The Melon Music Awards 2025 (MMA 2025) is already looking like one of the biggest K-pop events of the year. The show is set to take place on December 20, 2025, and fans are excited to see it return to the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. It is a familiar venue that has hosted many iconic MMA stages in the past. After being held at Incheon’s Inspire Arena in 2024, this year feels like a meaningful homecoming.
The MMA is organized by Kakao Entertainment, and what makes it stand out among year-end shows is its judging system. Instead of relying only on fan votes, the MMA blends real data with public participation and expert insight.
For 2025, the criteria for the important “TOP 10” category were updated:
- 60% digital sales and streaming on Melon
- 20% online voting
- 20% expert evaluation
This new system is designed to highlight artists who made a strong impact both in numbers and in musical quality. Another big change this year is that only paid Melon subscribers can reserve tickets, which the organizers say is meant to give loyal users priority.
Melon Music Awards 2025 Lineup
This year’s MMA lineup is already full of well-known names, rising groups, and long-awaited returns. So far, the confirmed list includes:
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- IVE
- PLAVE
- RIIZE
- ILLIT
- ALLDAY PROJECT
- Hearts2Hearts
- IDID
- KiiiKiii
- NCT WISH
- G-DRAGON
- EXO
- ZICO
- Jay Park, LNGSHOT, H1GHR MUSIC
- WOODZ
- 10CM
- HANRORO
- ALPHA DRIVE ONE
Rookies like ILLIT, PLAVE, and NCT WISH will share the stage with major groups such as IVE, RIIZE, and BOYNEXTDOOR. On top of that, the return of legends like G-DRAGON and EXO is creating huge buzz. Fans are especially curious about what kind of stage G-DRAGON will perform, as every comeback from him tends to make headlines.
There are also exciting collaborations. Jay Park’s performance will include his group LNGSHOT and the H1GHR MUSIC crew. This kind of lineup shows that MMA 2025 is intending for variety, not just traditional idol stages.
The show begins at 5 PM KST, and with such a large venue, fans can expect high-energy stages, big LED sets, and dramatic production. For international fans, there are foreigner-only ticket packages available through platforms like Trazy, offering ground seating. These tickets strictly allow non-Korean nationals only, and anyone who isn’t eligible will not be able to enter.
With the theme “Play the Moment,” MMA 2025 seems ready to highlight what makes K-pop so dynamic.
Mark your calendar for December 20 when MMA 2025 will take place in Seoul.