2025 MAMA Awards: Technical glitches disrupt Day 1; frustrated fans say, '10 years of complaints, nothing has changed'

While artists delivered high-energy stages on November 28, several performances suffered from recurring audio problems.

The 2025 MAMA Awards entered its first day under an already subdued atmosphere due to the tragic Hong Kong fires that forced organisers to scale down the ceremony. But beyond the planned changes, the event was hit by a series of unexpected technical issues that caused noticeable disruptions for performers and sparked frustration among viewers.

While artists delivered high-energy stages on November 28, several performances suffered from recurring audio problems. Social media was soon flooded with clips and complaints from fans who pointed out the inconsistencies in sound quality, microphone connectivity, and volume levels across multiple acts.

bruh, what the heck is wrong with MAMA’s mic audio? thank goodness BABYMONSTER saves it bcs of their pretty live vocals. pic.twitter.com/6ZXdHVafLz

— 𝐞𝐫𝐢 (@hyeonphile) November 28, 2025

bruh, what the heck is wrong with MAMA’s mic audio? thank goodness BABYMONSTER saves it bcs of their pretty live vocals. pic.twitter.com/6ZXdHVafLz — 𝐞𝐫𝐢 (@hyeonphile) November 28, 2025

BABYMONSTER was among the most prominently affected groups. Fans highlighted that member Ahyeon appeared to be “fighting” with her microphone throughout parts of the performance, distracting from what would have been a standout moment for the rookie girl group. Many questioned why an event of MAMA’s scale could not prevent such avoidable issues.

[#2025MAMA] INSPIRING ACHIEVEMENT🏆 SUPER JUNIOR

Presenting the winner of the 2025 MAMA AWARDS. 2025 MAMA AWARDS의 수상자를 소개합니다. HEAR MY ROAR, UH-HEUNG 2025 MAMA AWARDS#MAMAAWARDS#2025MAMAAWARDSpic.twitter.com/JDVH2WGJYm — MAMA AWARDS (@MnetMAMA) November 28, 2025

It is so upsetting how the audio is a mess especially this is the first time after so many years SJ attending Mama but what makes me proud are the clear vocals how KRY took it as a challenge and really sang their heart especially yesung basically saying F*** U we are singing! https://t.co/smML2Xqb3J — Kai (@JustKayeG1) November 28, 2025

Super Junior’s stage also drew concern from longtime fans, who expressed disappointment after seeing how the mic glitches interfered with the veteran group’s performance. Given the group’s decades-long contribution to the K-pop industry, viewers felt they deserved better production support and more reliable technical execution.

However, audio problems weren’t the only setback. Fans also voiced dissatisfaction with the event’s camera work, claiming that the live broadcast missed several key choreography points, facial expressions, and highlight moments that are essential to the MAMA viewing experience. For many, the missed cues disrupted the flow of the performances and diminished the impact artists intended to create.

mama messed up with the audio from sj mics. some of them were really loud and doing echo, and others were not loud enough and we couldn't hear his voices, unfortunately having an award show that is used to idols doing playback happens things like this, ugh.

— andrew (@ariesiwon) November 28, 2025

After over 10 years of complains about camerawork at mama nothing has changed. A way to keep one's tradition... — Eva ⚝˚₊·—̳͟͞͞♡.𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧 (@evahane) November 28, 2025

idk what’s going on with MAMA’s mics and audio but it ain’t it… and the camera work?? like during the most crucial moments they zoomin in on absolutely NOTHING 😭😭😭

why thoo — 규현이 최고💫 (@tteokpoKyu) November 28, 2025

MAMA's camera is trending in sokor because it is so shitty 😭 pic.twitter.com/nKdEQzG0kl — tally🥀 (@mishushiee) November 28, 2025

In an unexpected rescue, fansites who attended the event ended up filling the gaps. Equipped with professional-grade cameras and a steady presence in the audience, they shared high-quality photos and videos capturing moments that did not make it to the official broadcast. Clips from these fansites quickly went viral, becoming the primary way many viewers experienced the standout segments of the show.

Where are all the fancams!?? MAMA camera work continues to suck, so we didn’t even see this Ni-ki happen on camera! 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/8Jwm9Yzc4x

— K (@enhaonly01) November 28, 2025

MAMA ROBBED US SO BAD OF THAT WONXIN PART BC OF BAD CAMERAWORK BUT THANK GOD A WONXIN FANSITE CAUGHT IT IN 4K 😭 pic.twitter.com/tTgOovrW7Y — xua ☆ blonde awon ! (@wonyangiful) November 28, 2025

the way i cant stop watching xinlong formula fancams because the sound quality and the focus is so much better than MAMA actual camerawork 😭

i cant wait for the mv & studio ver pic.twitter.com/ziHCMllRJ2 — 🍀 (@xinlongnet) November 28, 2025

Despite the setbacks, fans acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding this year’s ceremony. While the technical issues added to viewers’ frustration, many emphasized understanding toward staff and performers who were already navigating a scaled-down production in the wake of the Hong Kong tragedy.

Also read: 2025 MAMA Awards: ENHYPEN, IVE win big on Day One - check out complete winners list

With Day 2 of the MAMA Awards approaching, fans are hoping the organizers resolve the glitches and deliver a smoother, more reliable viewing experience.