RIIZE’s Anton Praised for Cantonese Speech at 2025 MAMA Awards

RIIZE Anton, a member of the popular K-pop group RIIZE, delivered a deeply moving acceptance speech entirely in Cantonese at the 2025 MAMA AWARDS. The event took place on November 29, 2025, at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. The thoughtful gesture came as the group accepted the ‘Fans’ Choice’ award, and it resonated profoundly with a city grieving a recent tragedy.

A Somber Backdrop for the Awards Ceremony

The awards show was held under a somber cloud following a catastrophic apartment fire in Hong Kong on November 26, 2025, which resulted in at least 128 fatalities. In response to the disaster, Hong Kong authorities had declared a three-day official mourning period, beginning on November 29, the same day as the ceremony. The city was in a state of grief, making the tone of any public celebration a delicate matter. The investigation into the fire was also ongoing, with authorities having arrested eight additional individuals on November 28, following the initial arrest of three construction workers.

RIIZE’s Award Win and Anton’s Thoughtful Gesture

Amidst this solemn atmosphere, RIIZE was honored with the ‘Fans’ Choice’ award, a significant recognition from their global fanbase, known as BRIIZE. As the group took the stage to accept their RIIZE award, member Anton stepped forward to address the audience.

An Anton Speech That Transcended Language

Instead of a standard acceptance speech, RIIZE Anton chose to speak in Cantonese, the local language of Hong Kong. He used the platform to express heartfelt condolences and offer words of comfort to everyone affected by the devastating fire. This act of cultural sensitivity and empathy was not lost on the audience or the viewers watching from home. The Anton speech was a powerful demonstration of respect, acknowledging the community’s pain during what was otherwise a celebratory event for the K-pop industry.

Widespread Praise from Local and International Fans

The reaction to Anton’s speech was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Online forums and social media platforms were flooded with praise, particularly from Hong Kong netizens who were touched by his sincerity. Many highlighted how meaningful it was for a foreign artist to make the effort to communicate in their native language during such a difficult time. The gesture solidified the connection between the K-pop group and its audience, showcasing an awareness that goes beyond performance. Anton’s thoughtful words served as a moment of shared humanity, earning him and RIIZE immense respect.

This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.