Seoul: G-Dragon was named Artist of the Year at the 2025 MAMA Awards on Saturday, delivering a heartfelt message as the ceremony unfolded in a restrained tone following a deadly apartment fire in the BIGBANG frontman accepted the night's top honor at Kai Tak Stadium, reflecting on his year and thanking fans for their support.
According to Yonhap News Agency, G-Dragon expressed his gratitude after receiving the award from Hong Kong-born Chinese actor Chow Yun-Fat. "Thank you. I made my comeback through MAMA last year, and this year's activities feel different from any other year," he remarked, acknowledging the support from VIPs and fans. He also mentioned the upcoming 20th anniversary of his group, BIGBANG, and promised to return next year.
The award presentation took place during the second night of the two-day ceremony, which was held under subdued conditions as the K-pop industry paid tribute to victims of a high-rise fire that claimed more than 100 lives earlier in the week. Attendees dressed in black or muted colors, and organizers scaled back parts of the program to reflect the somber mood.
Other major awards were also announced over the course of Friday and Saturday. Rose won Song of the Year for "APT.," while Stray Kids clinched Album of the Year with "Karma," both expressing their gratitude to fans. Enhypen received the Fans' Choice of the Year award, and rookie groups Cortis and Hearts2Hearts were honored as Best New Artists.
Actor Kim Hye-soo opened Saturday's ceremony with a message of condolence, and several presenters, including actor Yim Si-wan, expressed hopes for healing in Hong Kong. G-Dragon, who earlier donated HK$1 million (US$128,452) to relief efforts, pledged his continued support "through art."
The ceremony gained global attention with a live-action recreation of scenes from Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters." Babymonster members Pharita, Ahyeon and Rora performed as the in-film trio Huntr/x, presenting "What It Sounds Like" and "Golden," following an introduction by actor Ahn Hyo-seop, the voice of lead character Jin-woo. Ahn delivered a message of hope, emphasizing the transformative power of music.
However, a planned performance by another in-film idol group, Saja Boys, was canceled due to concerns that its "grim reaper" concept was inappropriate following the city's deadly disaster. This segment was to include members of Boynextdoor, Riize, TWS, and Zerobaseone.