TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po District killed 44 people and left 279 missing Wednesday (Nov. 26), prompting emergency responses from top officials. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee (李家超) called the blaze "a significant disaster" as 29 people remained hospitalized Thursday (Nov. 27) with authorities bringing the fire under control. The tragedy prompted organizers to cancel the red carpet event for the 2025 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) scheduled in Hong Kong this week.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) expressed condolences to victims' families and the injured on social media platform X at 10 a.m. Thursday (Nov. 27), calling for support during the tragedy. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) also offered prayers on Threads, hoping for minimal casualties as rescue operations continued throughout the night. Authorities brought the fire under control by Thursday morning after the Wednesday night blaze swept through the residential area in Tai Po.
MAMA organizers canceled the red carpet event and added a moment of silence in response to the Hong Kong fire tragedy that killed 44 people. The ceremony will be recorded as planned but with delayed broadcast to respect the mourning period, according to event organizers. Artists including ENHYPEN, TXT, and I-DLE have flown to Hong Kong for the event, which will adopt a more subdued and respectful tone following the disaster.
CJ ENM Mnet, the event organizer, has taken charge of all communications, ensuring organized responses across departments regarding the MAMA adjustments following the Hong Kong fire. South Korean netizens remain divided over whether the awards ceremony should proceed, with some urging complete cancellation out of sympathy for the 44 victims. Others consider the impact on international audiences and artists who have already traveled to Hong Kong for the annual music awards.