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K-Pop Community Mobilizes in Solidarity and Support Following Deadly Hong Kong Fire Ahead of 2025 MAMA Awards


November 29, 2025 In a powerful display of compassion, South Korea’s K-pop industry has swiftly rallied to support victims of the catastrophic apartment fire that struck Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on November 25, claiming at least 44 lives and leaving dozens injured.

As the city prepares to host the prestigious 2025 MAMA Awards this weekend (November 29–30) at Kai Tak Sports Park – located just minutes from the tragedy site – major entertainment agencies and artists have announced significant donations and gestures of respect, transforming what was planned as a celebratory weekend into one marked by mourning and unity.Immediate Response from Major Agencies SM Entertainment became the first agency to announce a donation, pledging HK$1 million (approximately US$128,000) to the Hong Kong Red Cross on November 27. The agency statement read:
Our deepest condolences go out to the victims and their families affected by the tragic fire in Tai Po. SM Entertainment stands in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong during this difficult time.

Hours later, rising girl group aespa – scheduled to perform at MAMA – personally donated HK$500,000 through their agency, with members expressing heartbreak over the proximity of the incident to the awards venue.
Other confirmed contributions include:
  • Stray Kids (JYP Entertainment) – substantial donation (amount undisclosed)

  • IVE (Starship Entertainment) – donation via Korean Red Cross Hong Kong branch

  • Additional agencies and artists are expected to reveal support in the coming hours
Sensitive Adjustments to MAMA Performances Organizers of the 2025 MAMA Awards, hosted by CJ ENM and TVING, confirmed the event will proceed as scheduled but with heightened safety protocols and a moment of silence planned for the victims.In a particularly poignant move, rookie girl group MEOVV (THE L1VE) announced they have altered the lyrics of their performance track “BURNING UP” to remove all fire-related references out of respect for the victims and their families. 

The decision, made just 48 hours before their stage, has been widely praised online as an example of empathy and cultural sensitivity. A Weekend of Contrasting Emotions While the K-pop world descends on Hong Kong for one of its biggest annual celebrations – featuring performances from BTS’Jungkook (pre-recorded), Stray Kids, aespa, NCT Dream, RIIZE, and dozens more – the shadow of the tragedy has deeply affected both artists and fans.One Hong Kong-based fan attending MAMA told reporters:

We’re excited for the show, but everyone’s hearts are heavy. Seeing idols immediately step up to help means so much – it reminds us we’re not alone.”

As the global K-pop community gathers in Hong Kong this weekend, the industry has once again demonstrated its ability to unite for humanitarian causes, turning a moment of grief into one of collective healing and support.
Donations to verified relief funds continue to pour in from fans worldwide under hashtags such as #HongKongStrong and #KPOPWithHK.

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