The 2025 MAMA Awards will go ahead in Hong Kong this 28–29 November, even as the city continues to reel from the massive Tai Po residential fire that has become Hong Kong’s worst blaze in decades.
The show — set for the brand-new Kai Tak Stadium — will adopt a scaled-down and solemn format, with organisers confirming the cancellation of its red carpet ceremony and significant changes across staging, programming, and tone.
A city in mourning
The fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po broke out on 26 November, claiming dozens of lives and injuring many more, with emergency crews continuing rescue operations across several days. The tragedy has triggered city-wide grief, cancellations of local events, and an ongoing atmosphere of mourning among Hong Kong residents.
[#2025MAMA] VIEWING GUIDE NOTICE
— MAMA AWARDS (@MnetMAMA) November 27, 2025
We will cancel RED CAPRET of 2025 MAMA AWARDS, and the main awards ceremony will be broadcast live as planned.
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‘2025 MAMA AWARDS’ 레드 카펫은 취소되었습니다.
본 시상식은 변동 없이 예정대로 생중계로 진행될 예정입니다.
==… pic.twitter.com/DmmjRl4nni
MAMA responds with “restrained production”
Organiser CJ ENM announced that while the awards will proceed, the show will shift toward a healing-focused programme.
Key changes include:
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No red carpet on 28 Nov
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“Downsized” production across both nights
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Removal of pyrotechnics and flame-like effects
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A planned moment of remembrance during the show
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Inclusion of a "Support Hong Kong" message
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A commitment to make donations to assist affected families
In a statement, organisers expressed “deepest condolences” to victims and their families, adding that the awards aim to offer “comfort and hope” during a difficult moment for the city.
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Line-up changes
Local boyband MIRROR will not appear at the awards, and previously announced presenters Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-fat have also withdrawn from participation following the tragedy.
Public debate
While some fans and Hong Kong residents have criticised the decision to continue — calling it insensitive so soon after a major national tragedy — others argue that a last-minute cancellation of a large-scale global event would be logistically impossible and financially devastating for fans, artists, and organisers.
The city’s push to host major cultural events has also been under scrutiny as multiple local programmes have been cancelled or paused in contrast to MAMA’s decision to proceed.
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