The organizers of the 2025 MAMA AWARDS, CJ ENM, issued an official statement addressing the continuation of the ceremony in Hong Kong following a devastating local tragedy.
The decision came after a massive fire broke out in an apartment complex in Hong Kong on November 26, 2025, resulting in a significant loss of life, with reports confirming at least 50 fatalities and hundreds of people still missing as of the following day, November 27.
Expression of Condolences and Commitment to Aid
The music ceremony, one of the biggest annual events in the K-Pop calendar, was scheduled to be held on November 28 and 29 at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.
Following conflicting public reports about potential cancellations or postponements, CJ ENM released a definitive official announcement on the evening of November 27.
The statement began by offering profound sympathies:
“We express our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the fire accident in Hong Kong.”
The organizers also extended “heartfelt sympathy to all those, including the bereaved families, who are experiencing hardship through great loss and anxiety.”
This immediate expression of humanity and solidarity set the tone for the difficult decision to proceed with the event.
To actively support the affected community, the MAMA AWARDS announced their firm intention to “contribute our efforts through donations to support the victims” of the devastating fire, affirming their role as a responsible global organization.
A Shift in Focus: Healing Through Music
Acknowledging the sensitive environment, the statement detailed how the ceremony itself would be adapted to reflect the somber mood of the host city.
The MAMA AWARDS asserted their foundational belief in “the power of music to heal and unite.”
In light of this, the organizers committed to integrating a “Support Hong Kong” message into the broadcast to create a time for sharing in the sorrow and commemoration.
Furthermore, they announced a crucial change in the show’s artistic direction, stating,
“We are carefully preparing the overall stage composition and proceedings to ensure that it becomes a ceremony that conveys comfort and hope, rather than just dazzling productions.”
This shift indicates a deliberate move to prioritize emotional resonance and respect over spectacle, aligning the global event with the community’s need for solace.
Concrete Changes: Cancellation of the Red Carpet
To reflect their commitment to a respectful tone, a key decision was made and announced immediately following the official statement: the cancellation of the red carpet event.
The red carpet is a traditionally extravagant component of any major awards show, known for its focus on celebrity fashion and celebratory atmosphere.
By canceling this portion of the show, which typically precedes the main ceremony, the MAMA AWARDS made a visible, symbolic gesture to eliminate the element of lavish spectacle that would have been inappropriate during a time of widespread mourning.
The announcement was clearly communicated via social media, confirming the immediate cancellation of the red carpet.
Crucially, the statement confirmed that the main awards ceremony will still be broadcast live as planned on November 28 and 29.
The organizers concluded by promising to be “a responsible event that does its utmost until the very end,” ensuring the continuation of the awards while upholding a standard of community respect and support for the victims.
The South Korean entertainment scene is buzzing with the exciting news that two of the nation’s most respected and popular actors, Hyun Bin and Jung Woo Sung , are scheduled to make a rare joint appearance on the popular MBC variety program, The Manager (also known by its full title, Omniscient Interfering View).
The highly anticipated casting was officially confirmed on November 27, 2025, solidifying a moment that is poised to become a major highlight of the upcoming television season.
Promoting the High-Stakes Series Made in Korea
This high-profile guesting is not just a casual event but a strategic part of the promotional push for their shared new project: the highly anticipated Disney+ original series, Made in Korea.
The appearance on The Manager will offer the duo a platform to discuss their collaboration, on-set synergy, and the intense themes of the drama, amplifying the excitement leading up to its premiere.
Made in Korea is described as a high-octane project where both actors take on significant, contrasting roles.
The series pits them against each other, with Jung Woo Sung starring as a tenacious prosecutor driven by an unwavering resolve and a sense of justice.
Hyun Bin and Jung Woo Sung (Credit: YouTube)
In opposition, Hyun Bin is cast in a role that sees him as a character willing to risk his nation’s stability to gain power and wealth.
Leveraging the intimate, often unfiltered format of The Manager is a clever move to humanize these intense on-screen figures and build anticipation by showing their real-life camaraderie and professional respect, which contrasts with their dramatic rivalry in the series.
The Significance of Hyun Bin’s Rare Variety Appearance
For many viewers and industry observers, the most striking element of this confirmation is the participation of Hyun Bin.
A global superstar thanks to iconic roles in K-dramas like Secret Garden and the worldwide phenomenon Crash Landing on You , Hyun Bin is famously selective about his appearances on unscripted variety shows.
He typically maintains a private and professional distance, focusing his public activities on film and drama promotions.
His decision to feature on The Manager, which offers candid, behind-the-scenes glimpses into a celebrity’s daily routine and working life alongside their manager, is a major television event.
This rare opportunity will allow audiences to see a more relaxed, unfiltered side of the actor, offering unique insight into the professional life of one of Hallyu’s biggest stars.
Given his immense global drawing power, the episode featuring Hyun Bin and Jung Woo Sung is widely expected to generate a significant spike in viewership ratings for the popular Saturday night show.
Jung Woo Sung’s Familiarity and Broadcast Details
While Hyun Bin’s appearance marks an exceptional occasion, for the veteran actor Jung Woo Sung, this will be his second time on the program. He previously made a successful solo guest appearance on The Manager in 2022.
His prior experience with the show’s format is invaluable, suggesting he will contribute a comfortable and reliable presence to the joint broadcast.
His familiarity with the show often allows him to reveal a more approachable and grounded persona, which contrasts favorably with his intense, charismatic on-screen image.
The production team confirmed that while the casting is set, the specifics of the broadcast are still being determined.
This includes discussions on the exact filming schedule—though the recording is tentatively scheduled for early December—as well as the final broadcast format and other minute details. The Manager airs every Saturday at 11:10 p.m. KST on MBC.
The joint appearance of these two legends is set to provide viewers with an unforgettable episode, expertly blending high-profile promotional content with the show’s signature intimate celebrity insights.
