Korean-Australian Creator Jiny Maeng Calmly Prepares for 2025 TikTok Awards Despite Nominations
Korean-Australian creator Jiny Maeng is experiencing an unexpected sense of calm as she prepares for a pivotal moment in her career—being nominated for Creator of the Year at the 2025 TikTok Awards. Taking place on November 26, the ceremony will be broadcast live on TikTok and Stan at 6 PM AEDT, hosted by well-known Australian personality Sophie Monk.
Reflecting on her emotions leading up to the event, Maeng remarked, “Honestly speaking, I am surprised how not anxious I am… I’m just… very excited.” This serene demeanor stands in contrast to the palpable excitement and anticipation surrounding the awards, which have already set records with over 6.4 million votes cast—more than three million more than the previous year. The Creator of the Year category, which features nominees including Maeng, Ilai Matangi, Ben Stubbs, Latisha Clark, and Tammy Hembrow, has seen a remarkable voting turnout of over 2.1 million.
With a follower count exceeding 2.1 million, Maeng has cultivated a warm and engaged community, celebrated for her sincere takes on food, culture, and identity. As her creative journey evolves, she’s exploring more of her passions, including travel and fashion, while food remains her main focus.
Reflecting on her path, Maeng admitted to initially doubting the legitimacy of content creation as a career. “I remember talking to my best friend… I was like, is it even possible to post videos and call that work?” The recognition she has received through this nomination feels like a significant milestone, one she describes as “a double whammy” — a source of pride for both her identity as an Australian and her role as a creator.
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Last year, Maeng accompanied her best friend Bridey Drake, who won Creator of the Year, through a similar whirlwind of emotions surrounding the awards. The experience was marked by challenges, including her struggle with anxiety and pressure. However, Maeng found clarity and joy in the creative process, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the achievements of all creators rather than succumbing to stress.
The camaraderie between Maeng and Drake continues to be a source of support. Maeng described Drake as a comforting friend who offers affirmations: “She’s the nicest, most supportive friend you could ever ask for.”
As Maeng prepares for the event, she expressed gratitude to her followers. “A big thank you. I try to really show that I am so honestly thankful and grateful. I wouldn’t be here without you,” she stated.
The significance of potentially winning the award is profound for Maeng, especially considering the lack of Australian creators of Asian descent receiving such accolades. “Becoming the first would be a big honor,” she noted, emphasizing the cultural impact it would have as a proud Korean Australian.
This year’s TikTok Awards promises an exciting lineup featuring performances from notable artists such as Keli Holiday, Larissa Lambert, and Blake Pavey, along with presenters including Cody Simpson and Karl Stefanovic. The evening will kick off with a Pink Carpet Preshow hosted by Elle Ray and Mitch Churi, all accessible via live stream on TikTok and Stan.
Maeng, ever the approachable creator, encouraged attendees to connect with her: “Please come say hi if you see me! I might be a bit everywhere, but it’ll be a crazy night.”
