Two Acts That Sidestepped Controversy at the 2025 MAMA Awards by Altering Their Performance

MEOVV faced controversy at the 2025 MAMA Awards over their hit song “BURNING UP.” The lyrics “burning up” were seen as inappropriate given the recent deadly fires in Hong Kong.

The group quickly adjusted on stage. They switched the lyrics to “turning up” instead. Members Narin and Gawon made sure to sing the new words loudly to avoid backlash.

they said we’re NOT going to be cancelled today
— resident meovver (@it_meovver) November 28, 2025

Watch the full context here:

i-dle also made changes during their performance of “Good Thing.” They skipped the thumbs-up gesture from their choreography — a signature move — and instead made fists to show respect.

Yuqi avoided singing the line “it is such a good thing.”

During i-dle’s MAMA 2025 performance, Yuqi & Shuhua skipped singing the “Good Thing” parts of the song and didn’t do the thumbs up gesture that’s part of the dance choreography, making a fist instead. This was their way of respecting the Hong Kong fire victims.
— RainySeason (@CookieNevie) November 28, 2025

Both groups earned praise for handling the sensitive situation with care. Fans worried for nothing as they showed professionalism while honoring the tragedy.