Rose (Blackpink) won a major award at MAMA 2025 despite not attending

Because the event took place right after a serious apartment fire in Hong Kong (China) that killed at least 128 people and left hundreds missing, the MAMA organizers had to adjust the plan and content of the ceremony.

The opening ceremony read: "We would like to express our deepest condolences to the victims who died in the fire in Hong Kong (China)". The MAMA Organizing Committee and CJ Group of Korea have donated 20 million HKD to support fire victims.

The red carpet of the event was also canceled, the artists gave the victims a minute of silence and some performances were changed to better suit the solemn atmosphere.

MC Park Bo Gum appeared in a black outfit and black ice cream. All award-giving and award-receiving artists chose simple, quiet outfits to express their sadness.

Although the scale of the awards ceremony has been significantly limited, the list of winners is still the main content that Kpop fans are looking forward to.

Half of the total nominations were given on the first night. Notably, the 2 Daesang (grand prize) awards went to boy group ENHYPEN and female singer Rose (Blackpink).

ENHYPEN won the Daesang Fan Choice of the Year, Rose won the Daesang Song of the Year with the hit APT. featuring Bruno Mars.

When receiving the grand prize, ENHYPEN members emotionally said: We have never expected such a thing in life. Thank you ENGene ( fandom name). This feeling is difficult to express in words. We will strive to make ENGene always proud".

The group also sent their thanks to HYBE President Bang Si Hyuk: producer Bang never sees us as a product or just a part of business, but always respects each member as a person. Thank you for always leading us on the right path to become good people".

Rose has overcome many strong competitors including Jennie, aespa, G-Dragon and Huntri/x. The results are considered worthy, because the explosion of the song "APT." on a global scale in the past year.

Although she could not attend the awards ceremony, Rose sent her thanks through a pre-recorded video. She expressed: "I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the fans who have given me so much love over the past year. Thank you to all the staff and composers for their efforts to make the song available.

Rose also sent a message to Bruno Mars, who collaborated with her on the song: Bruno, we have won a big award. I am really happy to receive this award. Thank you very much, and I think we have created beautiful memories at the MAMA Awards.

In addition, the Best New Artist award went to the CORTIS group of Big Hit Music and Hearts2Hearts of SM Entertainment.

CORTIS emotionally shared: We have only been launched for 100 days but have received the award, we are truly grateful. This is an award that can only be received once in a lifetime, so it is extremely meaningful.

IVE, although not winning Daesang, is the group that won the most awards at the first ceremony of MAMA 2025. The group won in 3 categories: Favorite girl group, Outstanding Global Female Performer and Global song (for Rebel Heart).

The second awards ceremony of MAMA 2025 will continue on the evening of November 29 in Hong Kong (China).