MAMA 2025 is officially set to take place on November 28–29 at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, marking a bold return to one of its most iconic host cities.
Known as the “Oscars of K-pop,” the Mnet Asian Music Awards will once again bring together the biggest names in the industry for two nights of unforgettable performances, emotional wins, and global fan celebration.
This year’s show promises massive stages, viral moments, and some of the most anticipated collaborations in K-pop. With nomination predictions already stirring buzz, fans are eager to see which artists will dominate and how to stream the spectacle live across the globe.
In this article, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know: official dates, venue details, expected performers, nomination trends, and how to watch MAMA 2025 live from anywhere.
When and Where Is MAMA 2025 Happening?
MAMA 2025 is officially set to take place on November 28–29 at Hong Kong’s state-of-the-art Kai Tak Stadium, making a bold return to one of its most iconic host cities.
After turning heads in 2024 with a split-location format, Osaka and Los Angeles, MAMA is going all-in this year with a single mega-venue. And not just any venue. Kai Tak Stadium, situated in the newly developed Kai Tak Sports Park, is a state-of-the-art arena with a seating capacity of approximately 50,000.
Translation? We’re talking next-level stage setups, booming acoustics, and jaw-dropping visuals that scream “go big or go home.”
This marks the first MAMA in Hong Kong since 2018, and fans are already buzzing about the return. In the 2010s, Hong Kong played a significant role in shaping MAMA into the international spectacle it is today. Now, it’s making a grand comeback, a new stadium, new energy, and the same legendary vibe.
MAMA has been leveling up every single year. Just last year, it broke ground by holding its first-ever U.S. show, giving global fans a taste of K-pop’s biggest awards night in real time. With each edition, the production value, international reach, and star power continue to grow.
And 2025? It’s looking like the most significant flex yet. So, if you’re planning to watch the show live, stream it online, or just share your bias on stan Twitter, mark your calendar now, MAMA 2025 is coming in hot, and it’s not holding back.
What to Expect At MAMA 2025 (Spoiler: Chaos & Excellence)
Brace yourself, MAMA 2025 is about to deliver a two-night spectacle filled with unforgettable chaos and rock‑solid excellence.
1. Mind‑blowing Performances
Expect stages packed with cinematic visuals and dynamic production, just like last year’s “Theme”, “Cinematic”, and “Mega” stages that fused art, drama, and dance into one electrifying package.
2. Surprise Collaborations
MAMA is notorious for once‑in‑a‑lifetime mashups. Think global stars joining K-pop heavyweights for unexpected duets, 2025 is sure to include more jaw‑dropping pairings on that epic Kai Tak Stadium stage.
3. Global Stages, Cinematic Visuals
With a massive 50,000-seat venue, MAMA will bring its signature ultra-grand production to Hong Kong, featuring multiple stage concepts, panoramic screens, pyrotechnics, and storytelling aesthetics that evoke a movie premiere feel rather than an awards show.
4. Potential Hosts?
While official announcements haven’t dropped yet, CJ ENM has previously leaned on multi‑talented artists/actors as hosts, like Park Bo‑gum, Jeon So‑mi, and Kim Tae‑ri. Expect a familiar face with strong hosting chops and on‑point stage presence.
Get ready for two nights of wild energy, cutting-edge performances, and a surprise mic drop moment when your favorite idols share the stage. And yes, the hosting will be smooth, witty, and stylish, just the way a global‑scale event like MAMA demands.
Expected Line-Up: Who’s Gonna Light Up the Stage?
Get ready for a star-studded line-up packed with K‑Pop’s biggest names, rumored to include BTS, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, NewJeans, IVE, LE SSERAFIM, ZB1, and possible international guests.
1. BTS
Fans are buzzing over a potential full-group comeback, their first since 2022, possibly even a surprise solo or sub-unit stage. Reddit predicts OT7 reunion, sparking tremendous excitement among fans of BTS, one of the top K-pop groups.
