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The golden age of 4th generation idols has officially been declared, with K-pop groups Stray Kids and ENHYPEN cementing their top-tier status at the 26th MAMA AWARDS. Held over two days on October 28-29, 2025, at the Hong Kong Kai Tak Stadium, the event saw the two groups split two of the four prestigious Daesang (Grand Prizes), heralding a new “two-power system” in the global music scene.
Stray Kids’ Monumental Year Capped with ‘Album of the Year’
Stray Kids showcased their unparalleled dominance by taking home the ‘Album of the Year’ Daesang for their 4th full-length album, ‘KARMA’. This win was a highlight of their successful night, where they also secured a ‘Fans’ Choice Male Top 10′ award, totaling two wins. Their victory underscores a phenomenal year for the group, marked by incredible commercial success and critical acclaim.
A Testament to Record-Breaking Album Sales
The Daesang for ‘KARMA’ was well-deserved, as the album set a new benchmark for K-pop album sales in 2025. It recorded over 3 million copies in first-week sales, the highest figure for any K-pop album released during the year. Furthermore, Stray Kids achieved their 7th No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, proving their consistent and powerful global appeal and solidifying their position as leaders among 4th generation idols.
ENHYPEN’s Global Powerhouse Status Confirmed at MAMA Awards
ENHYPEN proved their massive global influence by winning the ‘Fan’s Choice of the Year’ Daesang, an award determined by worldwide fan votes. The group also won ‘Favorite Global Artist’, bringing their total award count to an impressive three for the night. This achievement reflects a year of significant growth, including achieving their third double-million seller with their 6th mini-album and connecting with 676,000 global fans, known as ENGENE, through a massive world tour. Their immense popularity has fans wondering what’s next, with many hoping to see 4th generation male K-pop idols like them explore new ventures.
The Power of ENGENE: A Fan-Driven Victory
ENHYPEN’s Daesang win is a powerful testament to their dedicated fanbase. The ‘Fan’s Choice of the Year’ award, powered entirely by votes from ENGENE around the world, highlights the group’s strong bond with their supporters and their status as a truly global K-pop group. This fan-driven victory distinguishes them and confirms their place at the industry’s forefront.
The Shifting Landscape of K-Pop Groups
The rise of Stray Kids and ENHYPEN marks a significant generational shift in K-pop. While the industry was built by 1st generation pioneers like H.O.T, expanded by 2nd generation icons like BIGBANG and SHINee, and globalized by 3rd generation titans like BTS, EXO, and SEVENTEEN, the 4th generation is now carving out its own legacy. As these 4th generation idols step into the spotlight, they are not just dominating music charts but also show potential as the next variety show stars, ready to entertain audiences in new ways.
Looking Ahead to 2026: A New Era of Competition
As 2025 comes to a close, the stage is set for an even more dynamic 2026. The friendly yet fierce competition between Stray Kids and ENHYPEN is expected to continue, pushing the boundaries of K-pop. The industry also eagerly anticipates the full group comeback of the undisputed 3rd generation icon, BTS, which will undoubtedly create a thrilling and competitive landscape for all K-pop groups.
This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.
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