As winter settles over Seoul, excitement is building for one of the biggest events in K-pop — the 17th Melon Music Awards (MMA 2025). Taking place at the iconic Gocheok Sky Dome, the ceremony celebrates the artists who defined the year on the Melon platform. This year’s slogan, “Play The Moment,” which focuses on the musical memories that shaped 2025.
The organizers have brought together a talented lineup of performers, which includes BLACKPINK’s Jennie. On December 5, Melon announced nominees and the voting had already begun. Since MMA 2025 is happening in less than two weeks, here is what fans need to know.
Melon Music Awards 2025 Schedule
MMA 2025 returns to Gocheok Sky Dome after three years on December 20, 2025. The night begins with the Red Carpet ceremony at 4:00 PM KST, where artists will showcase their fashion choices before heading into the main event at 5:00 PM KST. Fans can expect a full evening of emotional speeches, standout performances, and major award announcements.
How to Watch MMA 2025 Live
Fans in South Korea can watch the show live through Wavve, the Melon app, and the Melon website. International viewers will be able to tune in through a global livestream on the official Melon and 1theK YouTube channels, available for free in most countries. In Japan, the event will stream exclusively on U-NEXT, while German viewers can watch through MagentaTV.
Performing Artist Lineup
Melon Music Awards has always delivered unforgettable stages, and 2025 is no different. The lineup features legends, top idols, and fast-rising newcomers.
Legendary Returns & Top Soloists
- G-DRAGON (BIGBANG)
- EXO
- Jennie (BLACKPINK)
- ZICO
- Jay Park (with LNGSHOT, H1ghr Music)
- WOODZ
- 10CM
Top-Tier Groups (4th & 5th Generation)
- IVE
- aespa
- RIIZE
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- PLAVE
- NCT WISH
- ILLIT
Rising Stars & Festival Favorites
- Hearts2Hearts
- KiiiKiii
- ALLDAY PROJECT
- IDID
- ALPHA DRIVE ONE
- HANRORO
Awards, Criteria, and Categories
The Melon Music Awards are known for their heavy emphasis on data. Most categories are decided by a combination of 60% Melon streaming and download data, 20% expert judges, and 20% fan votes. Voting for fans runs from December 5 to December 19, 2025.
The “Millions Top 10” award, given to albums that surpass 1 million streams within 24 hours of release. This puts even more weight on digital performance, with 80% of the score determined by data.
Below are all major categories and nominees — with no details omitted.
Artist of the Year
- aespa
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- G-DRAGON (BIGBANG)
- IVE
- Jennie (BLACKPINK)
- Lim Young Woong
- NCT WISH
- PLAVE
- RIIZE
- Rosé (BLACKPINK)
Album of the Year
- BABYMONSTER – “DRIP”
- G-DRAGON (BIGBANG) – “Übermensch”
- IU – “Kkot Galpi 3”
- IVE – “IVE EMPATHY”
- Jennie (BLACKPINK) – “Ruby”
- Lim Young Woong – “IM HERO 2”
- PLAVE – “Caligo Pt.1”
- RIIZE – “ODYSSEY”
- Rosé (BLACKPINK) – “rosie”
- SEVENTEEN – “HAPPY BURSTDAY”
Song of the Year
- 10CM – “To Reach You”
- BABYMONSTER – “DRIP”
- BOYNEXTDOOR – “IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU”
- G-DRAGON (BIGBANG) – “HOME SWEET HOME” (feat. Taeyang, Daesung)
- HUNTR/X – “Golden”
- IVE – “REBEL HEART”
- Jennie (BLACKPINK) – “like JENNIE”
- Maktub – “Starting With You”
- Rosé (BLACKPINK) – “toxic till the end”
- ZO ZAZZ – “Don’t you know”
New Artist of the Year
- ALLDAY PROJECT
- Hearts2Hearts
- JAESSBEE
- KiiiKiii
- ZO ZAZZ
Best Female Group
- aespa
- BABYMONSTER
- Hearts2Hearts
- IVE
- LE SSERAFIM
Best Male Group
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- PLAVE
- RIIZE
- SEVENTEEN
- TXT
Best Female Soloist
- IU
- Jennie (BLACKPINK)
- Jisoo (BLACKPINK)
- Rosé (BLACKPINK)
- Taeyeon
Best Male Soloist
- 10CM
- G-DRAGON (BIGBANG)
- Lim Young Woong
- Maktub
- ZO ZAZZ
Specialty Awards
The 2025 ceremony introduces new and unique categories that recognize both global and underground talent.
- Japan Favorite Artist (new in 2025) – voted exclusively by Japanese fans via U-NEXT.
- Best Pop Artist – featuring Don Toliver, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, KATSEYE, and Lady Gaga.
- Track Zero Choice – highlighting indie and underground artists such as Bek Hyunjin, HANRORO, and Kim Oki.
Mark your calendar for December 20 when MMA 2025 will be held in Seoul.