2. SEVENTEEN
These powerhouses recently grossed $28.4 million in tours, proving they’re must-haves for any global stage. Expect crowd-rousing performances and synchronized dance prowess.
3. Stray Kids
Riding high off their chart‑topping album Hop, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in late 2024. Known for intense energy and self-produced hits, fans can’t wait.
4. ATEEZ
Also charting high (Golden Hour Pt. 2 topped Billboard), ATEEZ delivers theatrical performances and uncompromising charisma.
5. NewJeans
Fresh off major awards and TikTok virality, they bring youth-driven charm and stages full of fashion and flair.
5. IVE
As It Girl icons with stadium-ready vocals and instantly catchy hits like “Love Dive,” they’re a fan favorite.
6. LE SSERAFIM
The recent album “Hot” hit No. 9 on the Billboard 200, so expect fierce visuals and an empowering stage presence.
7. ZB1 (ZEROBASEONE)
Their debut album, Blue Paradise, debuted at No. 28 on the Billboard 200 in May 2025, quickly becoming one of K-pop’s most promising rookie acts.
8. International Guests?
While not officially announced yet, MAMA’s US and Japan editions have featured big names like ILLIT and RIIZE. Stay tuned – 2025 could bring surprising overseas collabs or Western act appearances.
The MAMA Voting Breakdown (And Why It’s Always a War Zone)
The MAMA voting system is a chaotic mix of fan power, digital scores, and expert opinion. No wonder MAMA season turns into a full-blown battle between fandoms.
How Does MAMA Voting Actually Work?
Voting at MAMA 2025 isn’t just about fans clicking a button, though that’s part of it. The awards are judged using a blended system, which includes:
- Fan votes
- Digital and physical album sales
- Streaming data
- Expert judges’ evaluations
For the big awards like Artist of the Year, scoring usually breaks down like this: 40% digital sales, 30% album sales, and 30% global streaming + judges’ input.
Interestingly, fan votes no longer count toward Daesangs (grand prizes), a change that started in 2021. But don’t worry, fan votes still decide categories like Worldwide Fans’ Choice, and that’s where things get heated.
Do you know how the Parental Advisory label shaped music culture? It turned warnings into symbols of rebellion.
When & Where Can You Vote?
Voting usually kicks off in mid-October and takes place on the Mnet Plus app and the official MAMA website. Fans can vote daily, often across multiple rounds (pre-vote and final vote), depending on the category.
Every vote matters, and K-pop fans treat it like a mission. It’s common to see daily reminders, tutorials on how to vote, and even scheduled voting plans shared across fan communities.
Why Fanbases Go Wild Every Year
Let’s be real: K‑Pop fans do not play during MAMA season.
Once voting opens, social media explodes. Fandoms organize massive campaigns, trending hashtags every day, and use spreadsheets, bots, and entire Discord servers to rally support for their faves.
It’s more than just hype. It’s about proving loyalty, securing bragging rights, and getting your artist the recognition they deserve. That emotional investment? Yeah, it’s personal.
And that’s why, every year, MAMA becomes less of an awards show and more of a digital battleground.
How To Watch MAMA 2025 (From Literally Anywhere)
If you’re craving those MAMA moments, you’re covered. Here’s how to stream the show worldwide with subtitles, time zone tips, and snack strategies for optimal fandom energy.
| Platform | Region | Language/Subtitles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mnet (TV Channel) | South Korea | Korean | Live broadcast on TV (check local listings) |
| TVING | South Korea | Korean | Korean streaming platform (subscription required) |
| YouTube (Mnet K-POP) | Worldwide | Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese | Free with subtitles; official global stream |
| CJ ENM’s Mnet Plus | Select countries | English, Chinese, Japanese, and more | App-based streaming may offer multi-cam views |
| KCON Official Channels | Select regions | English | May offer highlights, red carpet, behind-the-scenes |
Official Streaming Platforms
- Global Online: MAMA 2025 will stream live via YouTube on channels like Mnet K-Pop, Mnet TV, M2, and KCON Official, as well as through the Mnet Plus app.
