Generations Collide at MMA 2025: G-Dragon, aespa, RIIZE and More Light Up the Stage

The annual Melon Music Awards (MMA) kicked off the year-end awards season in spectacular fashion on December 20, 2025. The event showcased a sprawling lineup that bridged generations and genres, featuring performances from today's chart-toppers like IVE, aespa, and RIIZE, alongside living legends such as G-Dragon and EXO.

This year's ceremony spotlighted the meteoric rise of K-pop's new wave. Rookie groups who dominated 2025, including ILLIT, NCT WISH, RIIZE, and BOYNEXTDOOR, took to the stage, proving that the future of the industry is in strong hands. Their high-energy performances underscored the successful generational shift currently underway in K-pop.

The industry's reigning powerhouses also delivered unforgettable stages. IVE and aespa commanded the audience with their signature concepts and flawless choreography, while EXO demonstrated their enduring legacy with a powerful performance. Solo superstars also made their mark, with BLACKPINK's Jennie and producer-artist Zico both delivering stages that highlighted their global influence.

According to reports from Soompi, the MMA 2025 lineup was notable for its diversity, extending well beyond the idol scene. The inclusion of virtual boy group PLAVE was a significant moment, showcasing the growing intersection of technology and entertainment. They were joined by a host of acclaimed artists from different genres, including hip-hop mogul Jay Park, indie favorite 10CM, and versatile soloists like WOODZ and HANRORO, making for a rich and varied musical celebration.

The extensive list of performers also included ALPHA DRIVE ONE, KiiiKiii, IDID, LNGSHOT, Dayoung, ALLDAY PROJECT, and Hearts2Hearts, solidifying MMA 2025 as a comprehensive snapshot of the year in Korean music.

PRISM Insight: The MMA 2025 lineup signals a crucial trend: K-pop is no longer a monolith but a multi-genre platform where generations coexist. Featuring a virtual group (PLAVE) alongside a returning icon (G-Dragon) and fifth-generation rookies (RIIZE) on the same bill shows that the definition of a 'mainstream' K-pop act is expanding. This reflects a more mature global audience that consumes music beyond tribal fan-wars, embracing the entire spectrum of the Korean music industry.