The 2025 MAMA Awards — slated for Hong Kong’s new Kai Tak Stadium this Friday and Saturday — is facing mounting public scrutiny after a devastating fire left the city in collective mourning.
Just two days before the K-pop awards show was set to kick off, a catastrophic blaze tore through the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Tai Po District.
As of Thursday afternoon, 65 people were confirmed dead, and 279 remained missing, marking one of Hong Kong’s deadliest urban disasters in recent memory. The city raised its fire alarm to the highest level and suspended major public activities, including events related to the upcoming Legislative Council election.
“Believing in the healing and unifying power of music, we have carefully planned the overall stage and program to deliver comfort and hope rather than extravagant performances,” organiser CJ ENM said in a statement. “We hope the music will offer a small measure of solace and courage to everyone.”
Against this sombre backdrop, the continuation of what is meant to be one of Asia’s most high-profile music events has ignited heated debate online.
View this post on Instagram
A City in Mourning, an Awards Show in Question
Organised by Korea’s CJ ENM, the MAMA Awards is one of K-pop’s biggest global stages. But as smoke still lingered from the Tai Po disaster site — just 20 kilometres away — many Hong Kongers voiced discomfort at the thought of a large-scale celebration moving ahead.
“The city has just experienced such a tragedy, and now there’s going to be a group of foreigners partying and celebrating. The whole situation feels deeply somber,” one Hong Kong user wrote on Threads. “I don’t want to see entertainment take priority over everything else so quickly.”
Another user echoed the sentiment: “If CJ ENM decides to cancel the event now, I’d completely understand. First and foremost, I’m a Hong Konger — being a K-pop fan comes second.”
Some described the decision to continue as “unethical,” questioning whether holding a globally televised spectacle — even kilometres away — is appropriate while rescue efforts and investigations continue.
The MAMA Awards is funded in part by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which has positioned the event as part of the city’s mega-event strategy. But this connection has only intensified criticism, with some arguing that optics should outweigh economic ambition in a moment of collective grief.
Fans Torn Between Mourning and Months of Preparation
Others, however, pushed back — not out of insensitivity, they argued, but out of practicality.
“A massive international awards ceremony like this involves countless stakeholders, artists and an enormous amount of money. Besides, MAMA isn’t just for Hong Kongers — people from all over the world are attending,” one commenter noted.
For many fans, the stakes are personal. One attendee shared that she had already spent HK$8,500 (US$1,092) on flights and accommodation. “I’m heartbroken about the tragedy, but who’s going to cover my losses if it gets canceled?”
Several K-pop fans and industry watchers highlighted the logistical fallout of a last-minute cancellation — from production costs and crew salaries to artist schedules and potential compensation claims.
“Canceling now is simply not practical — there’s no time for alternative arrangements. The organizers would face massive compensation claims, not to mention production costs, artist schedules and staff salaries,” another user wrote. “The fire wasn’t their fault, after all.”
Calls for Sensitivity — From Dress Codes to Setlists
In the absence of a cancellation, some fans have proposed ways to honour victims and show solidarity. One widely shared suggestion: wearing black and white — traditional mourning colours — to the event.
Others have urged performers to avoid songs with themes that could strike a dissonant tone, such as references to fire, flames or death. Suggested omissions include i-dle’s ‘Good Thing,’ Meovv’s ‘Burning Up,’ and a themed collaboration connected to KPop Demon Hunters, featuring the Saja Boys.
Organisers Respond: The Show Will Go On — Softened
Amid escalating debate, CJ ENM confirmed on Thursday evening that the 2025 MAMA Awards will proceed as scheduled.
In a statement, organisers offered their “deepest condolences” to those who lost their lives and extended “heartfelt sympathy” to bereaved families and residents still coping with the aftermath.
“We extend our deepest condolences to those affected by the tragic fire in Hong Kong. We sincerely offer our sympathy to the families of the victims and to everyone facing great loss and anxiety during this difficult time,” the company added.
They added that the ceremony will include a “Support Hong Kong” message and a dedicated moment of remembrance to “share in the grief.” CJ ENM also pledged to make a donation to support those affected by the fire.
“The 2025 MAMAs will include ways to share in grief and contribute to relief efforts through donations.”
Read more: How You Can Help Tai Po Fire Victims in Hong Kong
The company acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation, noting that the show is being reworked into a more restrained and thoughtful format. Stage design, pacing and the overall tone will shift away from spectacle in favour of comfort, reflection and hope.
“We hope the music can offer even a small measure of solace and courage,” the organiser said, adding that its team will “approach everything with responsibility” as preparations move forward.
A Divided City, A Difficult Moment
As Hong Kong continues to reel from the tragedy, the MAMA Awards has become a flashpoint — a collision of grief, global entertainment and the practical realities of major events.
Whether the ceremony’s adjustments will be enough to quell public unease remains to be seen. But for now, the city prepares for a weekend where celebration and mourning will exist side by side.
