It's really happening, you guys! For the ~*first time*~ ever, the Asia Artist Awards (AAA), which is one of South Korea's most prestigious award ceremonies, will be held in the Philippines. It's an awards show that will not only highlight Korea's K-pop industry—but also its renowned film and television productions. That's why fans are so looking forward to this star-studded event of the year!
Last year, the AAA was held in Nippon Gaishi Hall in Nagoya, Japan. Super Junior's Leeteuk and IVE's Jang Wonyoung hosted the event. This 2023, the prestigious awards show is set to conquer the Philippine stage. Organized in cooperation with Pulp Live World, AAA 2023 will be held in the Philippine Arena on December 14, 2023 (Thursday).
Wonyoung is back for a threepeat, hosting the Asia Artist Awards for the third consecutive year. Her co-hosts for the 2023 AAAs are Kang Daniel and ZEROBASEONE's Sung Han Bin.
So which K-pop groups and K-drama casts are you *manifesting* to come here?
Table of Contents:
- Asian Artists Award 2023 Korean Actors and Actresses
- Asian Artists Award 2023 K-pop Artist Lineup
- Asian Artists Awards 2023 Local Artists Lineup
Here's the confirmed lineup of attendees for the 2023 Asia Artist Awards in PH Arena:
Korean Actors and Actresses
1. Kim Seon Ho
This marks the third(!) time everyone's favorite *Good Boy* will be visiting Manila in 2023. Kim Seon Ho first spent an afternoon with fans at the SM Mall Of Asia Arena on January 22 for his One Two Three Smile fan meet. He came back six months later for his Bench fan meet. PH Seonhohadas, are you ready for December?!
2. Ahn Hyo Seop
Just like Seon Ho, Ahn Hyo Seop will be returning to Manila for the AAAs in December. However, he'll first meet PH Paul-Jjaks (his fandom, from his English name "Paul" and "Jjak" from jjakkung (mate/partner)) on October 8, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena for his Bench fan meet. We're so excited for him to bring the K-lig vibes!
3. Kim Sejeong
Whether you know her from hit K-dramas Business Proposal or The Uncanny Counter, or have followed her since I.O.I's debut, Kim Sejeong is yet another K-celeb who'll be coming to the PH more than once this year. The singer-actress will be holding a one-night show on October 1 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.
4. Moon Gayoung
She was Cha Eun Woo's leading lady in True Beauty, and had a compelling on-screen romance with Kim Seon Ho in Welcome To Waikiki 2. So we're thrilled to see Moon Gayoung in person in just a few short months! ICYDK, she's also a familar face among K-pop fans. Gayoung appeared in 2015's EXO Next Door, the Naver digital series starring Chanyeol, D.O., Baekhyun, and Sehun. She also landed her first lead drama role in Mimi opposite TVXQ's Changmin!
5. Lee Donghwi
If you’ve watched Reply 1988, then you’d probably know Lee Donghwi as the nerdy Ryu Dong-ryong. (But if you haven’t watched Reply 1988, then why not?) Donghwi who’s been busy with back-to-back projects will be coming to the 2023 AAAs! Also, here’s a fun fact about him: he’s actually the real-life boyfriend of Squid Game star Jung Ho Yeon.
6. Lee Joon Hyuk
Lee Joon Hyuk loves to do mystery dramas and true enough, he's good at it. He starred in the K-dramas 365: Repeat the Year or in Designated Survivor: 60 days. Well, we still have time to get to know Joon Hyuk oppa and his works! Gotta binge-watch!
7. Cha Joo Young
Alright, folks. Don't worry, she's not coming to the Philippines to show us her cunning vibes just like in The Glory. Yup, Cha Joo Young starred in the mentioned award-winning K-drama. In case you forgot, she's one of the *bullies* who was working as a flight attendant! So excited to meet her in December!
8. Lee Eunsaem
Here's a familiar face for all of us. Lee Eunsaem was in the hit zombie apocalypse K-drama, All Of Us Are Dead (which by the way is coming back for a second season). And in case you didn't know, she also acted alongside Lee Se Young and Lee Jun Ho in The Red Sleeve! She was one of Se Young's close friends in the drama.
9. 2PM's Lee Jun Ho
Speaking of The Red Sleeve, its lead male actor—Lee Jun Ho—is also participating in the 2023 AAAs. But before that, Jun Ho is actually coming to Manila for his fan meeting Jun Ho The Moment on November 11! We're so happy knowing that we can see him twice this year!
10. Jung Sung Il
Okay, chingus. Here's another The Glory cast. Jung Sung Il acted as Lim Ji Yeon's husband in The Glory. Also, we can't forget the intense chemistry and tension we all felt during his scenes with Song Hye Kyo! With his attendance at the AAAs, we're thinking that more The Glory casts might be coming too. What do you think?
