The Melon Music Awards (MMA) 2025 has surprised fans with the announcement that Jennie and aespa will join this year’s performer lineup. The ceremony, held under the theme “Play The Moment,” is scheduled for December 20 at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
On November 19, organizers announced girl group aespa and global pop star Jennie will join the MMA 2025 lineup. The Melon Music Awards 2025 is grabbing a lot of eyeballs for its star-studded lineup, which also includes EXO and G-Dragon. The officials may announce bigger stars as part of the lineup in the coming days.
Jennie, a member of BLACKPINK and a major solo star, has had a standout year following the release of her debut solo album, Ruby. The album produced several successful tracks, including “Mantra,” which reached #98 on Billboard HOT 100. Her collaboration song “ExtraL” (ft. Doechii) entered the aforesaid chart at #75.
The lead single “like JENNIE,” recently surpassed 600 million streams on Spotify—making it one of the fastest-growing solo female hits of 2025. It is not every day fans get to see Jennie perform at an award ceremony, so fans are particularly excited.
aespa also returns to the MMA stage after a strong showing last year, where they won seven awards, including all three Daesangs. Their performance this year comes after the success of their EP Rich Man and the positive response to their fifth EP, Whiplash.
Jennie and aespa join a lineup that has been revealed in stages throughout November. Among the performers are EXO, appearing at the MMA for the first time in six years. ZICO, returns after nine years; and Jay Park, will take the stage for the first time in sixteen years alongside LNGSHOT and artists from H1GHR MUSIC.
Other confirmed performers include 10CM, WOODZ, HANRORO, G-Dragon, IVE, RIIZE, BOYNEXTDOOR, PLAVE, NCT WISH, ILLIT, Hearts2Hearts, KiiiKiii, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, and more.
The 2025 ceremony also introduces several changes. One of the most notable is the addition of an expert review panel to the award selection process. This panel works alongside fan voting and Melon’s streaming data to create a more balanced evaluation.
Ticket sales are being handled exclusively through Melon Ticket, with a pre-sale on November 24 for Melon MVIP, VIP, and GOLD members, followed by a general sale starting November 27.
