When you think of charm, warmth, and class on the MAMA Awards stage, one name naturally comes to mind — Park Bo-gum. The actor is officially making his return as the host of Chapter 1 of the 2025 MAMA Awards, one of the biggest global celebrations of K-pop and Asian entertainment. On October 29, 2025, CJ ENM published the announcement that many fans had been eagerly waiting for — Park Bo-gum Returns to Host 2025 MAMA Awards, marking yet another milestone in his incredible journey.
This is set to be Park Bo-gum’s seventh time hosting this event after hosting in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024. It has been great to see Bo-gum’s calm preparation develop as a hallmark of the MAMA material, showing no shortage of professionalism while engaging with artists and the audience.
It is incredibly reassuring to many fans that when the stage gets bigger every year, at least some things will never change at the MAMA Awards.
But wait — how did this all start?
And why is everyone talking about this being such a special moment for both Bo-gum and MAMA fans around the world?
Let’s start from the beginning. Back in 2017, when Park Bo-gum first took the MAMA stage, no one really knew he’d end up becoming one of its most loved and iconic hosts. Us time pe bas ek young actor tha jo apna charm aur simplicity se sabka dil jeet raha tha — but who knew, right? Year after year, fans started connecting his name with MAMA itself. His calm smile, the way he interacts with artists, aur wo ek comforting vibe — it just became a part of the show’s identity.
And now, after all these years, he’s coming back again — not just as a host, but as the face that brings warmth, nostalgia, and excitement to one of the biggest nights in K-pop.
A Grand Comeback to Hong Kong
MAMA will again be hosted in Hong Kong for its 2025 ceremony, taking place over two days, November 28 and 29, at the newly finished Kai Tak Stadium, home to over 50,000 spectators.
Returning to Hong Kong has added significance. From 2012 to 2018, Hong Kong was home to MAMA’s worldwide operations including many unique live performances and moments. Now, with a few years of MAMA events in Japan and the USA, the “International” chapter is returning to where it truly began.
The event will be streamed live around the world using Mnet Plus and other internet streaming sources, allowing fans to watch globally from anywhere. This year’s event official title sponsor is Visa, recognition of the worldwide importance of the event.
The Meaning Behind “UH-HEUNG”
Every year, MAMA selects a theme that encapsulates the essence of its celebration. The 2025 theme, “UH-HEUNG,” signifies joy, enthusiasm, and sincerity. It is a distinctly Korean term describing a feeling when people are joyful and excited together.
Furthermore, it is a reference to Mnet’s 30th anniversary, which is a milestone as it’s been 30 years since the music channel started changing the entertainment landscape in Korea.
UH-HEUNG is not just a tagline for MAMA 2025. It is also a reminder to focus on one’s individual experience, and to be proud of who you are. This simple notion has powerful resonance among the global K-Pop fan base.
Through this year’s theme, MAMA 2025 is proud to demonstrate that music unites us beyond race, culture, and geography, reminding us all that joy and creativity are their own languages.
Related K-Content Updates
2025 is shaping up to be a major year for Park Bo-gum beyond his MAMA appearance.
New Variety Show:
The actor is set to appear in a new healing variety show, where fans will see a more relaxed, everyday side of him. Read more about it on Park Bo-gum New Variety Show.
Park Bo-gum and Kim Nam-gil Collaboration:
Rumors are circulating about a potential collaboration between Park Bo-gum and Kim Nam-gil, two of Korea’s most respected actors. Their project is already generating buzz among fans. Full story here: Park Bo-gum and Kim Nam-gil.
10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025:
Before the MAMA Awards, the spotlight will also shine on the 10th Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2025, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The event is expected to feature top K-pop and K-drama stars from across Asia. Details here: 10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025.
Park Bo-gum’s Lasting Legacy on the MAMA Stage
Park Bo-gum has a distinguished reputation when it comes to hosting. His MAMA journey began in 2017, and since then, he has become indelibly linked to MAMA’s identity. Be it the first editions in Hong Kong, the spectacle of Osaka, or the historic first-ever U.S. MAMA in 2024, Bo-gum brought warmth and elegance.
CJ ENM calls him “symbolic, steady, and sincere — ideal adjectives for the spirit of MAMA.” Those words are as true today as they were then. Bo-gum is not only a host; he is part of MAMA’s story — someone who helps on the respective stages, who makes it feel glamorous but meaningful all at once.
This year, he will step onto the stage for Chapter 1 of the two-day event, embodying the tone for what is presumed to be one of the grandest ceremonies from MAMA. Fans already know what they are in for: Bo-gum’s trademark calm smile, genuine experiences with performers, and reserved confidence, allowing the spotlight to harness half of the artistry it should be illuminating.
What Makes 2025 So Special
The buzz surrounding the 2025 awards isn’t driven solely by the awards themselves but rather by a renewed sense of nostalgia. Returning to Hong Kong, where we first found MAMA’s true international audience, feels like completing a delightful circle.
At the same time, Mnet celebrating its 30th anniversary gives historical significance to this year’s awards. Mnet has been at the forefront of K-pop’s globalization for three decades, from idol generations to global stars.
This year’s MAMA will be a celebration of not only the artists of 2025 but also the cultural evolution that allowed K-pop to be globalized.
Park Bo-gum’s Busy Year Ahead
In addition to MAMA, it appears that 2025 is becoming a significant year for Park Bo-gum. We will soon see another side of him in an upcoming healing variety show, in addition to stepping away from the ‘perfect public persona,’ as he shifts gears to show his ordinary charm in everyday moments. This is a shift that many fans have welcomed with anticipation, especially after preliminary reports asserted that it would reveal his gentle demeanor and mindful observations.
Meanwhile, speculation has begun to rise over his potential collaboration with actor Kim Nam-gil. The two actors are known for their versatility and powerful on-screen presence, and initial rumors have introduced the idea that they may be working together on a significant project of undefined nature. Regardless, the idea of this collaboration evoked enthusiasm throughout many online communities.
Finally, the 10th Anniversary of the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2025 is approaching, featuring K-pop idols and K-drama celebrities. As this event approaches, it becomes another event to look forward to as we witness this milestone event.
Who Will Host Chapter 2?
For now, CJ ENM has only revealed Park Bo-gum as the host for Chapter 1, leaving fans to speculate about who will take the mic for Chapter 2 on November 29. Social media is filled with predictions — from leading K-pop idols to top actresses who might surprise everyone with their stage charisma.
The mystery adds another layer of excitement to this year’s show, as fans eagerly wait for the final reveal.
Why Park Bo-gum Still Feels Like the Perfect Choice
There is an ageless quality to Park Bo-gum’s style of hosting. He does not lean on colorful gimmicks or over-the-top reactions. Rather, the warmth and sincerity he possesses does the heavy lifting, and his calm demeanor provides a sense of balance to the fast-paced, high-energy world of MAMA, reminding everyone that underneath the lights and the music, it is again about connection and appreciation.
Throughout the years, he has welcomed artists from all generations, been next to some of K-pop’s most prominent figures, and seen countless emotional moments — from first wins to heartfelt speeches. For the fans, seeing him back on stage is like coming back home.
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Final Thought
As the 2025 MAMA Awards make their way back to Hong Kong, there’s a lot of anticipation. The lineup, theme, and performances all suggest that the event will celebrate music in its purest, most joyful way. And, once again, guiding that celebration will be Park Bo-gum, a host that embodies everything we celebrate at MAMA — elegance, sincerity, and heart.
Year-on-year, the MAMA stage expands, and therein Bo-gum continues to grow his legacy. His arc with the program reflects that some stars don’t just shine… they illuminate.
