The 2025 MAMA Awards ceremony in Hong Kong delivered global K-pop splendor but unfolded against a backdrop of deep local tragedy and immediate geopolitical controversy. Staged on December 1, 2025, the prestigious South Korean awards show, organized by CJ ENM, returned to the city after a seven-year hiatus. While intended as a celebration of K-pop excellence and a boost for Hong Kong tourism, the event was heavily impacted by a catastrophic residential fire just days prior, compounded by an immediate online backlash over an audience survey that erroneously listed Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate “nationalities.”
Adapting to Calamity
The decision to proceed with the major international event was fraught following the devastating five-alarm Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, which claimed at least 128 lives in the days preceding the show. Critics questioned the timing, prompting organizers to significantly modify the planned festivities.
In a theme of “Support Hong Kong,” organizers demonstrated sensitivity by scrapping the red carpet, curtailing certain performances, and issuing a public statement of sorrow. They committed to making financial contributions to affected families. The show officially opened at Kai Tak Stadium with a solemn minute of silence. Main host Park Bo-gum, dressed in black, led the tribute, setting a somber yet respectful tone for the evening.
The attendance of celebrated local actor Chow Yun-fat introduced a powerful human element. Despite earlier media speculation that he and other major figures might withdraw, Chow appeared, using his platform before presenting an award to lead a poignant tribute. Addressing the audience in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, he requested everyone rise slowly to “send your heartfelt blessings to the residents of Tai Po.” The audience immediately complied with a silent, standing ovation. Chow’s presence provided both prestige and a much-needed gesture of local solidarity, particularly as he presented an award to superstar G-Dragon, who had also contributed to relief efforts.
Geopolitical Survey Sparks Immediate Apology
While the show navigated the local disaster with decorum and respect, a separate, self-inflicted controversy erupted online concerning a digital audience questionnaire. The survey, intended for data gathering, listed Hong Kong and Taiwan as distinct “nationalities,” violating widely accepted political sensitivities and sparking swift indignation among mainland Chinese netizens.
The backlash on platforms like Weibo was immediate and intense. Critics noted the error came just as organizers were being lauded for their planned donations and efforts following the fire.
Organizers were quick to issue a dual apology. CJ ENM’s MnetMAMA account released a statement on Saturday, explaining that the external agency responsible for the survey had bypassed the event’s internal pre-approval process and that the questionnaire had been immediately withdrawn. The statement expressed “deep regret” and a “serious apology” for the failure in oversight. Separately, the Korea Tourism Organization’s Hong Kong office also apologized on Instagram, acknowledging the “incorrect regional labels” and explicitly affirming respect for the One China principle.
The 2025 MAMA Awards ultimately highlighted the complex operational challenges of hosting large-scale international events, where even minor administrative oversights can quickly trigger significant political and public relations crises. Organizers stated they would strengthen internal review protocols to prevent similar geographical labeling issues in the future. Despite the production difficulties and the controversy, the ceremony successfully brought global attention to Hong Kong, albeit centered on themes far beyond K-pop alone.