The first day of the 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong has drawn a wave of criticism from viewers, who described the broadcast as predictable and lacking the dynamic energy of past years. The ceremony, which proceeded despite a recent local tragedy, was notably missing performances from popular third-generation K-pop groups, leading many fans to call it the “most boring mama ever.”
A Subdued Ceremony and Fan Disappointment
The 2025 MAMA Awards began on November 28 at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. The event started on a somber note, with organizers canceling the red carpet and adjusting the schedule out of respect for the victims of a major residential apartment fire in the Tai Po district. The ceremony aimed to adopt a more respectful tone, with a “Support Hong Kong” message and plans for donations to support relief efforts.
However, viewers quickly took to social media to express their disappointment with the show’s content. A common complaint was that the winners felt easy to predict. Fans observed that most artists were absent from their seats except when it was their turn to accept an award. This seating arrangement made the likely winners clear and resulted in a lack of spontaneous live reaction moments, which are often a highlight for audiences.
One viewer posted on social media, “This mama is most boring mama ever,” a sentiment that was repeated by many others who criticized the predictable format.
The Missing Third-Generation Performances
A significant point of frustration for long-time K-pop fans was the absence of third-generation K-pop acts on the performance lineup. For many, these older groups define the energetic and memorable stages of past MAMA events. Viewers compared the 2025 show to earlier ceremonies and found the current lineup less dynamic.
The only second-generation group to perform was Super Junior, who delivered a setlist including Express Mode, Mr. Simple, and their classic hit Sorry, Sorry.
The rest of the performances for the day came from a lineup of newer and rising acts. TREASURE performed 2025 Free (Rap), Paradise (Remix), and a band version of I Want Your Love. (G)I-DLE took the stage with Intro and Good Thing, while IVE performed Intro, Exoz, and Rebel Heart. ENHYPEN wrapped their segment with Intro, No Doubt, a bridge performance, and Bad Desire. Other collaborative stages featured artists like BABYMONSTER, NCT WISH, TWS, and MEOVV.
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Organizers’ Global Vision for the Awards
Prior to the event, the awards show organizers had addressed broader criticism about holding the ceremony overseas. They explained that the MAMA Awards has always aimed to connect with K-pop fans around the world and lead the way in global expansion.
“The ceremony will be broadcast live not only offline but also through various channels and platforms across different regions, as we pursue an award show that brings together fans globally,” said Park Chan-wook, Head of the CJ ENM Convention Business Division.
He emphasized that when the event is held abroad, local K-pop fandoms naturally attend, and the goal is to create an exciting stage that communicates with regions with active fanbases. This year’s venue, the Kai Tak Stadium, is a major Hong Kong landmark that can accommodate around 50,000 people.
Despite this global vision, the execution on day one left many viewers at home feeling disconnected from the excitement they associate with one of K-pop’s biggest award shows. With the second chapter of the awards still to come, all eyes will be on whether the show can recapture the engaging spirit that fans remember.
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Credits: starnewskorea.com, koreajoongangdaily.com
