NCT Dream Wins Fifth Consecutive Worldwide Fans' Choice Top 10 at 2025 MAMA Awards
HONG KONG – The thunderous applause that echoed through AsiaWorld-Expo on Thursday night marked another triumphant milestone for NCT Dream. The South Korean sensation clinched the Worldwide Fans' Choice Male Top 10 award at the 2025 MAMA Awards, extending their streak to five consecutive years. The group’s consistency in captivating fans across the globe reinforces their status as one of K-pop’s most powerful forces.
NCT Dream’s Unwavering Global Appeal
NCT Dream, under SM Entertainment, has built an international reputation for sharp choreography, emotive performances, and meaningful fan engagement. Their win this year underscores their enduring connection with fans, known as NCTzens, whose votes propelled the septet into the spotlight once again.
In a category determined entirely by global fan participation, the Worldwide Fans’ Choice award reflects not just digital streaming strength but an artist’s emotional reach. NCT Dream’s achievement serves as a testament to their continued resonance across continents — from Seoul to São Paulo and from Jakarta to Los Angeles.
The group, composed of Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung, has evolved from youthful prodigies into seasoned performers who embody the international ambitions of K-pop. Each win represents not only a celebration of artistry but also the persistence of a loyal fan base that has grown alongside them since their debut in 2016.
A Legacy of Consistency at the MAMA Awards
Winning the Worldwide Fans’ Choice title for five consecutive years places NCT Dream among an elite group of artists whose influence remains undiminished despite shifting trends in music and social media. Their streak began in 2021, during a period of renewed K-pop dominance following the industry’s adaptation to pandemic-era digital engagement.
The MAMA Awards — one of Asia’s most prestigious music events — has long been a barometer for global influence. NCT Dream’s recurring recognition signifies not just popularity but sustained cultural impact. Each year, the group’s performances have been distinct, fusing elaborate stagecraft with emotional storytelling. For the 2025 ceremony, their performance featured intricate LED visuals and an energetic medley emphasizing the group’s evolution from youthful exuberance to mature artistry.
The 2025 MAMA Awards: Celebrating a Global Gathering
The 2025 edition of the MAMA Awards took place in Hong Kong for the second consecutive year, drawing artists from Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, and beyond. The event, themed “One Harmony,” highlighted the unifying power of music in an age marked by digital connection and cultural exchange.
NCT Dream’s victory was one of the evening’s most anticipated moments. As their name was announced, fans waved green light sticks — a signature color symbolizing the group’s identity — transforming the arena into a sea of luminous energy. The members, visibly moved, expressed gratitude to their fans, promising to continue delivering heartfelt performances and meaningful messages through their music.
The group’s leader, Mark, thanked fans for their unwavering support, emphasizing how every milestone reflected years of hard work, collaboration, and shared dreams.
From Rookie to Global Icon: The Rise of NCT Dream
When NCT Dream debuted in 2016 with the youthful track “Chewing Gum,” they were introduced as the teenage sub-unit of NCT, embodying energy and aspiration. Over time, the ensemble transitioned from an age-restricted project into a permanent team, reflecting their commercial and artistic maturity.
By 2020, albums like “Reload” and “Hot Sauce” solidified their global appeal, charting internationally and breaking sales records in South Korea. “Hot Sauce,” released in 2021, was a defining moment — its success marked NCT Dream’s evolution from a youthful experiment to a cornerstone of the NCT franchise. The album surpassed two million copies in sales, demonstrating their strong market power.
The group’s ability to redefine their sound while maintaining their distinct identity played a crucial role in sustaining fan engagement over the last decade. Their catalog now spans an eclectic mix of genres — from R&B-infused pop to experimental electro-tracks — illustrating their willingness to innovate while preserving accessibility.
The Economic and Cultural Impact of K-pop Awards
The MAMA Awards have evolved beyond a music competition into a global industry showcase. For cities hosting the event, it provides significant economic boosts through tourism, hospitality, and international broadcasting rights.
