The 2025 MAMA Awards, scheduled for November 28 and 29 in Hong Kong, will proceed with major modifications following a devastating fire in the city’s Tai Po district. The event will remove celebratory elements, cancel its red carpet, and feature a subdued atmosphere to honor the victims. Prominent presenters Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-fat have decided not to attend the ceremony.
A City in Mourning
A major fire broke out on the afternoon of November 26 at the Wang Fuk Court, a 32-story residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. The fire spread rapidly across eight residential buildings that were under renovation and covered in scaffolding. The tragic event has resulted in at least 44 confirmed deaths, with hundreds more people reported missing and dozens hospitalized, including several in critical condition. The disaster has prompted the Hong Kong government to raise its emergency alert to the highest level.
The awards ceremony is set to take place at the Kai Tak Sports Park, located approximately 20 kilometers from the site of the fire. With the city in a state of collective grief, the atmosphere posed a significant challenge for holding a large-scale music event. The production team and participating entertainment agencies entered urgent discussions to determine the fate of the show, considering the somber public mood.
Event Proceeds with Major Changes
After emergency meetings, the organizers, CJ ENM, confirmed the event would go on but with significant adjustments to show respect for the tragedy. In an official statement, the 2025 MAMA Awards said:
“We express our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the fire accident in Hong Kong. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to all those, including the bereaved families, who are experiencing hardship through great loss and anxiety.”
The statement outlined that the ceremony would be fundamentally altered. The usual dazzling productions and celebratory tone will be replaced by a more solemn and respectful event. The red carpet event has been canceled, and the live broadcast will incorporate a dedicated mourning period.
Key production changes include a drastic revision of the script to include condolence messages for the fire victims and the removal of any stage elements, performances, or special effects related to fire. Organizers have been working to rework the entire ceremony to focus on themes of healing and unity.
High-Profile Absences and Artist Schedules
The tragic event has also impacted the lineup of special guests. Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh and renowned Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat, who were scheduled to be presenters at the awards, are now expected to be absent. As prominent figures in the community, their decision to step back is seen as a gesture of respect, allowing public attention to remain on the victims and relief efforts.
Despite the uncertainties, numerous K-pop acts have already traveled to Hong Kong. Artists including Stray Kids, G-Dragon, Tomorrow X Together, IVE, and Enhypen had either arrived or were en route before the final decision was made. With the event just hours away, a full postponement or cancellation was considered logistically challenging, as rescheduling would conflict with the packed schedules of the 27 performing teams.
The MAMA Awards secretariat notified performers that they were “swiftly discussing appropriate response measures” and would share updates on performances and scripts after a thorough review of the situation.
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Ripple Effects Across Hong Kong
The impact of the fire extends far beyond the MAMA Awards, affecting the broader cultural and sporting landscape of Hong Kong. The premiere of Disney’s “Zootopia 2” at Hong Kong Disneyland was canceled. International NGO Oxfam postponed its 2025 Oxfam Trailwalker event, and the status of a major international cycling race, the Cyclothon, is also uncertain as organizers discuss a potential delay.
Local celebrities have rallied to support the affected community. Singer Elanne Kong and her husband kept their restaurant open overnight to provide free food and drinks to victims. Asia Television (ATV) opened its Tai Po offices as temporary shelters for displaced residents. Other stars have postponed their own engagements in solidarity with those impacted by the blaze.
The MAMA Awards organizers have pledged that the 2025 ceremony will be a responsible event, using music to bring comfort and courage during a difficult time for Hong Kong.
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Credits: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com, mk.co.kr
