Controversy at the 2025 MAMA Awards: G-Dragon's performance and awards criticized
Hong Kong witnessed a tumultuous and controversial night on the second day of the 2025 MAMA Awards, held at Kai Tak Sports Arena. Instead of celebrating the return of a K-pop legend, the event devolved into a heated debate and scathing criticism directed at veteran Korean star G-Dragon, leader of the legendary group BIGBANG.
The controversy began immediately after the final results of the awards ceremony were announced, with G-Dragon winning three major awards, most notably the top prize, "Artist of the Year," in addition to the awards for Best Male Solo Artist and Best Male Solo Dance Performance for his song "Too Bad," featuring Anderson Park. These results did not go unnoticed, as a large segment of internet users in South Korea and beyond considered these accolades "undeserved" compared to the achievements of other artists during the year.
Accusations of favoritism and ignoring rising stars
Fans pointed the finger at the concert's organizing committee, pointing to clear favoritism towards the second generation of K-pop at the expense of the third and fourth generations who dominated the music charts throughout 2025. Many critics and followers felt that artists like Rosé from BLACKPINK, or AESPA, who achieved record numbers this year, were more deserving of the title of "Artist of the Year".
The anger wasn't limited to local fans; it extended to the international fanbase, particularly BTS supporters. Fans expressed their deep disappointment at J-Hope's loss in the Best Dance Performance award, pointing out the overwhelming success of his song "Monalisa," which surpassed its competitors. Others noted that Jin and J-Hope's intensive artistic activity in 2025 warranted greater recognition in the solo artist category.
A live performance that raises questions
The situation worsened after G-Dragon took to the stage for his performance. Instead of dazzling the audience with a performance befitting his title as "King of K-Pop," the show was described as "disastrous" by many in the audience and viewers watching the live stream. The artist performed three songs: "Drama," his classic hit "Heartbreaker" from 2009, and "Untitled, 2014.".
The performance suffered from obvious technical and artistic problems. G-Dragon's voice sounded weak and unstable, with noticeable variations in sound quality, often rendering the lyrics unclear. This lackluster performance led many to question the criteria the judges used to award him the prizes, arguing that a live performance is the true measure of an artist's talent and longevity.
Background and significance of the event
The MAMA (Mnet Asian Music Awards) is one of the most important music events in Asia and is often considered a benchmark for success in the K-pop industry. G-Dragon's name has long been associated with this event, thanks to years of iconic performances that shaped the history of the Korean Wave (Hallyu). His return to the stage after years of absence was a highly anticipated event globally, given his status as a fashion and music icon and a founder of modern Korean hip-hop.
However, the significant gap between public expectations and the reality witnessed at the Hong Kong theater, coupled with the recurring controversy surrounding the transparency of the MAMA awards ceremony, may cast a shadow on the event's credibility this year. The question lingers in artistic circles: Did the committee rely on G-Dragon's "history" and big name to award him the prizes, or were there artistic criteria overlooked by the disgruntled public?
