The 3rd lineup for the 2025 The Fact Music Awards (TMA) has just been announced, and it's nothing short of legendary. On September 20, the glittering skyline of Macau will witness a historic celebration of K-pop as Stray Kids, aespa, and IVE join the already star-studded list of performers.
Stray Kids: K-pop Royalty Returns
Stray Kids’ inclusion in the lineup is more than just a performance—it’s a victory lap. The group has had an unprecedented year, establishing themselves as the most successful act on the TMA stage and across the global K-pop landscape. From their debut win as "Next Leader" at the very first TMA in 2018 to sweeping major categories year after year, their relationship with the awards show is deep-rooted and ever-evolving.
Now, they return to the TMA stage as global giants. Their ongoing world tour, including record-shattering shows in Europe such as a sold-out performance at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, has been hailed as the biggest K-pop tour ever undertaken. And the best part? It’s not even over.
Stray Kids recently announced their long-awaited comeback with their fourth full-length album ‘KARMA’, set to drop on August 22 at 1 PM KST (midnight EST). This marks their first full album in over two years since the explosive success of ★★★★★ (5-STAR). As they gear up for TMA 2025, fans can expect a newly recharged Stray Kids—battle-hardened, world-toured, and more passionate than ever.
It’s easy to forget amid their platinum records and global tours that these eight members remain some of the most grounded and humble idols in the industry. That rare blend of success and sincerity is what sets them apart—and what makes their TMA performance one of the most anticipated moments of the year.
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| Photo Credit - @thefact_TMA |
aespa: The Million-Seller Machine Joins the Celebration
aespa, another pillar of the fourth-generation K-pop wave, is also returning to light up the TMA stage—this time with even greater momentum. The group claimed Daesang (Grand Prize) at last year’s ceremony, along with awards for Artist of the Year and Listener’s Choice. Their triple crown solidified their dominance—and they’re not slowing down.
In June, aespa released their second single album ‘Dirty Work’, continuing their six-time streak as million-sellers. Their hit mini-album Whiplash (October 2024) also proved their enduring impact, blending edgy concepts with infectious sounds. With their third world tour set to begin this August in Seoul, aespa is poised to deliver another unforgettable TMA performance.
If past stages are any indication, expect futuristic visuals, synchronized precision, and the unmistakable charisma only aespa can deliver.
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| Photo Credit - @thefact_TMA |
IVE Also Confirmed: Girl Group Power Triples
Rounding out this jaw-dropping lineup is IVE—another fan-favorite group whose performances never disappoint. After dominating the 2025 K-pop scene with IVE EMPATHY and earning 15 music show wins, IVE has cemented their place among the elite.
Their pre-release track REBEL HEART earned a spot in Billboard’s “Top 25 K-pop Songs of 2025 (So Far),” and their live stages at Lollapalooza Berlin and Paris wowed international audiences. IVE is the only K-pop girl group invited to Lollapalooza three times across three countries—a feat that reflects their global appeal.
Having previously earned accolades at the TMA—including Artist of the Year and Best Performer—IVE’s upcoming appearance is set to raise the bar once again.
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| Photo Credit - @thefact_TMA |
A Record-Breaking Night Awaits
This year’s TMA will be held at the Macao Outdoor Performance Venue, a 50,000-capacity open-air stadium—the largest of its kind to host a Korean awards show. The venue promises a new level of scale and spectacle, blending the grandeur of a music festival with the glamour of an awards show.
Organized by The Fact and Fan N Star, the 2025 TMA is already shaping up to be the biggest in its history, with previous lineups including ENHYPEN, ZEROBASEONE, NMIXX, BOYNEXTDOOR, and more. Now, with Stray Kids, aespa, and IVE added, the dream lineup is complete.