[2025.11.29] HOST PARK BO-GUM OPENS THE 2025 MAMA AWARDS WITH A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR TAI PO FIRE VICTIMS

Dressed in black, Park Bo Gum leads the moment of silence

MIRROR on the eve of the event announces its absence from the MAMA Awards, leading to polarizing reactions from the fan base

Maggie Wong and her husband have joined the volunteers and organized supplies

Nicholas Tse has donated HK$ 5 million in the name of the "Chef Nic Gastronomusic Fest 2025".
courtesy of on.cc

Host Park Bo Gum leads the audience in a moment of silence.

RIIZE member Anton gives his speech in Cantonese, while aespa's mainland member Ningning gives her thanks in Putonghua

Guest presenter Lee Jun-Hyuk says that he would pray for Hong Kong

MAMA Awards returns to Hong Kong after 7 years but runs into the deadly Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire. Usually singers would sit around the stage and enjoy the show, but this year no such arrangement has been made.

All the Korean stars wear mourning colors and a black ribbon, including the winners of 3 awards ENHYPEN

Blackpink's Rose with APT. wins Song of the Year

Celebrating their 25th anniversary, Super Junior are guest presenters

One of Hins Cheung's fans who resides in Wang Fuk Court posts about the fan club calling her out of concern

Gin Lee will donate all the proceeds from her two show concert series next year to disaster relief and recovery
courtesy of mingpao.com

South Korea's annual music event "2025 MAMA AWARDS" was held in Kai Tak last night under the haze of the deadly fire in Tai Po. Wearing a black ribbon, Korean star Park Bo-gum led the audience in an observance of a half-minute silence before the opening. Award winning Korean stars and award presenters often expressed concern for those affected and the atmosphere was somber. Originally scheduled to be the award presenters, Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King) did not attend. Scheduled to perform, MIRROR also announced their resignation the night before the event, setting off a battle of words between their fans!

South Korea's "2025 MAMA AWARDS" returned to Hong Kong after 7 years and was held at the main venue of Kai Tak Sports Park for two consecutive days starting last night, but a major fire broke out before the performance. Although the event was carried out as scheduled and broadcast live, but the organizer canceled the red carpet session and issued guidelines to the performers. "When arriving in Hong Kong, if there are media and fans at the airport, please do not make overly excited or overly bright expressions, this is to avoid misunderstandings by the media and the public", "The performers all wore masks or calmly entered Hong Kong through the airport", which some online called a "smile ban". At the award ceremony all artists were dressed in dark color or black as a memorial at the request of the organizer.

Before the opening, the host Park Bo-gum wore a new style black hanbok with a black ribbon at the collar. He talked about the recent tragedies in Hong Kong. "In this incident, beloved relatives and friends were lost, and also left indelible pain for beloved family and friends. We sincerely express our deepest condolences." He then led the audience to observe a half-minute silence, prayed for no more casualties, and hoped to send comfort to the families and friends of the victims through the performance that night. After the ceremony, Park Bo-gum continued, "I sincerely wish that no such incident would occur again. I hope through the stage to deliver comfort and hope, even it's just a little; and also be able to deliver the strength to keep going. In addition, we also want to remember this pain with the world and share our sincere condolences. We want to express the message of 'Support Hong Kong'. MAMA has already made a donation to support the victims. We sincerely thank everyone for their passionate support. We hope everyone would be able to experience the sincere feelings are in these performances."

The first award presenter Lee Jun-Hyuk and the "Fans' Choice Award" winning boy group RIIZE expressed their condolences to the victims, and member Anton said in Cantonese, "I would like to express my sincerest care to those in need of strength and support." The girl group IVE, led by popular member Jang Won Young, won the "Favorite Global Performer" and "Favorite Girl Group" awards. Group leader An Yu-jin sent condolences to the family of the victims and wish a speedy recovery for the injured. Stray Kids won the "Fans' Choice Award" and the group leader Bang Chan said in English:, "I would like to take this opportunity to send my deepest condolences and tell everyone that you are not alone." The boy group CORTIS and the girl group Hearts2Hearts, who won the Newcomer Award, sent their deep condolences to the fire victims. Girl group aespa's mainland member Ningning said in Putonghua, "Our deepest condolences to the comrades who were affected by the fire and our highest salute to the firefighter." Donating 1 million RMB for disaster relief earlier, girl group i-dle's mainland member Yuqi expressed their condolences to the victims of the fire in Putonghua.

