Park Bo-gum Returns to Host 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong
A familiar face returns! Actor Park Bo-gum is confirmed as the Day 1 host for the 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong. Get the details on the date, new venue, and what this means for the global K-Pop festival.
The first major details for the year-end K-Pop award season are here, as the beloved actor returns to guide global fans through one of the industry’s biggest nights.
A Familiar Face for a Global Celebration
The 2025 MAMA Awards has officially announced its return, and it’s bringing back a host who has become synonymous with the event’s prestige and heartfelt moments. CJ ENM confirmed on October 29 that actor Park Bo-gum will host the first night of the ceremony on Friday, November 28, at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. This marks a celebrated return to the city for the awards show, which is set to be a massive two-day festival for K-Pop fans worldwide.
Park Bo-gum: The Enduring Symbol of MAMA
Park Bo-gum’s connection to the MAMA Awards runs deep. This will be his seventh time hosting, a testament to his steady and charming presence that has guided viewers through some of the award show’s most historic moments. According to official announcements, he has been with MAMA through its rebranding, its first venture into the United States, and multiple ceremonies in Japan’s largest dome stadiums. His return isn’t just about having a host; it’s about bringing back a figure who represents the show’s evolving history and its consistent connection with a global audience. His calm demeanor and genuine love for the music make him the perfect anchor for a night of high-energy performances and emotional wins.
Hong Kong’s New Landmark and a Message of Unity
This year’s MAMA Awards will be held at the Kai Tak Stadium, a brand-new, large-scale landmark in Hong Kong, signaling the event’s commitment to creating a mega-event hub in Asia. The choice of venue underscores the show’s global ambitions. Furthermore, the event will carry the theme ‘UH-HEUNG’ (어-흥), a message encouraging people of all backgrounds to live authentically and without fear. Park Bo-gum is expected to deliver this message of self-acceptance and unity, adding a layer of depth to the celebration. While Western award shows focus purely on accolades, MAMA aims to create a cultural festival, and this year’s theme, combined with the new venue, reinforces that vision.
Fact-Check
- Confirmed: Park Bo-gum is the host for Day 1 (Chapter 1) of the 2025 MAMA Awards.
- Confirmed: The event takes place on November 28 & 29 in Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium.
- Uncertain: The host for Day 2 (Chapter 2) has not yet been announced.
- Uncertain: The full lineup of performing artists and award nominees is still pending.
Practical Takeaways
- Event: 2025 MAMA Awards
- Dates: November 28 (Fri) & November 29 (Sat)
- Location: Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong
- Day 1 Host: Park Bo-gum
- How to Watch: The event will be streamed globally on Mnet Plus and other digital platforms.
Glossary
- MAMA Awards (마마 어워즈; ma-ma eo-weo-jeu): One of the major annual K-pop music awards ceremonies presented by CJ ENM, known for its spectacular performances.
- Host (호스트; ho-seu-teu): The master of ceremonies who guides the awards show.
- Daesang (대상; dae-sang): The “Grand Prize,” the highest honor awarded at Korean music award shows, often split into categories like Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
Stay tuned for more updates on the performer lineup and the host for the second night!