( Entertainment Correspondent, Mnet Photos)
Hong Kong – November 30, 2025,
In a glittering culmination of two days of electrifying performances and fierce competition, G-Dragon emerged victorious as the Artist of the Year at the 2025 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), held at the iconic Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. The Daesang win, presented by legendary actor Chow Yun-Fat, marked the third time the BIGBANG leader has claimed the prestigious honor, underscoring his enduring influence on the global K-pop landscape.
The 37-year-old artist, born Kwon Ji-yong, dominated the ceremony on November 29, sweeping four major awards: Artist of the Year, Best Male Artist, Best Dance Performance (Male Solo), and Fans' Choice Top 10 (Male). His triumph came amid a star-studded lineup featuring acts like Stray Kids, who took home Album of the Year for KARMA, and ROSÉ, who clinched Best Female Artist. G-Dragon's victories were a testament to his multifaceted artistry, blending innovative music, captivating choreography, and unwavering fan devotion.
Accepting the top prize, G-Dragon delivered a poignant acceptance speech, reflecting on his journey and gratitude toward his supporters. "This award isn't just mine it's for every VIP who believed in me through the highs and lows," he said, visibly moved as the crowd erupted in cheers. The moment resonated deeply, evoking memories of his groundbreaking 2013 win, making him the first and only solo artist to secure the Daesang twice in MAMA history.G-Dragon's 2025 resurgence has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Following a highly anticipated comeback with his album Übermensch, he embarked on a sold-out world tour that captivated audiences from Seoul to Los Angeles. Tracks like the titular single dominated Korean charts for months, amassing billions of streams and solidifying his chart-topping prowess. Industry analysts point to Circle Chart metrics encompassing sales, streams, and digital performance as key factors in his sweep, where he outpaced competitors like ROSÉ and JENNIE by a significant margin.Fans and peers flooded social media with effusive praise in the hours following the broadcast. "No promo, no noise, just pure talent and timeless impact.
Congrats to the king," tweeted one admirer, capturing the sentiment of a global fanbase that trended #GDRAGON and #MAMA2025 worldwide. On X (formerly Twitter), reactions highlighted his record-breaking feat: "G-Dragon did it again—Artist of the Year twice! A living legend," posted another user, accompanied by clips of his electrifying stage presence.
Even amid light-hearted rivalries, such as comparisons to BTS's Jin, the consensus was clear: G-Dragon's win was a masterclass in longevity and innovation.The 2025 MAMA Awards, broadcast live across Asia and streamed globally on platforms like YouTube and Mnet, drew over 100 million viewers, blending veteran icons with rising stars.
Performances from aespa, SEVENTEEN, and a surprise collaboration between ROSÉ and Bruno Mars added to the night's high energy, but it was G-Dragon's poised elegance and boundary-pushing artistry that stole the spotlight. As K-pop continues to evolve, G-Dragon's latest accolades serve as a reminder of his role as a trailblazer. From debuting with BIGBANG in 2006 to pioneering solo ventures like Heartbreaker and Coup d'Etat, he has shaped generations of artists.
With whispers of upcoming projects, including potential collaborations and a fashion line expansion, the "King of K-Pop" shows no signs of slowing down.In the words of one longtime fan: "We've waited, we believed, and he delivered like only he can." For G-Dragon, 2025 isn't just a year of wins it's a coronation.
Read also: BABYMONSTER Stuns at 2025 MAMA Awards with Electrifying Covers of 'KPop Demon Hunters' OST Tracks