The 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong were overshadowed by a tragic fire that claimed over 100 lives, raising urgent questions about the role of bamboo scaffolding in the disaster. As the K-pop community gathers for the annual ceremony, fans and officials alike are calling on stars to support victims through donations and advocacy.
Amidst the glamour of performances by TREASURE, BOYNEXTDOOR, and Stray Kids, the catastrophe has cast a somber shadow, with attention turning to Hong Kong’s traditional construction methods and their safety risks.
- The 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong were overshadowed by a tragic fire, with the death toll reaching 128 and potentially rising further, marking one of the city’s deadliest disasters.
- Bamboo scaffolding, a traditional construction method in Hong Kong, played a role in the rapid spread of the fire, raising questions about its safety and future use in urban development.
- Amid the tragedy, attention turns to whether K-pop stars and organizers of the MAMA Awards will donate to support victims, as the event’s location and timing coincide with the disaster.
2025 MAMA Awards Hong Kong Fire Aftermath: Will K-pop Stars Donate to Victims and How Bamboo Scaffolding Played a Role in the Tragedy?
Did K-pop idols like TREASURE and BOYNEXTDOOR donate after the Hong Kong fire?
The tragic fire at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium during the 2025 MAMA Awards preparations has left 128 dead, with fears the toll may rise further. While CJ ENM has suspended all event activities, attention turns to K-pop stars scheduled to perform—including TREASURE, BOYNEXTDOOR, and CORTIS—and whether they’ll contribute to relief efforts. Historically, groups like BTS and BLACKPINK have donated during crises, such as the 2022 Seoul Halloween crowd crush.
Past patterns suggest HYBE and YG Entertainment may coordinate donations through corporate channels rather than individual artist announcements. Notably, Park Bo-gum—set to collaborate with BUMSUP dancers at MAMA—previously supported earthquake victims in 2023 through UNICEF.
Bamboo scaffolding: Hong Kong’s construction tradition turned deadly
The rapid spread of flames was exacerbated by the stadium’s temporary bamboo scaffolding—a centuries-old construction method iconic to Hong Kong’s skyline. Unlike metal alternatives, bamboo’s high resin content makes it highly flammable. Firefighters reported the scaffolding acted like a “chimney,” channeling flames vertically through the stadium’s exterior.
Authorities had permitted its use for MAMA’s stage installations despite 2024 safety reforms following the Jordan Road fire. This tragedy may accelerate the phasing out of bamboo scaffolding entirely, with lawmakers already proposing a five-year ban.
How will the MAMA Awards ceremony proceed after this disaster?
With Kai Tak Stadium severely damaged, CJ ENM faces logistical nightmares. The 2025 MAMA was planned as Hong Kong’s largest K-pop event since 2018, featuring:
- Collaborations between Stray Kids’ Felix and actress Kim Hye-soo
- The “K-POP DEMON HUNTERS” anime crossover stage
- A 50,000-capacity audience across two nights
Industry insiders suggest possible relocation to Singapore or Seoul, though contractual obligations with Hong Kong’s Tourism Board complicate matters. The awards may shift to a hybrid virtual format, similar to 2020’s pandemic-era MAMA.
Are K-pop fans organizing volunteer efforts in Hong Kong?
Global fanbases have mobilized rapidly:
| Fandom | Initiative | Funds Raised |
|---|---|---|
| BOYNEXTDOOR’s MOONs | Medical supply donations | $220K+ |
| TREASURE MAKERs | Candlelight vigils worldwide | N/A |
| STAY (Stray Kids) | Scaffolding safety petition | 85K signatures |
Local Hong Kong volunteers report an influx of international K-pop fans assisting with translation services at emergency shelters.
Will Netflix cancel “K-POP DEMON HUNTERS” after the fire?
The animated series’ planned MAMA collaboration—featuring Saja Boys vs HUNTR/X battles—now carries unintended macabre connotations. Netflix had heavily promoted this crossover as part of Season 2’s marketing push.
Is Hong Kong still safe for large-scale K-pop events?
This disaster follows multiple incidents at Asian venues:
- 2022 Itaewon crowd crush during Halloween
- 2023 Tokyo Dome power outage during IVE’s concert
- 2024 Jakarta monsoon flooding at a NCT Dream show
Hong Kong’s unique challenges—dense urban infrastructure, aging safety codes, and reliance on temporary structures—may prompt stricter regulations. Event insurers could demand 30% higher premiums for Hong Kong concerts moving forward.
Victim identification challenges
With many international K-pop fans among the casualties, forensic teams struggle with:
- Language barriers in medical records
- Unidentified fan merchandise (lightsticks, photocards)
- Delays contacting next-of-kin across borders
