Red Carpet 2025 MAMA Awards Canceled, Effects of Fire and Red Costumes Prohibited

Kapanlagi.com - The 2025 MAMA Awards event is confirmed to proceed as scheduled despite Hong Kong being struck by a major tragedy in the form of an apartment fire in the Tai Po area on November 26. The organizer, CJ ENM, announced that the official red carpet has been canceled, but the main ceremony will still take place and be broadcast live without any changes to the schedule. This decision was made after internal discussions following increasing public pressure regarding the sensitivity of the situation.

The fire, which occurred just days before the event, has caused significant damage. The Hong Kong police and fire authorities reported dozens of casualties, many others injured, and over two hundred people still reported missing. The local government even raised the fire status to level 5, the highest ranking in Hong Kong's emergency warning system, making it one of the deadliest tragedies in the city's modern history. Read more news about the MAMA Awards 2025 at Liputan6.com!

1. Guest Artist Withdraws

With the event location just about 20 minutes away from the fire point, concerns and criticisms have arisen from various parties. Several artists and guests, including international actors Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-fat, are reported to have chosen to withdraw as a form of empathy towards the ongoing situation. On social media, the debate has intensified: some fans are calling for the event to be postponed in honor of the victims, while others argue that the event can still proceed with adjustments to the format.

2. Theme of Solidarity

The CJ ENM party (credit: MNET)

In the end, CJ ENM chose to make a series of significant changes. This year, MAMA will take place in a more subdued atmosphere, full of respect, and far from the grand format that has been its hallmark. The organizers have ensured that there will be no pyro effects, fireworks, large confetti, or dramatic stage gimmicks. In fact, all technical and artistic concepts are being revised to suit the conditions. Stage elements related to fire, whether effects, props, or visuals, have been removed, and the creative team has reportedly banned the use of bright red costumes or those with a “fire-tone” as a form of visual sensitivity.

3. Technical Aspects Changed

The format of the event has also changed from a technical standpoint. Some segments are now shifted to a pre-recorded stage, especially for performances that require large mobilization or technical production that is difficult to execute without a festival atmosphere. The overall ambiance of the event is ensured to feel more calm, reflective, and minimalistic. As per the meeting results, the event will also include a "moment of silence" at the beginning as a form of tribute to the victims of the fire tragedy.

Nonetheless, the artist lineup for performances remains impressive. Big names such as G-Dragon, aespa, Tomorrow X Together, BABYMONSTER, ENHYPEN, IVE, RIIZE, and BoyNextDoor are still scheduled to perform. Some agencies are reportedly still reevaluating the performance format of their artists to remain sensitive to the ongoing mourning situation.

4. Held Over Two Days

MAMA AWARDS (credit: MNET)

The 2025 MAMA Awards will be held over two days, November 28-29 at 7:30 PM local time at Kai Tak Stadium. For international viewers, the event can be watched via Mnet, tvN SHOW, TVING, Naver TV, and several other streaming platforms. This year, more than just a celebration of music, MAMA is positioned as a marker that art can be a space offering support, hope, and a sense of togetherness amid difficult times.

5. FAQ MAMA 2025

Why was the MAMA 2025 red carpet canceled?
The MAMA 2025 red carpet was canceled as a form of sympathy for the major fire that occurred in Hong Kong.

What will be done to honor the victims of the fire?
The event will include a moment of silence and a message 'Support Hong Kong'.

Will the main MAMA 2025 event still take place?
Yes, the main MAMA 2025 event will continue despite the cancellation of the red carpet.

Who will still be present at MAMA 2025?
Presenters like Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-fat will still be present with adjusted scripts.

(kpl/pit)