Mnet MAMA 2025｜Nominees, Vote, Winners & Ticket Info

Introduction: Mnet MAMA 2025 — A Grand Return to Hong Kong

In 2025, the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) returns in full force, bringing one of the biggest K-pop spectacles back to Hong Kong after several years of overseas venues. The event will be held on November 28 and 29 at the Kai Tak Stadium (啟德主場館) in Hong Kong. ([维基百科][1])

The award ceremony, organized by CJ ENM via its flagship music brand Mnet, has long been recognized as a barometer of success in K-pop and Asian pop music more broadly. Mnet leverages commercial metrics, fan participation, and artistic evaluation to crown winners across multiple categories. ([维基百科][1])

This edition is notable not only for its return to Hong Kong but also for its ambitious scale, enhanced fan engagement mechanisms (such as the Super Fan program), and high anticipation around which artists will dominate nominations and awards. In this article, we break down:

• The nomination and voting system
• Official nominees announced so far
• Key categories and predictions
• Fan strategies for voting
• Ticketing, broadcast, and event logistics
• What to watch for, possible surprises, and potential risks

Let’s dive in.

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1. Nomination & Voting Framework

To understand how artists end up nominated or even win, several structural elements are essential: eligibility windows, data weightings, fan voting structure, and special programs like Super Fan.

1.1 Eligibility Period & Data Sources

Mnet has defined the eligibility window for works (songs, albums, releases) from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. ([K-Pop Concerts][2]) Any musical works released within that timeframe are eligible for nomination. ([Soompi][3])

The metrics used to judge and nominate include:

• Streaming & downloads (both domestic Korea metrics and global streaming)
• Physical album sales
• Fan voting / social media metrics
• Judges / expert panel evaluation

These components are weighted differently depending on the category. ([Soompi][3])

1.2 Weightings & Decision Rules by Category

Here’s how Mnet has laid out the evaluation weightings for 2025 in the announced documents:

Category / Award	Metric Breakdown
Artist of the Year / Artist Categories	40% judging evaluation, 30% streaming & downloads (20% Korea + 10% global), 30% physical album sales ([Soompi][3])
Song of the Year / Genre Awards	40% judging evaluation, 60% streaming & downloads (40% Korea + 20% global) ([Soompi][3])
Album of the Year	40% judging evaluation, 60% physical album sales (for albums crossing certain thresholds) ([Soompi][3])
Best Music Video / Best Choreography	100% judged by expert panels (i.e. artistic and technical merit) ([Soompi][3])
Fans’ Choice (Male / Female / “Fans’ Choice of Year”)	Entirely or mostly determined by fan votes: 90% via Mnet Plus, 10% via X / Twitter (for both Round 1 and Round 2) ([Soompi][3])

Mnet also details the timeline and structure of the Fans’ Choice voting rounds:

• Round 1: Voting for nominees in the Fans’ Choice Male and Female categories runs through October 26, 11:59 PM KST. ([Soompi][3])
• Round 2: The second round (and “Fans’ Choice of the Year”) voting runs from October 30, 6:00 PM KST through November 10, 11:59 PM KST. ([Soompi][3])
• The weighting remains 90% Mnet Plus / 10% X in both rounds. ([Soompi][3])

This structure gives global fans a real opportunity to influence the outcome, especially in the fan‐choice awards. ([Soompi][3])

1.3 The Super Fan Program & Its Role

An interesting element in 2025 is the Super Fan initiative. Mnet opened applications earlier in 2025 (ending around mid-September) to select fan representatives who would play a formal role in the nomination / voting process and gain exclusive privileges. ([K-Pop Concerts][2]) These selected fans may get perks such as soundcheck access, ID cards, or event privileges, and also have a voice in the nomination selection for fan‐choice categories. ([K-Pop Concerts][2])

Thus, fan communities with strong global outreach have an advantage in shaping nominations early in the process.

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2. Official Nominees Announced (So Far)

On October 16, 2025, Mnet publicly announced the nomination list (via Mnet Plus and other channels). ([Soompi][3]) Multiple media outlets republished the full roster. ([K-Pop Concerts][2]) Below is a distilled presentation of key categories and nominees as currently known:

2.1 Major Categories & Nominees

Best New Artist
AHOF / ALLDAY PROJECT / Baby DONT Cry / CLOSE YOUR EYES / CORTIS / Hearts2Hearts / IDID / izna / KickFlip / KiiiKiii ([Soompi][3])

Best Male Artist
Baekhyun / G-Dragon / j-hope / Jin / Mark ([Soompi][3])

Best Female Artist
Jennie / Jisoo / Rosé / Taeyeon / Yuqi ([Soompi][3])

Best Male Group
BOYNEXTDOOR / ENHYPEN / RIIZE / SEVENTEEN / Stray Kids / TXT / ZEROBASEONE ([Soompi][3])

