On the evening of November 28, the first night of the 2025 MAMA music awards ceremony of Korea took place in Hong Kong (China).
The event was held in the context of a serious apartment fire that occurred two days earlier in Hong Kong (China), killing at least 128 people and leaving hundreds missing.
Therefore, the MAMA organizing committee held an urgent meeting to change many contents of the event. In addition to the cancellation of the red carpet, some performances by artists and groups have also been adjusted to better suit the solemn atmosphere, in order to commemorate the victims of the fire.
Effects that may be reminiscent of a fire such as fireworks and images of the fire on the LED screen are all removed.
Among the performances, the stage of the girl group MEOVV especially attracted attention with clear changes in lyrics. Because the time was too rushed, it was impossible to completely replace the new performance, so the group changed the song " burning up" to "Turn it up".
The group also changed many important lyrics related to fire, such as changing MEOVV heating up to MEOVV say what; got me burning up to got me, turn it up; and so hot feel the rush to ayy, feel the rush. In addition, many dance moves have also been adjusted to suit.
Having to change so many details in less than 2 days of preparation, along with singing live when the lyrics have been significantly edited, helped MEOVV receive many compliments for the performance.
Korean media assessed MEOVV's actions as a subtle, touching example of how artists can express empathy and understanding on global stages.
Their performance not only conquered the audience musically, but also conveyed a profound message of respect, proving that even small changes can have great meaning.
MEOVV's management company - The Black Label - has also made a significant donation to emergency relief efforts in Hong Kong (China). The Black Label, founded by producer Teddy, has raised 500,000 HKD (about $64,241) to support victims of the fire.
This year, MEOVV was nominated in a number of MAMA categories such as Song of the Year, Best Group Voice Performance (for the song "Drop top").
Daesang (grand prize) Song of the Year went to Rose (Blackpink) with the hit "APT." featuring Bruno Mars.
The second awards ceremony of MAMA 2025 will continue on the evening of November 29 in Hong Kong (China).