When the girl group MEOVV performed the song "Burning Up", they changed the sensitive lyrics reminiscent of a fire "Burning Up" to "Turn it up". The popular girl group i-dle appeared in super sexy costumes, reinterpreting the song "Good Thing" in a strong rock style. The members wore gorgeous costumes that echoed the song's bold concept. As for the boy group Super Junior (SJ), who celebrated their 20th anniversary, they performed on "MAMA" again after 8 years. The 9 members appeared in black and sang many hit songs in a row. SJ was later awarded the "Inspiration Achievement Award", and member Choi Si- won sent condolences and encouragement to the victims of the fire.

Towards the end of the event, actor Ju Ji-hoon presented two awards, among which the "Song of the Year" was won by the popular girl group BLACKPINK member Rose and the American star Bruno Mars' divine hit "APT." The fan-voted "Fans' Choice of the year" was won by the popular boy group ENHYPEN, and the leader JUNGWON was moved to tears at one point. Member Park Sung-hoon pointed out that this year is the 5th anniversary of the group's debut and will regard the award as a gift from fans for their 5th anniversary.

In addition, Originally scheduled to be the award presenters, Chow Yun Fat and Yeung Chi King did not attend the event. Originally the only Hong Kong representative to participate in the performance, boy group MIRROR also announced their absence from the event through social networks the night before and left "MAMA" with zero Hong Kong star. As soon as the news of MIRROR's absence came out, a massive "ticket dump wave" emerged. Some people even sold them at a reasonable price in order to "get them off their hands" to stop losses. Polar opposite responses appeared among the fans. Some fans agreed with their idols' approach, saying that they should accompany the people of Hong Kong through the heavy moment now, and also show respect for the people affected by the disaster. They worried that if the 12 members have continued to sing and dance on the stage they would have been condemned by thousands. Some fans also lamented that MIRROR's career has been difficult; each time they had a big show or important performance, they would encounter different obstacles. As from heartaches for them, they also expressed that they would keep going with MIRROR and continue to support their idols. However, some fans with opposite opinions hoped that idols would perform on stage to soothe the wounded hearts of citizens and cheer up Hong Kong people. In addition many people have spent tens of thousands of dollars to grab tickets for this time. Now they have suffered losses on both ends, they were very upset.

In order to help the victims, Maggie Wong Mei Ki and her husband Ray Chung Kin Wai went to Tai Po as volunteers to help organize and distribute supplies. Wong Mei Kei shared a number of videos on social networks, constantly updating the items and information needed for the disaster. Among them singer Tat Lau Yi Tat also appeared on the scene to help. She mentioned that the public has continuous provided supplies, and many volunteers have participated in the rescue. Whether drivers or foot soldiers, they were all waiting on the streets in hopes of doing their part. Many secondary school students after school volunteered to help, which was rather moving for her.

Many artists have tried their best to support the victims of the fire at Wang Fuk Court. Some victims posted envelopes printed with "from Hins and HCFC" on social networks, sharing their experience of receiving condolences from singer Hins Cheung King Hin. "In the midst of the chaos today I received a strange call. It turned out to be a staff member of the Cheung King Hin fan club, saying that they saw my registered address at the fan club and knew that I was a resident of the disaster, so they wanted to do their best to provide support. I couldn't help but cry when I saw them in person. I haven't eaten or slept for the past two days, I settled the elderly at home, helped the neighbors process information, sorted out useful information, and had no time to deal with my own emotions at all. When someone showed their concern for me at that moment, my tears couldn't be held back anymore. Thank you Cheung King Hin for your kindness, thank you for H-Crew's hard work, your efforts have made me feel warm in the ruthless fire, and I will pass on this love." Many online praised Cheung King Hin for caring for fans and being extremely warm.

Everyone in the community has expressed concern and sorrow over the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire. Emperor Group Chairman Albert Yeung Sau Sing led a group of artists yesterday to send care and support to the affected residents, donating a total of more than HK$ 20 million, following Nicholas Tse Ting Fung's donation of 5 million the day before, Joey Yung Cho Yee, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin, and Leo Ku Kui Ke also donated HK$ 1 million each in hopes of being able to help the victims over the difficulties sooner.

