The 2025 MAMA Awards have revealed the initial list of K-pop artists scheduled to perform in Hong Kong. Global K-pop groups Stray Kids, BabyMonster, IVE, and Enhypen are among the headliners for the event. The prestigious awards ceremony will take place on November 28 and 29 at the new Kai Tak Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- Stray Kids, BabyMonster, IVE, and Enhypen lead the first performer lineup.
- The MAMA Awards will be held in Hong Kong on November 28 and 29, 2025.
- Kai Tak Stadium will host the event for the first time.
- Survival show group Alpha Drive One will perform before their 2026 debut.
- General ticket sales began on October 17.
K-pop Stars Gather in Hong Kong
The MAMA Awards, a major event in the K-pop calendar, returns to Hong Kong for the first time since 2018. This year marks its debut at the newly constructed Kai Tak Stadium. Organizers, CJ ENM, define the event's core concept as "heung," which represents a distinctly Korean spirit of fun and excitement. This spirit has gained global attention and captivated audiences worldwide.
The two-day event will feature performances from a total of 17 K-pop groups across both nights. The initial announcement includes a mix of established acts and emerging talents, promising a diverse and energetic show for attendees. Fans globally anticipate the event as a celebration of K-pop's influence.
Event Background
The MAMA Awards, formerly known as the Mnet Asian Music Awards, is an annual South Korean music awards ceremony presented by CJ ENM. It recognizes outstanding achievements in the K-pop industry. The event has been held in various Asian countries, including South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam, before its return to Hong Kong.
Chapter 1: November 28 Lineup
The first day of the MAMA Awards, designated as Chapter 1, will showcase a strong lineup of K-pop artists. Performances on November 28 include IVE, Enhypen, BabyMonster, BoyNextDoor, Super Junior, Meovv, TWS, Hearts2Hearts, Alpha Drive One, and BumsUp. These groups represent a wide range of K-pop styles and fan bases.
One notable inclusion for Chapter 1 is Alpha Drive One. This newly formed group emerged from the survival show Boys Planet II at the end of September. Their performance at the MAMA Awards will precede their official debut, which is highly anticipated in 2026. This offers fans an early glimpse of their talent.
"The MAMA Awards consistently bring together the best of K-pop, and this year's initial lineup is no exception. We are excited to showcase both established groups and rising stars like Alpha Drive One," stated a representative from CJ ENM.
Alpha Drive One's Pre-Debut Stage
Alpha Drive One's appearance is a significant moment for the group and its fans. Formed through a rigorous competition, the members have already garnered considerable attention. Their performance at such a high-profile event before their official launch highlights the growing trend of survival show groups making an impact early in their careers. It also provides a unique opportunity for them to reach a global audience.
Quick Fact: Kai Tak Stadium
The Kai Tak Sports Park, where the stadium is located, is a major new development in Hong Kong. It features a 50,000-seat main stadium, an indoor arena, and a public sports ground. This multi-purpose venue is designed to host a variety of international events, from sports to large-scale concerts and awards ceremonies.
Chapter 2: November 29 Lineup
Chapter 2 of the awards ceremony, scheduled for November 29, promises another set of exciting performances. The lineup for the second night includes Allday Projects, Cortis, izna, KickFlip, RIIZE, Stray Kids, and ZEROBASEONE. This selection features a mix of popular groups and newer acts, ensuring a dynamic closing to the event.
Stray Kids, known for their powerful performances and global fanbase, are a major draw for the second night. Their inclusion underscores the awards' commitment to featuring top-tier K-pop talent. RIIZE and ZEROBASEONE, relatively newer groups, have also quickly gained popularity and are expected to deliver memorable stages.
The Return to Hong Kong
The 2025 MAMA Awards marks a significant return to Hong Kong for the event, which was last held there in 2018. This year, the ceremony is presented by title sponsor Visa. The decision to host at Kai Tak Stadium for the first time reflects the growing demand for large-scale international events in the region and the stadium's modern capabilities.
General ticket sales for both days commenced on October 17. Fans wishing to attend were advised to purchase tickets promptly due to high demand. Additional performers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, building further anticipation for the two-day music festival.
- The MAMA Awards began in 1999 as the Mnet Music Video Festival.
- It rebranded to Mnet Asian Music Awards in 2009.
- The awards aim to connect global fans through K-pop.
According to event organizers, the MAMA Awards continue to evolve, incorporating new technologies and performance concepts to enhance the fan experience. The move to a state-of-the-art venue like Kai Tak Stadium is part of this ongoing effort to deliver world-class entertainment.
Looking Ahead: More Announcements Expected
Fans should stay tuned for further updates regarding the 2025 MAMA Awards. More performers and special segments are likely to be revealed in the near future. These additional announcements will complete the full roster of artists and highlights for the highly anticipated event. The awards aim to celebrate the diverse and vibrant landscape of K-pop.
The global reach of K-pop continues to expand, with events like the MAMA Awards serving as crucial platforms for artists to connect with their international fanbase. The choice of Hong Kong and the new Kai Tak Stadium emphasizes the event's commitment to grand scale and accessibility for audiences across Asia and beyond.