Mama 2025 winners

MAMA 2025 Winners: A Night of Legends, Surprises, and K-Pop History

The Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) 2025 once again proved why it remains one of the most prestigious and talked-about music ceremonies in Asia. Held at a sold-out arena buzzing with fans, idols, and international media, MAMA 2025 delivered an unforgettable night filled with powerhouse performances, emotional speeches, and long-anticipated victories. From rookie breakthroughs to veteran triumphs, the MAMA 2025 winners list reflects both the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop and the global influence of Asian music.

In this article, we break down the biggest winners, historic moments, and why this year’s show will be remembered for years to come.

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🏆 The Grand Prizes (Daesang Awards)

The four Daesang (grand prize) categories are the most prestigious honors at MAMA. Here’s who took home the night’s highest accolades:

Artist of the Year: SEVENTEEN
With a record-breaking year, multiple hit comebacks, and a wildly successful world tour, SEVENTEEN finally claimed the top honor. Their synchronized performances and strong vocal presence earned them massive respect from fans and industry peers alike.

Album of the Year: BTS – “Beyond the Scene: The Anthology Pt. 2”
Even while some members continue their military service, BTS left a lasting legacy with a second anthology release, combining new tracks with unreleased demos. The emotional weight and message behind the album resonated deeply with both ARMY and the general public.

Song of the Year: NewJeans – “How Sweet”
This surprise win was met with deafening cheers. “How Sweet” became a viral sensation and a global chart-topper. NewJeans’ minimalist sound, retro Y2K visuals, and genre-bending music continue to define the next wave of K-pop.

Worldwide Icon of the Year: Stray Kids
With their ever-growing global fanbase and chart success across Billboard, Spotify, and more, Stray Kids were crowned as the global representatives of K-pop in 2025.

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🌟 Major Category Highlights

Best Male Group: SEVENTEEN
Their consistency, artistry, and team dynamics led to this well-deserved win.

Best Female Group: NewJeans
Dominating charts and social media trends alike, NewJeans continued to redefine what a 4th-gen girl group could be.

Best Male Artist: Jungkook (BTS)
Jungkook’s solo debut era was nothing short of historic. His track “Golden” was a critical and commercial success, topping global streaming platforms.

Best Female Artist: IU
With her emotional ballads and flawless live vocals, IU once again reminded everyone why she remains Korea’s beloved solo queen.

Best New Male Artist: RIIZE
As SM Entertainment’s newest boy group, RIIZE impressed with fresh visuals, tight choreography, and catchy tunes.

Best New Female Artist: ILLIT
This rookie girl group under HYBE’s BELIFT LAB captivated fans with unique concepts and a strong digital presence.

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🌍 Global & Genre Awards

Best Collaboration: Taeyang (feat. Lisa) – “Shoong!”
Two legends from YG delivered a stylish and unforgettable track that made waves across YouTube and TikTok.

Best OST: “You & Me” by ROSÉ (from The Eclipse)
A haunting, emotionally charged soundtrack that topped charts and added depth to the hit drama.

Best Dance Performance (Male Group): TXT – “Deja Vu”
Their bold choreography and conceptual storytelling won the judges and fans over.

Best Dance Performance (Female Group): LE SSERAFIM – “Smart”
The group’s sharp, athletic moves and empowering concept made this a standout stage of the year.

Best Hip-Hop & Urban Music: ZICO – “Freak”
ZICO proved once again why he remains one of Korea’s most innovative and respected hip-hop figures.

Best Band Performance: DAY6 – “Even If”
Their comeback this year tugged at the heartstrings of fans, proving that live instruments still have a firm place in K-pop.

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💬 Unforgettable Moments from the Show

SEVENTEEN’s encore stage brought the entire audience to tears as they dedicated their Daesang to their long-time fans, CARATs.
BTS’s virtual appearance (with a pre-recorded speech) created a wave of emotion, as the group reaffirmed their promise to reunite soon.
NewJeans’ genre-defying mega-stage, with 5 set changes and 50 dancers, set a new benchmark for girl group performances.
Jungkook’s solo set, which included a live band and a remix version of “Seven,” proved why he’s dubbed the “Golden Maknae.”

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📝 Final Thoughts

MAMA 2025 wasn’t just an awards show—it was a celebration of artistry, innovation, and the ever-expanding reach of K-pop and Asian music. From emotional Daesang speeches to boundary-pushing stages, this year’s winners represented the diversity and depth of talent in the industry.

For longtime fans and newcomers alike, MAMA 2025 was a reminder of how music connects people across borders, languages, and generations. As the lights dimmed and confetti rained down, one thing was certain: K-pop is stronger than ever—and the best is still yet to come.

Stay tuned for MAMA 2026. If MAMA 2025 was any indication, the future of Asian music is blazing bright. 🌟