Emperor Group has recently provided daily necessities to the victims in a timely manner through the Emperor Charitable Foundation to solve the urgent needs, and will also provide new mattresses to nearly 2,000 households as follow-up support. In order to further support the disaster-stricken residents on their long road to rebuilding their homes in the future, Chairman Albert Yeung Sau Sing and Vice Chairman Alex Yeung Ching Lung led a group of artists from Emperor Entertainment to provide support to the affected residents, Yeung Sau Sing donated HK$10 million through the "Albert Yeung Charitable Foundation", and Vice Chairman Yeung Ching Lung donated HK$1 million in his personal name. In addition to Nicholas Tse Ting Fung's donation of HK$5 million in the name of the "Chef Nic Gastronomusic Fest" the day before, Joey Yung Cho Yee, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin and Leo Ku Kui Ke each donated HK$ 1 million, and other artists Hacken Lee Hak Kun, William Chan Wai Ting, Kara Wai Ying Hung, Gillian Chung Yun Tung, Irene Wan Bik Ha, Mike Tsang Pei Tat, Ken Hung Cheuk Lap, Angela Hui Ching Wan and Mani Fok Man Hei also responded, with a total donation of more than HK$20 million. Among them, the "Chef Nic Gastronomusic Fest 2025", scheduled to be held in Macao on the 29th and 30th of this month, will adjust the atmosphere of the venue, combine music with food to unite people's hearts, convey comfort and positive energy, and work with all audiences to turn care into blessings.

In addition, holding the "GIN LEE LIVE IN HONG KONG 2026" concert on February 7 and 8 next year, Gin Lee will donate all the proceeds from the two concerts for disaster relief and reconstruction with the full support of her boss Albert Yeung Sau Sing. At the same time, the Group has also launched an internal employee fundraising campaign to support the residents of Wang Fuk Court.

Joey Yung Cho Yee has always been concerned about the incident and said bluntly, "When I learned about the Tai Po fire accident, I was so shocked, so sad, and felt that the world is impermanent. I have been following the incident for the past two days, and I would like to express my sincerest concern to the firefighters who died in the line of duty, the residents of Wang Fuk Court who have lost their loved ones and their homes, and I am also grateful to the extremely heroic disaster relief workers." Once posted on social platforms to pray for the safety of the victims and firefighters, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin said, "We are very sad that this fire has caused serious casualties and destroyed the homes of the affected residents. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the firefighters who died in the line of duty and the affected residents, and thank all the firefighting heroes and frontline rescuers for their tireless efforts." Gillian Chung Yun Tung said, "Like all Hong Kong people, I am concerned about the Tai Po disaster area and wish the residents who unfortunately passed away rest in peace and the injured recovery as soon as possible. I wish all affected people a speedy rise from the haze and return to normal life."

Planning to donate all the concert proceeds, Gin Lin said, "Over the past few days I have learned that everyone in the community has been making donations enthusiastically. I am very moved by the boss' support for my idea of donating all the concert proceeds. I hope to use this action to gather more strength to help alleviate the huge pressure on them of rebuilding their homes in the future." Group Chairman Albert Yeung Sau Sing said, "I am deeply saddened to see that countless families have lost their homes and loved ones due to this relentless fire. I hope that the injured will recover as soon as possible, and wish all affected people a gradual recovery from their pain and reclaim their lives. 'May the dead rest in peace and the living remain strong'. The road to rebuilding their homes is long, and we hope to work with the public to alleviate the plight of the affected people and overcome the difficulties together." Vice Chairman Alex Yeung Ching Lung said, "We hope that through this donation and mobilization of the Group's volunteers, the Group would be able to contribute to helping the residents of Wang Fuk Court overcome the difficulties, help them cope with the current crisis, and help the community rebuild and recover."

For days show business activities have been either cancelled or postponed due to the fire, and artists have either volunteer in person or made donations. Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Carina Lau Ka Ling donated HK$ 2 million to the Community Chest' Tai Po Fire Relief Assistance Fund; Anson Lo Hon Ting, Angelababy Yeung Wing, G.E.M. Tang Chi Kei each donated HK$ 1 million through the Yan Chia emergency relief fund.

HOW TO SUPPORT FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE DEADLY TAI PO FIRE