The K-pop group ENHYPEN made a significant achievement at the 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong, winning their first-ever Grand Prize, the Fans’ Choice of the Year Daesang. The emotional victory for their fifth anniversary, however, was followed by online discussion after leader Jungwon’s specific thanks to HYBE’s founder, Bang Si-hyuk, sparked mixed reactions from netizens.
A Historic Victory and an Emotional Speech
ENHYPEN secured a major career milestone at the 2025 MAMA Awards, held at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium, by winning the Visa Fansโ Choice Award. This Daesang, or Grand Prize, made them the only fourth-generation boy group to ever win a top prize at the ceremony.
The members were visibly emotional upon receiving the award. Leader Jungwon tearfully expressed his gratitude to their fans, ENGENE, stating it was the first time since their debut that he had wanted something so deeply. During his speech, he extended his thanks to HYBE founder Bang Si-hyuk and Belift Lab CEO Kim Tae-ho.
“Producer Bang Si Hyuk, Kim Tae Ho, thank you for treating us not as products or business assets, but for respecting us as individual human beings, and for always guiding us toward becoming good people,” Jungwon said from the stage.
Other members also shared their feelings. Sunghoon described the award as a perfect fifth-anniversary gift from their fans, while Jay emphasized that the achievement was not an end but a beginning for the group.
Online Reactions and Controversy
Jungwon’s remark, while heartfelt, quickly became a talking point online. Some netizens questioned the sincerity and origin of the statement, suggesting it might be part of a corporate strategy.
Comments from online communities included, “Who made him say that?” and “I see, so that’s the kind of image that Bang Si Hyuk wants to fabricate for himself.” Many critics connected the statement to the recent controversy surrounding HYBE’s internal “Weekly Music Industry Reports,” which were said to have analyzed other K-pop idols as market products.
One netizen remarked, “I mean I guess he is right, based on the weekly reports, only HYBE idols are people and all other K-pop idols are ugly, worthless ‘things’.” Another comment read, “It’s so obvious HYBE is trying to use everything that’s happened recently to dramatically change its image as a ‘humanitarian’ company.”
The context of Bang Si-hyuk currently facing a police investigation for alleged stock trading manipulation also contributed to the public’s skepticism.
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A Night of Major Wins
Despite the debate, the award marked a high point for ENHYPEN at the two-day ceremony. The group won a total of three awards, including Fans’ Choice Male Top 10 and the TELASA Favorite Global Artist award, cementing their strong global popularity.
The 2025 MAMA Awards proceeded with a subdued atmosphere in light of a recent tragic fire in Hong Kong. Several artists, including aespa, expressed condolences during their speeches, and the event aimed to prioritize messages of comfort and hope.
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