Red Velvet’s Irene Shocks With Major Upset In “2025 MAMA Awards”
Red Velvet Irene’s popularity among other third generation stars is and has been well known ever since her debut.
However, the idol is now even rivalling fourth and fifth generation groups’ fandom power — at least according to MAMA Awards fan vote ranking.
The Red Velvet leader — who had her solo debut only last year, 10 years into her idol career — ranks 2nd among female acts in MAMA’s popularity award rankings. She is only surpassed by IU, leaving behind younger girl groups like ILLIT, BABYMONSTER, aespa, and more.
Irene’s fandom power has been known for a while. The star’s debut mini album became the highest selling release from a female soloist under K-Pop giant SM Entertainment. The MAMA ranking has however, made it a hot topic again.
While other fandoms seem shocked and confused…
How can Irene raise to no. 2?
Doesn't make sense at all— KLFU (@luiwai55) November 9, 2025
ReVeLuvs and Irene’s solo fans are not as surprised by the turnout.
one thing for sure… baetokkis are always consistent in supporting our IRENE 🥹 this is the fruit of our hardwork 💝 today is the last day, let’s all vote for our soloist 🐰#2025MAMAVOTE #irene pic.twitter.com/FndbP1qxs7
— bjh2➿ (@ireneeebaeee) November 9, 2025
Not only is the idol second on the votes collected through Mnet’s app, she is also the only female act in the top 10 of most votes received through hashtag posts on X (formerly Twitter). X voting counts for a significant 10 percent.
🎤🎤 UPDATE #2025MAMAVOTE 🗳️🗳️
Hurry up and vote!
Data since OCT 30th (not included data before the 30th of OCT).
Source: @AudienseCo https://t.co/VzafJw5VIn pic.twitter.com/sYssldv4Kw
— Tweet Binder (@TweetBinder) November 9, 2025
As MAMA voting is coming to an end and Irene seems to be comfortably second on her way to winning an important Bonsang at one of the most popular K-Pop award shows, news of a full album coming early next year by the soloist has delighted fans even more.
