[2025 TMA] Macao's K-Pop Festival Heats Up... SKZ Won Four Awards

Macao to Host a Full Lineup on the 20th, From "5th Generation Rookies" to "Global Stars"

Stray Kids, Aespa, IVE... A Series of Stunning Performances and Awards

<더팩트>가 주최하고 팬앤스타와 더스퀘어이엔엠이 주관하는 2025 더팩트 뮤직 어워즈(THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)가 20일 오후 마카오 아웃도어 퍼포먼스 베뉴에서 열린 가운데 그룹 스트레이 키즈가 레코드 오프 더 이어를 수상한 뒤 소감을 밝히고 있다. /마카오=배정한 기자

Source: Reporter Bae Jeong-han

[The Fact | Seo Da-bin] Under the star-filled night sky of Macao, a festival unfolded. The "2025 The Fact Music Awards," embracing the present and future of K-Pop, concluded successfully with spectacular performances and the enthusiasm of fans worldwide. Featuring a full lineup of artists, from newcomers to top global artists, the awards ceremony showcased the true essence of K-Pop.

The awards ceremony, held on the 20th at the Macao Outdoor Performance Venue, featured artists who have been active both domestically and internationally over the past year: NEXZ, Meovv, BOYNEXTDOOR, Stray Kids, IVE, AHOF, aespa, NMIXX, NCT Wish, ENHYPEN, ZEROBASEONE, CLOSE YOUR EYES, KiiiKiii, TWS, and Hearts2Hearts (in alphabetical order). They delivered high-quality performances and connected with global fans.

The awards ceremony opened with a dazzling performance by the "5th generation hot rookies" who will lead the future of K-pop. Hearts2Hearts performed Red Velvet's "Red Flavor," Close Your Eyes performed Seventeen's "HOT," KiiiKiii performed Blackpink's "DDU-DU DDU-DU," and AHOF performed BTS's "Dynamite," each reinterpreting their own unique style.

Newcomer groups also stood out. Close Your Eyes and AHOF shared the "Hottest" award, given to the hottest rookie of the year. Hearts2Hearts, KiiiKiii, and All Day Project were honored with the "Next Leader" award, which highlights current and future trends. Nextz and MEOVV were named for "Global Hot Trend" winners.

<더팩트>가 주최하고 팬앤스타와 더스퀘어이엔엠이 주관하는 2025 더팩트 뮤직 어워즈(THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)가 20일 오후 마카오 아웃도어 퍼포먼스 베뉴에서 열린 가운데 그룹 아이브(IVE)가 올해의 아티스트를 수상하고 있다. /마카오=서예원 기자

Source: Reporter Seo Ye-won

The special collaboration stage also drew cheers from the audience. Lee Seo of Ive and Kyujin of NMIXX, considered the youngest members of representative K-pop girl groups, showcased their delicate emotional lines and sweet vocals in a duet of Girls' Generation's Taeyeon's "To. X." Furthermore, Zhang Hao and Ricky of Zerobase One delivered a deeply resonant performance of "Special Person," a song about the true meaning of love, with their soulful voices.

Attending the "The Fact Music Awards" for the fourth consecutive year, Ive won "Artist of the Year" and "Sound of the Year," securing a double crown. Ive dominated the stage with their signature sophisticated performance, proving their presence as a leading fourth-generation girl group. Zerobase One, who won two awards, captured the attention of global fans by performing their new songs "ICONIK" and "Lovesick Game" for the first time overseas.

NMIXX and Boynextdoor, winners of "Artist of the Year," showcased their talents with live performances. NCT Wish, whose global presence extends beyond Korea and Japan, attended "The Fact Music Awards" for the first time this year and won "Artist of the Year." TWS, who returned to "The Fact Music Awards" last year, delivered a refreshing performance and even shared a surprise comeback announcement during their "Artist of the Year" acceptance speech.

<더팩트>가 주최하고 팬앤스타와 더스퀘어이엔엠이 주관하는 2025 더팩트 뮤직 어워즈(THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)가 20일 오후 마카오 아웃도어 퍼포먼스 베뉴에서 열린 가운데 그룹 에스파가 뮤즈 오프 더 이어를 수상한 뒤 소감을 밝히고 있다. /마카오=배정한 기자

Source: Reporter Bae Jeong-han

ENHYPEN won the "Today's Choice" award, determined entirely by audience votes. Member Sung Hoon expressed his gratitude, saying, "This award is even more meaningful because it was chosen by our Engene (fandom name)." He added, "Our fifth anniversary is approaching, and we are so grateful to our Engene fans for their support. We will continue to work hard."

After winning "Muse of the Year," "Judge's Special Award," and "Artist of the Year," aespa also demonstrated their presence on stage. They performed "Dirty Work," "Whiplash," and "Rich Man" in succession, completing a "Steel Taste" trio and heating up the venue with their powerful performances.

Stray Kids won the final award of the "2025 The Fact Music Awards," "Honor of the Year." Stray Kids also won four awards, including "Record of the Year," "Artist of the Year," and "TMA Popularity Award," further solidifying their presence. Member Seungmin shared, "We recently wrapped up our album promotions, and we're preparing for our next promotions with flying colors. We'd like to thank STAY (fandom name) for your continued support."

<더팩트>가 주최하고 팬앤스타와 더스퀘어이엔엠이 주관하는 2025 더팩트 뮤직 어워즈(THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)가 20일 오후 마카오 아웃도어 퍼포먼스 베뉴에서 열린 가운데 소녀시대 서현(왼쪽)과 방송인 전현무가 진행을 하고 있다. /마카오=서예원 기자

Source: Reporter Seo Ye-won

Meanwhile, Jeon Hyun-moo and Seohyun, who have consistently been the anchors of the "The Fact Music Awards," showcased their stable hosting skills and chemistry, leading the awards ceremony smoothly. Furthermore, Yoo Jae-pil, who served as the red carpet MC for the "The Fact Music Awards" for the first time this year, further fueled the excitement by showcasing the diverse charms of the artists with his signature wit and sense of humor.

The following is a list of winners from the "2025 The Fact Music Awards."

▶ Honor of the Year: Stray Kids

▶ Muse of the Year: aespa

▶ Sound of the Year: Ive

▶ Record of the Year: Stray Kids

▶ Icon of the Year: ENHYPEN

▶ World Best Performer: Zerobaseone

▶ World Best Wave: Boynextdoor

▶ Artist of the Year: Stray Kids, aespa, ENHYPEN, Ive, NMIXX, Boynextdoor, Zerobaseone, TWS, NCT Wish

▶ Global Hot Trend: NEXZ, MEOVV

▶ Next Leader: Hearts2Hearts, KiiiKiii, All Day Project

▶ Hottest: Close Your Eyes, AHOF