The 2025 MAMA Awards is taking a bold leap into uncharted territory by blending the world of anime and K-pop in its much-anticipated Wonder Stage. Collaborating with Netflix’s globally buzzworthy animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, the awards show will present an epic face-off between fictional groups HUNTR/X and Saja Boys performed live by real K-pop idols.
From November 28 to 29, Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong will host this mega-event, uniting K-pop fans across the globe via Mnet Plus and other streaming platforms. This year’s theme, “Hear My Roar: uh-heung (어흥)”, celebrates self-expression across cultures and generations.
The Stage of Legends: HUNTR/X vs Saja Boys
HUNTR/X—the demon-hunting girl group from the film will be portrayed by BABYMONSTER members Pharita, Ahyeon, and Rora, while the villainous Saja Boys will be played by a super-roster of male idols: Lee Han (BOYNEXTDOOR), Wonbin (RIIZE), Shinyu (TWS), and Park Gunwook & Han Yujin (ZEROBASEONE).
The performance is expected to bring the film’s cinematic storyline to life on stage, complete with dynamic choreography, immersive visuals, and a battle narrative that breaks the boundaries between fiction and reality.
Why This Collaboration Is Groundbreaking
Unlike typical tribute performances, this stage is a story-driven, multimedia hybrid, combining animation, real idols, and cinematic visuals. It’s not just a performance it’s an immersive experience that connects the universe of K-Pop Demon Hunters with real-world idol culture.
Furthermore, this collaboration underscores MAMA’s growing identity as not just a music awards show, but a global cultural festival that showcases K-pop’s influence across media and genres. Even Michelle Yeoh, the Oscar-winning actress, is confirmed to appear, adding a prestigious cinematic touch to the event.
What to Expect
- Red Carpet: November 28 & 29, 5:30 PM KST
- Main Ceremony: Starts 7:30 PM KST
- Location: Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong
- Live Streaming: Available via Mnet Plus and other global platforms
With fans eagerly anticipating who will triumph HUNTR/X or Saja Boys this stage may become one of the most iconic in MAMA history. The full-scale crossover between anime narrative and K-pop performance opens a new chapter in creative stage production.
Stay tuned as music, storytelling, and visual artistry collide at the 2025 MAMA Awards.
Sources: Sports Chosun,Korea JoongAng Daily,TenAsia