“You deserve the universe and more”: Fans celebrate as Stray Kids becomes emotional clinching their first MAMA Daesang for KARMA

On November 29, 2025, during the second day of the 2025 MAMA (Mnet Asian Music Awards), Stray Kids secured the grand prize, VISA Album of the Year, for their album KARMA. The win brings the group their first grand prize or Daesang at MAMA.

The Kpop group’s members became visibly emotional as as they took the stage to deliver their acceptance speech. Leader Bang Chan shared receiving one of the ceremony’s top honors felt “unreal,” saying,

“Since my trainee days I watched on TV and always wanted to stand on the MAMA stage, and to receive such a big award as the grand prize still feels unbelievable. I want to tell our members how hard they worked. We have been through so much, but by comforting and understanding each other we were able to share our beloved music and performances with many people around the world and share joy and strength, which makes me happy.”

He continued thanking STAY, the group’s fandom.

“Receiving this award makes me feel we must work even harder going forward. There are truly many people to thank. PD Park Jin-Young, JYP family, the staff who are by our side, our family members, friends, and the many people who always support us—thanks to them we could come this far. Above all, our driving force, the source of our strength, is STAY. We want to give this big award as a gift to you all. Thank you.” he added.

Following the award announcement, fans celebrated widely on social media. Many shared posts expressing pride and joy with some saying they cried after seeing the members tear up on stage. One fan wrote:

“My stray kids congratulation on winning album of the year at mama awards 2025! you worked so hard for this and i’m so happy to see all your hard work paying off! you have been dreaming about this and witnessing your dream come true is a great honor! you deserve the universe and more!”

Fans quickly took to social media to share their pride, excitement and heartfelt support for the group. Many expressed how deeply the members’ reactions moved them celebrating the group’s milestone.

Fans highlighted the significance of the win, especially noting that Stray Kids were known for producing their own music. Others talked about the members’ emotional reactions on stage. They shared how moved they felt watching the group members react to their first Daesang

Stray Kids reflect on their journey and offer condolences as 2025 MAMA Awards take place amid Hong Kong tragedy

Following leader Bang Chan, Stray Kids member Seungmin echoed similar sentiments. He noted that the group’s journey had been difficult, with many turning points and difficult choices. He expressed appreciation for the members, saying,

“The paths we have walked until now were not easy. There were many crossroads. Because of the countless choices and worries we made facing them, the eight of us can be here now.”

He expressed appreciation for the members and said,

“I want to say a word to the members. From the beginning, we put each other’s dreams side by side on eight shoulders and got to where we are thanks to our members. It also seems to be thanks to STAY, who have supported us with all their might from the front and the back.”

Seungmin further addressed a recent tragedy in Hong Kong, offering condolences to the victims and those affected. He said,

“A few days ago there was a heartbreaking incident here in Hong Kong. I offer my deep condolences to the victims and those affected. I hope Stray Kids’ music and activities can be even a little source of strength, comfort and support to you. We want to continue to be that kind of group.”

He added that, true to the meaning of their name, Stray Kids also experience uncertainty and wandering.

“As the meaning contained in our team name Stray Kids suggests, we also wander every moment, every minute, every second. We are the same as you, and we want to be a group that remains in your memory for a long time so that there are no regrets about the moments you liked in your lives. Thank you sincerely for liking and loving us,” he said.

At the event, the group also took the stage to perform a set of songs, including CREED, Chk Chk Boom, DIVINE and CEREMONY.

The 2025 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) were held on November 28 and 29 at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium. On November 26, just two days before the event, a devastating fire broke out at the 32-story Wong Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po.

The blaze spread across 7 surrounding buildings and continued for nearly 43 hours. According to the BBC, the disaster claimed at least 128 lives. Dozens of residents remained missing, 79 people were confirmed injured and 89 bodies were still unidentified.

Following the tragedy, MAMA organizers conducted several on-site inspections and decided to proceed with the ceremony in a scaled-down format. The event adopted a more subdued tone to acknowledge the city’s ongoing grief including cancellation of red carpet.

Besides Stray Kids, who won Album of the Year, 3 more Daesang, or grand prizes, were awarded at the 2025 MAMA Awards. G-Dragon received Artist of the Year, Rosé and Bruno Mars earned Song of the Year for APT. and ENHYPEN was honored with Fans’ Choice of the Year.