Best Female Group
aespa / BABYMONSTER / (G)I-DLE / IVE / LE SSERAFIM / TWICE ([Soompi][3])

Best Dance Performance – Male Solo
Mark – “1999” / Key – “HUNTER” / G-Dragon – “TOO BAD (feat. Anderson .Paak)” / j-hope – “MONA LISA” / KAI – “Wait On Me” ([K-Pop Concerts][2])

Best Dance Performance – Female Solo
Dayoung – “body” / Minnie – “HER” / Jennie – “like JENNIE” / Jisoo – “earthquake” / Karina (aespa) – “UP” ([K-Pop Concerts][2])

Best Dance Performance – Male Group
BOYNEXTDOOR – “IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU” / NCT DREAM – “When I’m With You” / NCT WISH – “poppop” / PLAVE – “Dash” / RIIZE – “Fly Up” / SEVENTEEN – “THUNDER” / TWS – “Countdown!” ([K-Pop Concerts][2])

Best Dance Performance – Female Group
aespa – “Whiplash” / BABYMONSTER – “DRIP” / BLACKPINK – “JUMP” / ILLIT – “Cherish (My Love)” / IVE – “REBEL HEART” / LE SSERAFIM – “HOT” ([K-Pop Concerts][2])

Best Vocal Performance Solo
DOYOUNG – “Memory” / Roy Kim – “If You Ask Me What Love Is” / Lee Mu Jin – “Coming of Age Story” / Taeyeon – “Letter To Myself” / Rosé – “toxic till the end” ([K-Pop Concerts][2])

Other categories (e.g. collaborations, OST, music video, choreography) are also part of the official list, though media outlets differ in the depth of reporting. ([K-Pop Concerts][2])

2.2 Top Nominees & Trends

According to InMusicBlog, aespa and Jennie are currently tied as top contenders with nine nominations each, spanning major categories including Artist, Song, and Album of the Year. ([InMusic][4]) Jennie’s nominations include multiple entries in Song of the Year for tracks like Like JENNIE, Zen, and ExtraL. ([InMusic][4])

Other BLACKPINK members also have strong showings:

• Rosé garnered six nominations (including APT and Toxic Till the End) ([InMusic][4])
• Jisoo holds four nominations ([InMusic][4])

In addition, India Today notes that names such as j-hope, SEVENTEEN, and group acts like BOYNEXTDOOR are in contention for top honors. ([India Today][5])

The nomination list underlines a balance between legacy acts, solo comebacks, and newer groups — ensuring a competitive atmosphere across categories. ([K-Pop Concerts][2])

2.3 Key Facts from Announcements

• The MAMA 2025 ceremony will be held at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on November 28–29. ([Soompi][3])
• The theme slogan is “HEUNG / UH-HEUNG”, reflecting a Korean concept of energetic spirit. ([K-Pop Concerts][2])
• Fan voting begins October 16, KST, specifically for the first round of Fans’ Choice nominations. ([K-Pop Concerts][2])
• In ticketing, Visa Infinite Presale begins October 17, Visa general presale later that day, and general sale opens October 20 via Cityline, Damai, Trip.com, Qoo10. ([K-Pop Concerts][2])
• The broadcast network includes Mnet, TVING (in South Korea), YouTube (Mnet K-POP, Mnet TV, M2), and other global partners. ([维基百科][1])

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3. Predictions & Key Contenders

Given the weightings, current nominations, and artist momentum, we can make informed predictions about who might dominate.

3.1 Likely Heavyweights

• Jennie (BLACKPINK) is a strong front-runner, matched in nominations with aespa. Her solo album and multiple nominated songs give her leverage across Song, Artist, and collaboration categories. ([InMusic][4])
• Aespa has historically performed well in performance and technical categories. Their nomination in major categories like Album, Artist, and Song positions them as major competitors. ([InMusic][4])
• Rosé and Jisoo each have strong portfolios, especially with nominations in vocal and song categories.
• BOYNEXTDOOR, ENHYPEN, SEVENTEEN, and TXT / ZEROBASEONE may contend strongly in group and performance categories depending on fan mobilization and sales.
• G-Dragon (solo) remains a wildcard, especially in collaboration or performance categories, given his star power and previous reputation. 3.2 Races to Watch
• Best Female Artist: Jennie vs Jisoo vs Taeyeon will be fiercely contested.
• Song of the Year: With multiple song nominations per artist (e.g. Jennie, aespa), fragmentation of votes could open room for unexpected winners.
• Album of the Year: High album sales thresholds and critical reception will be crucial.
• Performance & Choreography Awards: Because these are judged (100% evaluation), artists with bold, creative choreo or visuals may triumph regardless of streaming numbers.
• Fans’ Choice Categories: Regardless of commercial metrics, sheer voting mobilization through Mnet Plus and X may sway these awards. 3.3 Possible Upsets & Wild Cards
• A viral or breakout song from a newer act could upset the expectations in Song or New Artist categories.
• An experimental music video or choreo—especially one that catches judges’ attention—could win under judged categories.
• Because nominations are spread, some fanbases may split votes among a single artist’s multiple songs, weakening their overall share.
• Technical hiccups or disqualifications (due to rules, eligibility, or voting irregularities) sometimes reshape outcomes.

