At the 2025 MAMA Awards Chapter 2, held on November 29 at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, actress Kim Hye Soo opened the ceremony not with glamour, but with grace, empathy, and sincerity—delivering a poignant 3-minute speech that deeply moved the audience.
Known for her dazzling red carpet looks, Kim stepped onto the stage in a modest all-black suit—a deliberate and powerful gesture of mourning. She traded the usual sparkle of award show fashion for a refined look that embodied dignity and compassion. The choice resonated deeply, as Hong Kong continues to grieve the aftermath of one of its deadliest disasters.
Just three days earlier, a massive fire had ravaged the Tai Po district in northern Hong Kong, leaving 128 confirmed dead and over 200 still missing. In light of this tragedy, the atmosphere at MAMA was markedly somber. And as host, Kim Hye Soo set the tone for the night with a calm, unwavering voice that carried strength and sorrow in equal measure.
Delivering her entire opening in fluent English, she addressed the tragedy directly: “Before we begin tonight, I must share that my heart is heavy from the heartbreaking news we’ve received.” She continued, “To those who have been injured, those who have lost loved ones in this sudden disaster—I send you my deepest condolences.”
Her words echoed through the venue, offering more than just sympathy—they offered solidarity. “I sincerely hope a miracle still awaits us,” she added, expressing hope for the safe return of the missing. She then emphasized the event’s slogan—“Support Hong Kong”—and urged everyone to believe in music’s power to heal and unite. “Let us come together in grief and comfort through music,” she concluded.
Kim’s speech redefined what this year’s MAMA stood for. In a moment that could have been all about spectacle, she reminded everyone that even global stages must sometimes serve as platforms for healing. What was meant to be a night of celebration transformed into a tribute—an emotional reminder that K-culture is not just about performance, but also about humanity.
Sources: Daum