MAMA Awards 2025: The ‘K Pop Demon Hunters’ Showdown in Hong Kong

MAMA Awards 2025 brings “K Pop Demon Hunters” to life on stage in Hong Kong.
Rising idols perform “Gonna be Golden” and “I’ll Be Your Idol.”
A fresh fusion of animation and live K pop performance.

The MAMA Awards 2025 in Hong Kong is set to become a spectacular stage where fantasy and reality collide. At Kai Tak Stadium on November 28–29, 2025, Mnet will present a special Wonder Stage in collaboration with the animated film “K Pop Demon Hunters” from Netflix. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation and directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film follows the idol trio Huntrix, who become demon hunters and face off against the demonic boy band Saja Boys. Released on Netflix on June 20, 2025, the film earned global praise and broke viewership records. Mnet will not only screen the film but also bring Huntrix and Saja Boys to life through real idol performers.

The grand concept of MAMA 2025 is “UH HEUNG,” symbolizing the spirit of K hip and the explosive energy of K pop. Alongside performances from Stray Kids, aespa, Super Junior and dozens of other groups, both the red carpet event at 5:30 PM KST and the main ceremony at 7:30 PM KST will be broadcast live via Mnet Plus. The Wonder Stage collaboration with “K Pop Demon Hunters” stands out as its biggest attraction, featuring rising generation idols from multiple agencies. They will perform two songs from the film: “Gonna be Golden” and “I’ll Be Your Idol.” It is a rare opportunity for fans to watch their favorite animated characters portrayed by real life idols.

Wonder Stage: The Epic Clash Between Huntrix and Saja Boys

“K Pop Demon Hunters” follows the adventures of Huntrix, Rumi, Mira and Zoey, as they protect the magical fortress Honmoon using their voices to withstand demon attacks. They prepare the song “Golden” to strengthen Honmoon, but the rising popularity of Saja Boys, a demon boy band formed by Jinu, weakens the fortress instead. The Wonder Stage transforms this battle into a live showdown between female and male idols.

The “Gonna be Golden” performance representing Huntrix features Pharita (BABYMONSTER), Ahyeon (BABYMONSTER) and Rora (BABYMONSTER). Meanwhile, “I’ll Be Your Idol” representing Saja Boys will be performed by Leehan (BOYNEXTDOOR), Wonbin (RIIZE), Shinyu (TWS), Park Gun Wook and Han Yu Jin (ZEROBASEONE).

According to Soompi, the three BABYMONSTER members will transform into Huntr/x, showcasing their charisma and vocal strength as they protect fans from the demons. They will face the real life version of Saja Boys: Leehan, Wonbin, Shinyu, Park Gun Wook and Han Yu Jin. MAMA Awards emphasized that this special stage aims to unite the world of animation and reality, allowing viewers to experience the film’s climax live on stage.

This collaboration also elevates the rising reputation of the new generation idols. Pharita, Ahyeon and Rora only recently debuted, yet Mnet trusted them to perform “Gonna be Golden,” the energetic anthem originally sung by HUNTR/X in the film. The song expresses courage and hope as they strive to turn Honmoon into gold. Meanwhile, Leehan, Wonbin, Shinyu, Park Gun Wook and Han Yu Jin will deliver “I’ll Be Your Idol,” the charming track by Saja Boys. Their appearance underscores MAMA Awards 2025’s intention to highlight the growing synergy among animation, music and the increasingly global K pop industry.

Organizers also announced a lineup of star presenters, including Park Bo Gum and Kim Hye Soo, along with 25 global figures from various fields. Beyond the Wonder Stage, MAMA 2025 will also feature Super Junior’s 20th anniversary celebration, the premiere of a new track from Stray Kids and performances from aespa, ENHYPEN and RIIZE. Hosting the event in Hong Kong further reinforces MAMA’s identity as Asia’s leading global oriented music festival.

As anticipation builds for this special stage, various online reactions have begun to emerge. Many fans feel satisfied with Mnet’s choices, while others focus on technical vocal concerns or question certain casting decisions. These varied comments reflect just how much public attention this crossover between animation and K pop has been generating.

“MAMA knows BABYMONSTER will make Huntr/x and Golden spectacular. Pharita, Ahyeon and Rora will dominate that stage.”

“Thank you for choosing BABYMONSTER members. They are recognized for their vocal strength and stage command even though they just debuted. This will be golden.”

“I think Ahyeon’s vocal tone does not suit Golden; the high note part is not strong enough.”

“Sorry, picking singers for Golden without including Lily or Haewon is insane.”

“Show the world your beautiful and unique voice, Rora. Korea should be proud to have someone this gorgeous and talented.”

With excitement reaching its peak and the Wonder Stage promising a visually stunning blend of storytelling and performance, MAMA Awards 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most innovative ceremonies in recent years. Fans now wait to see whether this ambitious fusion of animation and live K pop talent will set a new standard for global music award shows.

Source: Allkpop, Soompi, OSEN, Wikipedia.