GD wins Artist of the Year as Stray Kids take top album at emotional MAMA 2025 finale in HK

The 2025 MAMA Awards delivered an emotional and star-studded Chapter 2 ceremony on Saturday night at the Kai Tak Sports Park, marking the event’s return to Hong Kong after seven years.

Korean balladeer Shin Seung-hun took the stage to present Album of the Year, which went to Stray Kids for KARMA. The eight-member group — now seven years into their career — burst into tears as they walked up the stage with their arms around one another.

Leader Bang Chan choked up as he recalled dreaming of the moment since their trainee days.

“MAMA was the stage we always watched on television… I still cannot believe we got such a big award. We’ve been through a lot, and I want to tell the members, ‘You’ve worked so hard.’”

Member Seungmin followed with a heartfelt reflection on the group’s journey.

“The road here wasn’t easy… There were many crossroads, and every decision shaped the eight of us standing here today.”

During the speech, Felix briefly turned away in tears as Seungmin mentioned the deadly Tai Po fire, with the group expressing condolences to victims’ families and hoping their music could offer comfort in a difficult time.

Felix added: “We will stay by everyone’s side and pray for healing. We hope the community recovers soon.”

GD takes center stage with Artist of the Year — and teases BIGBANG’s return

Later in the evening, Hong Kong icon Chow Yun-fat appeared as the final presenter, handing Artist of the Year to G-Dragon. Chow walked onstage hand-in-hand with the singer, playfully dancing with him before offering a congratulatory embrace.

Accepting the award, G-Dragon said the night carried “both joy and sorrow.”

“Receiving this from my longtime idol Chow Yun-fat, especially at MAMA’s 30th anniversary, is a great honor. Thank you, I love you all.”

He then electrified the arena by announcing that BIGBANG will reunite in 2026 to mark their 20th anniversary.

“Next year I won’t come alone. I’ll come with my friends — like throwing a party.”

The win was one of three awards GD picked up on the night.

MAMA 2025 Chapter 2 — Award Winners

Artist of the Year: G-DRAGON
Album of the Year: Stray Kids — KARMA
Best Female Group: aespa
Best OST: Huntr/x — Golden (from Kpop: Demon Hunters)
Worldwide KCONers’ Choice:ZEROBASEONE
Breakthrough Artist: ALLDAY PROJECT
Favorite Asian Artist: JO1
Music Visionary of the Year: Huntr/x (from Kpop: Demon Hunters)
K-Beauty Artist: Hearts2Hearts
Best Dance Performance – Female Group: aespa — Whiplash
Best Male Artist: G-DRAGON
Super Stage Artist: TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Best Choreography: aespa — Whiplash
Favorite Rising Artist: izna
Best Dance Performance – Male Solo: G-DRAGON — TOO BAD (feat. Anderson .Paak)

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(marco.lam@singtaonewscorp.com)