The 17th Melon Music Awards (MMA 2025) delivered one of the most talked-about nights in recent K-pop history, as G-Dragon emerged as the undisputed centerpiece of the ceremony while BLACKPINK’s Jennie claimed a landmark Record of the Year win. Held on December 20 at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome, the event celebrated the biggest artists, songs, and moments that defined Korean music in 2025.
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| Photo Credit - Melon X Account |
G-Dragon Sweeps the Grand Prizes at MMA 2025
K-pop King G-Dragon dominated the awards with an overwhelming presence, taking home three out of four Daesangs (Grand Prizes) — Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year — marking one of the most powerful sweeps in Melon Music Awards history.
His album “Übermensch” earned Album of the Year, while its opening track “Home Sweet Home” was crowned Song of the Year, cementing the project as the defining release of the year. G-Dragon also won Best Solo Male and Best Song Writer, reinforcing his influence not only as a performer but as a creative force shaping modern K-pop.
Throughout the night, chants of his real name, Kwon Ji-yong, echoed across the dome as fans reacted to his emotional acceptance speeches. Reflecting on his journey post-YG Entertainment, G-Dragon described the album as deeply personal — a mantra about growth, transcendence, and redefining himself as an artist.
His live performances of “Home Sweet Home,” “Power,” and the iconic “Crooked” electrified the venue, with an unexpected on-stage mic handoff to ZICO sparking buzz about raw live authenticity — a moment that instantly became one of MMA 2025’s viral highlights.
251220
— christine ☆ woonhak (@woonhakshots) December 20, 2025
DURING G-DRAGON “CROOKED” HE WALKED TO THE ARTIST SEATS AND EVEN PASSED THE MIC TO TAESAN SCREAMING “MAKE IT LOUDER” 🔥🔥
ZICO EVEN SANG PART OF THE SONG!!!
MMA 2025 BEST AWARD SHOW ENDING EVER??????? pic.twitter.com/PAtbglndgL
Jennie Wins Record of the Year, Marks a Career Milestone
While G-Dragon swept multiple Daesangs, the night’s first Grand Prize belonged to Jennie, who won Record of the Year, making her one of the most talked-about solo winners of MMA 2025.
Visibly emotional, Jennie thanked fans and her team, reflecting on a year she described as both meaningful and lonely as a soloist. Her win further solidified her status as a global powerhouse beyond BLACKPINK, marking a defining moment in her solo career and adding a historic chapter to MMA’s legacy.
Jennie performs Like Jennie at the 2025 MelOn Music Awards.pic.twitter.com/MR0eYKpSJV
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) December 20, 2025
Full Highlights: 2025 Melon Music Awards Winners
The ceremony showcased the depth and diversity of K-pop in 2025, with winners spanning established legends and rising stars:
Top 10 Artists (Bonsang): G-Dragon, Jennie, ROSÉ, aespa, IVE, RIIZE, PLAVE, Lim Young Woong, BOYNEXTDOOR, NCT WISHNew Artist of the Year: ALLDAY PROJECT / Hearts2Hearts
Best Female Group: IVE
Best Male Group: BOYNEXTDOOR
Best Producer: ZICO
Best Performance (Male): RIIZE
Best Performance (Female): ILLIT
Global Artist: aespa
Stage of the Year: aespa
Best OST: “Golden” – HUNTR/X (K-pop Demon Hunters)
With global live streaming via Melon and 1theK, MMA 2025 once again proved why it remains one of the most influential year-end award shows in the industry. From G-Dragon’s era-defining sweep to Jennie’s emotional Record of the Year win, the ceremony captured the evolution of K-pop — where legacy artists and global icons coexist at the peak.
As the five-hour marathon came to a close, one thing was clear: MMA 2025 wasn’t just an awards show — it was a statement year for K-pop’s present and future.