Hong Kong’s return as host city in 2024 and 2025 coincides with efforts to revitalize its cultural image and attract large-scale events. Thousands of fans from across East Asia and beyond traveled to attend this year’s ceremony, contributing to a surge in hotel occupancy and retail sales during the festival weekend.
The event’s global streaming reached millions through online platforms, reinforcing the economic synergy between K-pop fandom and digital media ecosystems. Merchandise sales, sponsorships, and brand collaborations surrounding the awards demonstrate how music events have become essential engines within Asia’s soft power economy.
How NCT Dream Stands Out Among Peers
In the crowded K-pop landscape, consistency often defines lasting success. NCT Dream’s balance of quality music production, relatable messaging, and live performance intensity distinguishes them from contemporaries. Their versatility enables them to connect with multiple demographics: long-time fans appreciate their nostalgic narrative of growth, while new listeners are drawn to their sonic innovation and global-friendly appeal.
Unlike some groups that rely heavily on solo ventures or sub-unit collaborations, NCT Dream’s strength lies in collective identity. Their teamwork translates on stage, producing performances where choreography, harmonies, and emotion align seamlessly.
Their long-term partnership with SM Entertainment has also been instrumental in cultivating their brand. Through strategic international outreach, media appearances, and multilingual content, the group maintains a presence across diverse markets, including Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
Comparisons Across Regional Music Awards
Globally, the MAMA Awards occupy a distinctive position similar to the MTV Video Music Awards in the United States or Japan’s Golden Disc Awards. While each reflects its culture’s artistic landscape, MAMA’s focus on cross-border participation mirrors K-pop’s expansion strategy.
Compared to Japan’s domestic J-pop ceremonies, MAMA underscores digital globalization. Fan votes from multiple continents highlight how social platforms, streaming, and fandom networks redefine the concept of “international” music success. NCT Dream’s victory across these distributed voting systems signifies their widespread resonance, not confined to any single region.
By contrast, Western music awards often emphasize streaming and sales metrics, while MAMA uniquely intertwines democracy of fandom with industry recognition. This global interactivity continues to symbolize K-pop’s boundary-crossing influence.
The Broader Meaning of the Win
For NCT Dream, their fifth consecutive Worldwide Fans’ Choice win is more than a trophy — it’s a validation of artistic growth and global unity. Each year’s recognition represents not repetition but reaffirmation of relevance. The fans’ continued dedication reflects a relationship deeper than conventional celebrity admiration; it’s a shared cultural identity forged through music and community.
Their success also exemplifies how youth-centric themes have matured into universal storytelling. While earlier songs centered on adolescence and dreams, recent releases tackle broader subjects such as self-reflection, ambition, and resilience — mirroring both the members’ own journeys and the emotional stages of their fans.
Looking Ahead: NCT Dream’s Global Future
With the 2025 MAMA triumph secured, NCT Dream enters 2026 poised for greater expansion. Industry observers predict continued touring across North America, Europe, and emerging South American K-pop markets. The group’s appeal to a multilingual, digitally engaged audience positions them advantageously within the evolving ecosystem of global pop.
New music is reportedly in the works, following the success of their recent releases that topped domestic charts and resonated on international streaming platforms. Given their momentum, expectations remain high for fresh collaborations or even crossover projects reflecting their global aspirations.
Conclusion
NCT Dream’s fifth consecutive win at the 2025 MAMA Awards cements them as one of K-pop’s defining acts of their generation. Their artistry bridges musical boundaries and cultural distances, proving that dedication, innovation, and genuine connection can transcend geography and language.
From their early beginnings as youthful performers to becoming global icons, NCT Dream represents more than a success story — they embody the evolution of modern pop music in an interconnected world. As the lights dimmed in Hong Kong and fans cheered their names, one thing was undeniable: NCT Dream’s dream continues, brighter and more united than ever.