2025 MAMA AWARDS Announces First Round of Performers

Leading entertainment company CJ ENM revealed today the first round of performers for 2025 MAMA AWARDS, featuring a dynamic mix of K-pop acts spanning from veteran idols to rising rookies. The world’s No.1 K-POP awards will take place over two days in Hong Kong starting November 28.

2025 MAMA AWARDS, presented by title sponsor Visa, features a star-studded lineup of performers for global K-pop fans. The first wave of confirmed performers is as below (in alphabetical order):

2025 MAMA AWARDS CHAPTER 1 (November 28)

ALPHA DRIVE ONE

BABYMONSTER

BOYNEXTDOOR

BUMSUP

ENHYPEN

Hearts2Hearts

IVE

MEOVV

SUPER JUNIOR

TWS

2025 MAMA AWARDS CHAPTER 2 (November 29)

ALL DAY PROJECT

CORTIS

KickFlip

izna

Stray Kids

RIIZE

ZEROBASEONE

And more to be announced

The world’s No.1 K-POP awards centers on “HEUNG,” the distinctly Korean spirit of fun and excitement that has captivated global audiences. The concept slogan of “UH-HEUNG,” echoes the roar of a tiger  —  symbolizing Korea’s strength and spirit —  while celebrating the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite people across cultures in authentic self-expression.

2025 MAMA AWARDS returns to Hong Kong for the first time since 2018. Hong Kong has hosted MAMA AWARDS more than any other location, having held the awards for seven consecutive years from 2012-2018. The two-day awards ceremony will be held for the first time at Kai Tak Stadium, Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong starting November 28. The world’s No.1 K-POP Awards will be co-hosted by CJ ENM and Media Asia Entertainment Limited, and organized by Rolemodel Entertainment Group Limited.

2025 MAMA AWARDS is financially supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

First launched in 1999 as Korea’s first music video ceremony by CJ ENM’s music channel Mnet, the awards rebranded itself into MAMA AWARDS from the Mnet Asian Music Awards, underscoring its commitment to go global. MAMA AWARDS is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the artistry and the power of music to connect people across boundaries. Since then, MAMA AWARDS has been at the forefront of K-pop’s global expansion by hosting the ceremony across the world, including Macao, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan and the United States.

Tickets for 2025 MAMA AWARDS are available through multiple presales and general sale.  Visa Infinite Presale begins on October 17 from 10 AM to 2 PM HKT, followed by Visa Presale from 6 PM on October 17 to 2 PM on October 18 HKT via Cityline. General Sale will begin October 20 at 10 AM HKT via Cityline, Damai, Trip.com, and Qoo10. 

Hong Kong Customs detects case of non-registered precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 31) detected a case involving a local company that conducted transactions of pearls and other jewellery containing precious metals and stones valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. The company director was arrested.

The investigation is ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. Any dealer, other than a registrant, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Customs' webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).

Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk)or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: AI-found images