- Regional Broadcasters:
- South Korea: Mnet, TVING
- Japan: Mnet Japan, Mnet Smart+
- Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, etc.): tvN Asia, MeWATCH, Blast TV
- Hong Kong, Taiwan, Myanmar, Maldives: tvN Asia
- Free FAST Channels: In key markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, Samsung TV Plus (K-Pop channel #1535) will offer complimentary access and live coverage of the ceremony.
Time Zones & Translations
- The show will be held over two nights: November 28 and 29, 2025, local Hong Kong time (UTC+8).
- Red carpet coverage typically begins two hours before the main event.
- Platforms like MeWATCH and Samsung TV Plus are expected to provide English subtitles during the broadcast.
- Time conversions are key: For example, 7:00 PM HKT = 4:00 AM GMT or 11:00 PM ET (previous night). Use a world clock converter so you don’t miss the show.
Tips for Global Fans
- Use a VPN: If streaming is restricted in your country, a VPN connected to Singapore, Korea, or the US may help unlock access.
- Subtitles Access: Stick to platforms that support English subtitles, like MeWATCH, Samsung TV Plus, or official YouTube channels with caption settings enabled.
- Snack Smart: Since this may air in the middle of the night for some fans, prep your snacks and drinks ahead. Korean ramyeon? Instant win.
Tickets: How to Snag A Seat At MAMA 2025 IRL
MAMA 2025 is set to welcome fans in person again, live from Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park. Here’s how to secure a spot in the arena.
Where to Get Tickets?
Tickets are expected to be sold through the official MAMA website, the Mnet Plus app, and trusted global ticketing partners like Ticketmaster, AXS, and Qoo10 (for Asia-based fans). Stay tuned to Mnet’s official socials for sale announcements, which usually drop a few months before the event.
GA, VIP & Fan Zones
- General Admission (GA) offers basic entry with decent views.
- VIP tickets come with perks like early access, premium seats, and exclusive goodies.
- Fan zones are specially reserved areas for fandoms, often located closer to the stage.
Expectation vs. Reality
MAMA tickets are highly competitive, often selling out within minutes. In recent years, raffle systems have been used, especially in Japan. Resale platforms like TicketSmarter list tickets anywhere from $350 to $800, so expect to pay a premium if you miss the first wave. Always double-check for name restrictions before purchasing a resale item.
Related Read:
Conclusion: MAMA 2025 Is Happening On 28-29 November!
MAMA 2025 is set to light up Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on November 28–29, marking a powerful return to one of its most iconic locations. Expect a stacked lineup of K-pop’s biggest names, cutting-edge stages, and global collaborations that reflect the genre’s worldwide reach.
With voting already underway, rumors of appearances from BTS members, SEVENTEEN, NewJeans, and more, plus global streaming access via YouTube and Mnet Plus, fans around the world can be part of the excitement, and no passport is required.
Whether you’re cheering in the crowd or watching live from home, now’s the time to mark your calendar, set your reminders, and rally your fandom, because MAMA 2025 is ready to take over the world stage.
FAQs
MAMA 2025 is expected to take place at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, bringing back the glam to one of Asia’s top entertainment hubs.
Fans can vote through the Mnet Plus app and the official MAMA website. Voting usually opens a few weeks before the show, so keep an eye on announcements.
International fans can buy tickets via global platforms like Ticketmaster and attend the show in person, depending on travel guidelines and ticket availability.
Based on 2024 buzz, acts like BTS (solo/sub-units), SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, NewJeans, and LE SSERAFIM are hot favorites for major performances and awards.
While K-pop is the focus, MAMA often includes global artists, cross-genre collaborations, and international stages, making it a true celebration of Asian and worldwide music culture.
