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| ▲ A promotional image for the 2025 MAMA Awards, provided by Mnet.(PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
(LEAD) MAMA Awards-opening
(LEAD) MAMA Awards opens in Hong Kong with tribute to victims of deadly fire
(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with event's opening; CHANGES lead)
SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- The 2025 MAMA Awards opened in Hong Kong on Friday with a moment of silence for the victims of a high-rise apartment fire that killed more than 100 people earlier this week.
At the first-day ceremony at Kai Tak Stadium, main host Park Bo-gum took the stage in a black suit before the show began and led the tribute.
"We would like to express our deepest condolences to all those who lost their precious lives and loved ones in this tragic incident," Park said. "I sincerely hope there will be no further damage, and we will take a moment of silence in their memory."
After the tribute, Park said the artists and production staff prepared for the event "with heavy yet responsible hearts."
"We believe in the power of music -- the power to heal and unite," he said. "Through our performances, we hope to offer comfort, hope and the strength to move forward."
Park also shared a message of "Support Hong Kong," saying the awards ceremony will make donations to help victims and their families.
"We would appreciate your warm support as well," he said. "We hope the sincerity behind these performances reaches everyone."
The fire broke out Wednesday at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex, killing more than 100 people and leaving about 200 unaccounted for, according to local authorities.
There had been questions over whether the event would proceed as scheduled, as it fell just two days after the blaze.
CJ ENM, the South Korean media and entertainment company behind the ceremony, announced Thursday it would move forward with the two-day event but dedicate part of it to honoring the victims and donate a portion of the proceeds to relief efforts.
Organizers reportedly advised performing artists and award presenters to maintain a calm and respectful tone on and off stage and to refrain from encouraging overly lively audience engagement throughout the show.
The 2025 MAMA Awards will run through Saturday, with different lineups each day.
The first-day lineup features K-pop acts such as Hearts2Hearts, Enhypen, TWS, Super Junior, NCT Wish and Riize. Many of the industry's top stars took the stage, although Hong Kong actor Michelle Yeoh, who had been slated to present an award, withdrew from the show in the wake of the tragedy.
Winners accepted their trophies in black suits and with subdued expressions instead of celebratory smiles. They offered condolences to the victims and expressed hopes for a swift recovery and restoration for those affected.
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