With the 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong just a day away, a massive apartment fire in the Tai Po district has cast uncertainty over the event’s proceedings.
Industry insiders revealed on Thursday that the MAMA Awards production team and representatives from participating idol groups are engaged in urgent discussions regarding various aspects of the ceremony, including its execution and format. The awards show is scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium.
The discussions come in the wake of a catastrophic fire that erupted at a high-rise residential complex in northern Tai Po, Hong Kong, at approximately 2:52 p.m. local time on Wednesday. The blaze has claimed 44 lives, with a staggering 279 individuals still unaccounted for. Firefighters have managed to extinguish four of the seven affected buildings within about 10 hours, while efforts to contain the fire in the remaining three structures continue, even 16 hours after the initial outbreak.
In response to the severity of the disaster, Hong Kong authorities have elevated the alert level to the highest category, Level 5 – a measure not taken since 2008.
The fire-stricken area lies approximately 20 km (about 12.4 miles) from the MAMA Awards venue. As the city grapples with the tragedy, a somber mood has descended upon the community, leading to the cancellation of several local events and election-related forums. Local media outlets are now speculating about the potential postponement of major events, including the MAMA Awards.
The entertainment industry is now closely watching for any decision regarding the MAMA Awards. However, with the event’s scheduled start just hours away, cancellation presents significant logistical challenges. Many K-pop idols have already arrived in Hong Kong, while others are en route. Moreover, stage preparations and rehearsals are already underway.
Adding to the complexity, Hong Kong-born stars Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh, slated to present awards, are reportedly reconsidering their participation. Should they decide to attend, substantial revisions to the script and production direction would be necessary, further complicating matters. The production team is meticulously reviewing the program to ensure the removal of any potentially insensitive fire-related content.