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4. Fan Strategy & Voting Tips

For fans who want to maximize their impact, here’s how to play smart:

4.1 Know the Voting Windows & Platforms

• Mark the October 16 start for the first Fans’ Choice nomination vote. ([K-Pop Concerts][2])
• Know the cutoff for Round 1 (October 26, 11:59 PM KST) and Round 2 (October 30 – November 10). ([Soompi][3])
• Use Mnet Plus (the official app / platform) for voting, supplemented by X / Twitter votes (10% weight) in fan categories. ([Soompi][3])
• Adhere strictly to rule constraints (e.g. daily vote allowances) to avoid disqualification.
• Coordinate with fandoms across time zones to cover all voting windows effectively. 4.2 Organize & Mobilize
• Establish a voting schedule (shifts) to keep voting consistent throughout the period.
• Share visual guides (screenshots, step-by-step instructions) to help casual or new fans.
• Use social media to notify fans at key times, especially just before deadline windows.
• Monitor vote totals (if publicly visible) to reallocate efforts where needed. 4.3 Stay Within Fair Play
• Do not use bots, scripts, or illegal automation—Mnet has taken action in past years to block fraudulent votes. ([维基百科][6])
• Report any voting system errors or suspicious behavior through official Mnet / MAMA support channels immediately.

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5. Ticketing, Broadcasting & Event Logistics

Attending or watching Mnet MAMA 2025 involves planning. Here’s what to know.

5.1 Venue & Ticket Sales

• The awards will take place at Kai Tak Stadium, with capacity suitable for large scale performances. ([维基百科][1])
• Visa Infinite Presale begins October 17 at 10 AM (HKT) for select cardholders. ([K-Pop Concerts][2])
• Visa general presale begins later October 17 (6 PM HKT) and continues through October 18 (2 PM) via Cityline. ([K-Pop Concerts][2])
• General public sale opens October 20 at 10 AM HKT via Cityline, Damai, Trip.com, Qoo10, etc. ([K-Pop Concerts][2])
• Because this is a high-profile event, ticket demand will likely be intense—fans should act early and only purchase from official authorized outlets. 5.2 Broadcast & Streaming Channels
• In South Korea, broadcast partners include Mnet and TVING. ([维基百科][1])
• Globally, streaming / broadcast will be available through YouTube (Mnet K-POP, Mnet TV, M2) and Mnet Plus. ([维基百科][1])
• In Hong Kong, local broadcast is expected via tvN Asia, TVB Jade / Pearl, or other regional partners. ([维基百科][1]) 5.3 Program Highlights & Production
• Expect high production values: immersive stage design, spectacular lighting / visuals, and possibly 360° staging given the large stadium scale.
• Surprise performance collaborations are a staple—MAMA often introduces special unit stages or guest appearances not seen in standard concerts.
• The flow will likely integrate award presentation, medleys, encore stages, and interactive student / fan elements.
• Because broadcast is global, transitions between live segments and director cuts must be seamless.

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6. What to Watch & Risks 6.1 Key Moments & High Stakes

• The official announcement of winners in major categories (Artist, Song, Album) will shape discourse in K-pop fandoms for the next year.
• Whether Jennie or aespa (or a surprise contender) takes home major awards will be watched closely by media and fans.
• How well Mnet handles live broadcasting, cueing, and audience interaction matters—technical glitches could affect reception.
• Fan support / vote margins in Fans’ Choice categories may reveal the strength and organization of fandoms. 6.2 Potential Risks & Unknowns
• Final voting results could deviate significantly from expectations, especially in fan categories.
• Technical issues in voting platforms or ticketing systems (high traffic overload) might hamper fans’ ability to participate fully.
• Some nominees may be unable to attend due to schedules, health, or travel constraints, affecting performance exposure.
• Rule changes, disqualifications (for breaches), or anomalies may cause controversy.
• The balancing act between judged and data metrics may lead to fan disappointment if their favorite artist is strong in one dimension but weak in another.

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Conclusion & Next Steps

Mnet MAMA 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated editions in recent years—returning to Hong Kong, adopting large stadium scale, and involving fans more intimately via Super Fan and voting programs.

As the event draws nearer, the most critical developments to watch:

1. Final winner announcements and acceptance reactions
2. Any surprise performances or stage collaborations
3. Voting result margins (especially in fan categories)
4. Real-time broadcast execution and viewer experience
5. Post-event analysis of trends, breakout acts, and what this edition means for the future of global K-pop awards