The 2025 MAMA Awards will be held on November 28-29 at Kai Stadium in Hong Kong, marking a significant upgrade in production and emphasizing its importance in Asian pop culture.

The event features a diverse array of categories, including major awards like Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year, with nominations spanning both established and emerging K-pop artists.

Fan voting, which accounts for only 10%, is open until October 26 via the Mnet Plus app and website, with a second round starting October 30, engaging global fans in the process.

Supported by Hong Kong’s Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund and sponsored by Visa, the event aims to celebrate Korean music and culture, highlighting its cultural significance.

The awards’ theme, revealed on October 2, is 'Uh-heung,' symbolizing fun and excitement, with a tiger motif reflecting strength and Korean cultural energy.

The event will be broadcast live across multiple platforms including Mnet, TVING, and YouTube, making it accessible to international audiences and showcasing K-pop's global influence.

Tickets go on presale on October 17, with general sales beginning October 20, and the event will set a record with a 50,000-capacity at Kai Tak Stadium, the largest in MAMA history.

Performers announced include top-tier acts like Stray Kids, IVE, ENHYPEN, Super Junior, and rookie groups, with performances and collaborations scheduled over two themed nights.

The judging system has been revised, increasing judges’ influence from 20% to 40%, which has sparked debate over transparency and fairness amid fierce competition among both veteran and rookie artists.

The event highlights the ongoing influence of both solo projects and group performances, emphasizing new talent and established stars, and reflecting a year of significant achievements in K-pop.

Since its inception in 1999, the MAMA Awards has evolved from Korea’s first music video ceremony to a global event, hosting ceremonies across Asia and North America to promote K-pop worldwide.

The awards celebrate Korean culture and music, with the 'Uh-heung' theme and tiger logo symbolizing Korea’s strength and spirit, aiming to enhance its status as a global K-pop festival.