2025 MAMA Awards: G-Dragon wins Artist of the Year; acknowledges the fire tragedy and says, 'This year's activities feel different'

G-Dragon wins Artist of the Year

G-Dragon was crowned Artist of the Year at the 2025 MAMA Awards on Saturday. He delivered an emotional acceptance speech during a ceremony profoundly shaped by the grief surrounding a deadly high-rise apartment fire in Hong Kong earlier in the week. The event, held at Kai Tak Stadium, was notably subdued as the K-pop community united in mourning for the more than 100 victims.

The BIGBANG leader, who received the award from Hong Kong–born Chinese actor Chow Yun-Fat, thanked fans for their unwavering support. Reflecting on his artistic journey, he said, "Thank you. I made my comeback through MAMA last year, and this year's activities feel different from any other year. I'm so grateful to VIPs and all the fans. I love you all. Next year marks our group's 20th anniversary, and I'll come hang out and party with my friends so I won't be lonely. See you next year."

This year's awards spanned two nights, Friday and Saturday, but the celebratory atmosphere was intentionally toned down. Attendees wore black or muted colours, and organisers scaled back several performances. The industry also acknowledged G-Dragon’s earlier contribution of HK$1 million (approximately $128,452) toward relief efforts. The artist pledged ongoing support for healing "through art."

The ceremony saw several significant wins across categories. Rosé** took home Song of the Year for APT., while Stray Kids earned Album of the Year for Karma. ENHYPEN won Fans' Choice of the Year, and rising groups CORTIS and Hearts2Hearts were honoured as Best New Artists.

Saturday's event opened with actor Kim Hye-soo, who delivered a moving message of condolence. Presenters such as Yim Si-wan echoed her sentiments, expressing hopes for healing and resilience in Hong Kong.

Also Read: K-Pop star G-Dragon breaks silence on 2023 drug allegations, recalls considering quitting music: "Even though I was a victim..."

One of the ceremony’s standout moments came from the live-action adaptation segment of Netflix’s hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters. BABYMONSTER’s Pharita, Ahyeon, and Rora transformed into the in-film trio Huntr/x, delivering high-energy performances of What It Sounds Like and Golden. Actor Ahn Hyo-seop, the voice behind lead character Jin-woo, narrated the introduction and offered a message of hope, "Remember this voice? You gave me my soul back ... May the music guide us into a better tomorrow."

However, a planned performance by in-film idol group Saja Boys was cancelled. Organisers decided the concept—centered around a "grim reaper" theme—was inappropriate in light of the recent tragedy. The segment was originally set to feature idols from BOYNEXTDOOR, RIIZE, TWS, and ZEROBASEONE.