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| ▲ This image provided by Mnet shows the 2025 MAMA Awards. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ This Reuters photo shows a drone view of flames and thick smoke rising from the Wang Fuk Court housing estate during a major fire in Hong Kong, on Nov. 27, 2025. (Yonhap) |
(LEAD) K-pop stars-Hong Kong fire
(LEAD) CJ ENM to proceed with MAMA Awards in Hong Kong despite deadly fire
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SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- CJ ENM said Thursday it will hold the 2025 MAMA Awards, one of K-pop's most prominent year-end music ceremonies, as scheduled in Hong Kong later this week despite a large-scale fire at an apartment complex in the city.
"We are carefully preparing the overall stage setup and proceedings to ensure the performance conveys comfort and hope rather than merely dazzling production," said CJ ENM, the operator of the annual music show. "We will make the 2025 MAMA Awards an event that demonstrates responsibility and does its utmost until the very end."
CJ ENM said it will hold a moment of remembrance for the victims and make a donation to support those affected.
The 2025 MAMA Awards is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, marking the show's return to the city for the first time in seven years.
Questions over the fate of the Hong Kong show had arisen after the fire at Wang Fuk Court, which began on Wednesday, killed at least 55 people, with approximately 280 still unaccounted for.
Although CJ ENM did not detail any program changes, local media reported that the red carpet event and fireworks are expected to be canceled.
Meanwhile, South Korea's pop music community made donations to support rescue efforts and victims of the fire.
SM Entertainment said it will donate 1 million Hong Kong dollars (US$128,000) to the Hong Kong Red Cross to aid firefighting, rescue and daily commodity support.
Girl group aespa said they will contribute 500,000 Hong Kong dollars.
"We express our deepest sorrow regarding this heartbreaking news," aespa said through their official Weibo account. "We hope this small contribution can help, and we pray for everyone's safety."
Boy band Riize also pledged a donation of 250,000 Hong Kong dollars, expressing hope that their contribution will support rescue operations and follow-up assistance.
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