-casualty, level five fire that devastated Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court earlier in the day, organizers drastically modified the gala’s proceedings, opting for a solemn, discreet, and respectful tone out of deference to the victims and community.

Sources close to the organizing committee confirmed that extensive internal discussions led to significant changes in the event’s production flow. Specifically, dramatic pyrotechnics and explosive stage effects, typically a hallmark of the MAMA Awards, were completely cancelled. The decision underscored a commitment to acknowledge the severity of the tragic incident, which resulted in multiple fatalities and serious injuries.

Despite the necessary adjustments, performances continued to honor the planned schedule, albeit with sensitive modifications. One such exemplary change was made by the rookie girl group MEOVV, who demonstrated notable empathy and quick adaptation. The five-member ensemble, originally slated to perform their recently released song “Burning Up,” appeared on stage dressed entirely in black.

In a poignant tribute that resonated strongly with fans, MEOVV subtly reworked their performance. They altered the title and lyrics of their single, transforming “Burning Up” into a special MAMA version titled “Turn It Up.” This revision was lauded by attendees and onlookers as a thoughtful gesture, allowing them to deliver captivating entertainment while reflecting the altered mood of the evening.

The choice to proceed with the event, albeit in a substantially modified manner, highlights the delicate balance international organizations face when operating during periods of local crisis. While the cultural and economic importance of events like the MAMA Awards remains significant, the imperative to show solidarity and respect for the host city’s suffering guided the final execution.

The Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium is the primary venue for this year’s multi-day event, drawing thousands of international visitors and media. The initial night’s broadcast and media coverage focused heavily on the performers’ subdued presentations and the overall gravitas maintained by the organizers.

Industry analysts suggest that such rapid structural and tonal adjustments, particularly in a high-profile, live televised production, require exceptional logistical coordination and clear communication. The successful execution of the solemnized opening night sets a distinct precedent for how major international entertainment ceremonies navigate sensitive local emergencies. Attendees anticipate that the remaining nights of the MAMA Awards will maintain this respectful and refined approach as the community continues to cope with the aftermath of the Tai Po fire.

Respected Hong Kong cinema and television icon, Helena Law Lan, whose career spans over eight decades, appears to have quietly concluded her long-standing relationship with broadcaster Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), fueling speculation about her sudden absence from the official artists roster. The veteran actress, recently lauded for her compelling performance as the mother of Roger Kwok’s character in the acclaimed TVB anniversary drama Golden Forest, reportedly made a discreet exit, signaling the end of her exclusive association with the major television network.

Law Lan, who began her illustrious career in 1939, has been a constant presence in the Cantonese entertainment landscape, initially gaining recognition during the era of black-and-white Cantonese feature films. Over the years, her career transitioned fluidly between television roles and a return to the silver screen during the boom of Hong Kong cinema. It was her transformative portrayal of the psychic “Lung Po” in the 1993 film Troublesome Night that cemented her status as a cultural phenomenon. This chilling yet iconic character became synonymous with the Hong Kong horror genre, earning her the moniker “Queen of Ghosts” by fans and even leading to partnerships as a spokesperson for Halloween-themed events at local amusement parks.

Law Lan’s profound contributions to cinema have been consistently recognized by critics and industry peers. Demonstrating exceptional versatility, the actress has received multiple nominations for Best Supporting Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Her crowning achievement came in 2000, when she secured the Best Actress award at the 19th Hong Kong Film Awards for her powerful role in The Untold Story: Suspicious Detectives. At the time, this landmark victory made her the oldest recipient of the prestigious award. This performance also garnered top honors from the Hong Kong Film Critics Society and the Golden Bauhinia Awards, further solidifying her status as an acting titan.

Beyond her professional accolades, Law Lan has actively dedicated herself to community service. In 2002, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government recognized her consistent contributions by awarding her the Medal of Honor. That same year, TVB itself honored her enduring impact on the local industry by bestowing upon her the coveted Ten Thousand Stars Lifetime Achievement Award during its annual anniversary gala.

Despite her recent unofficial departure from TVB’s active artist list, Law Lan has historically expressed a staunch refusal to retire. The veteran star has often cited medical advice, specifically a cautionary note from her doctor regarding the necessity of continued cognitive engagement to prevent mental decline, as the driving force behind her unwavering commitment to acting. This enduring dedication suggests that while her formal association with the leading broadcast giant may have concluded, the screen legend’s active career may yet continue through future independent projects or alternative platforms.

The potential departure of a figure as influential as Law Lan underscores the ongoing shifts within Hong Kong’s entertainment industry, reminding many of the immense legacy artists carry, irrespective of their formal affiliations with mega-broadcasters. Industry observers are now closely watching to see how the legendary actress will next apply her celebrated talent.