11. Kim Young Dae
Kim Young Dae is set to visit the Philippines twice this year! He'll be having his first-ever Manila fan meet this October 21 at the New Frontier Theater. Then, of course, the AAAs this December. Young Dae had his breakthrough role in the makjjang drama Penthouse. Afterwards, he got a lead role in the rom-com drama, Shooting Stars alongside Lee Sung Kyung.
12. Moon Sang Min
Moon Sang Min gained so much love for his role as Grand Prince Seongnam in Under The Queen's Umbrella. He exuded an unforgettable charisma for a prince. Later on, he becomes one of the goofy students in the sci-fi apocalyptic K-drama, Duty After School. We're so looking forward to meeting Sang Min soon!
13. Yoo Seon Ho
Also in Under The Queen's Umbrella, Yoo Seon Ho played as one of Moon Sang Min's brothers in the drama. Seon Ho is already signed up for back-to-back projects with renowned K-drama actors! One of his upcoming dramas would be The Story of Park's Marriage Contract together with Lee Se Young and Bae In Hyuk.
14. Ahn Dong Gu
Mr. Ha of See You In My 19th Life is coming to the Philippines! Ahn Dong Gu who played as Ahn Bo Hyun's best buddy in the drama made waves online for his heart-fluttering gazes!
15. DKZ's Park Jae Chan
DKZ's Park Jae Chan is popularly known for his boy's love (BL) K-drama, Semantic Error. He actually won the New Wave Actor award in the 58th Grand Bell Awards for the movie adaptation of Semantic Error!
16. EXO's Kim Junmyeon
We may know him as the loving leader of EXO, Suho. But for this year's Asia Artist Awards, he will be attending as Kim Junmyeon the actor. Aside from his idol schedule, he's been focusing on his career as an actor for both TV and theater. Recently, he is starring in the K-drama Behind Your Touch.
K-pop Artists
1. New Jeans
~OH MY, OH MY GOD~ New Jeans is finally coming to the Philippines! This 5-member girl group from ADOR and HYBE Labels has been topping the music charts all around the world since their debut in July 2022. We're so ready to meet Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein in the flesh!
2. Le Sserafim
Prepare to be *antifragile* guys, because Le Sserafim is about to rock the Philippines for the first time. The group which consists of Sakura, Chaewon, Yunjin, Kazuha, and Eunchae, had its debut in May 2022. This girl group is already making its mark in the music industry with their fearless and fiery performances. We're SO excited!
3. NMIXX
It's party time with NMIXX! They are JYP Entertainment's newest and hottest girl group that debuted in February 2022. For the second time this year, the 6-member girl group will be setting foot in the Philippines. Last June 30, 2023, the group had its first showcase tour in Manila. Who else is looking forward to meeting Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin again this year?
4. ZEROBASEONE
This *blooming* nine-member multinational boy group is also attending this year's AAA! ZEROBASEONE was formed in April 2023 from Mnets's reality show, Boys Planet. The group consists of Kim Ji Woong, Zhang Hao, Sung Han Bin, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae Rae, Ricky, Kim Gyu Vin, Park Gun Wook, and Han Yu Jin. We can't wait to see them in Manila for the first time!
5. Boy Next Door
The *one and only* Boy Next Door will be knocking on our doors this December! The six-member boy group from KOZ Entertainment consists of Jaehyun, Sungho, Riwoo, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak. They just had their debut last May 2023. Are we ready to open our doors—and hearts—for Boy Next Door? Absolutely.
6. Stray Kids
They're everywhere all around the world, you guys. Yes, Stray Kids is coming to the Philippines. Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. will set foot in the Philippine Arena for the first time. However, December 14 will be the second time that they will be meeting Filipino fans this year. They recently held their Maniac Manila leg last March 11-12, 2023.
7. THE BOYZ
Although no twerking is allowed in this house, *pun intended* we are still thrilled to hear that THE BOYZ is coming to the Philippines again! Just this July 2023, Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Juhaknyeon, Sunwoo, and Eric already made deobis' hearts flutter! Well, they're coming back this December—are we all prepared for this again?
8. ITZY
Prepare the cake MIDZYs, we're welcoming ITZY again in less than three months! Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna have been serving us with their brazen discography since February 2019. For sure, we're totally waiting for ITZY!
9. &TEAM
Here's another first-timer in Manila. K, Fuma, Nicholas, EJ, Yuma, Jo, Harua, Taki, and Maki will finally be meeting their Filipino LUNÉs. Yes, &TEAM will be making their way to the Philippines this December! Let's raise our glasses to &TEAM!
10. Kwon Eunbi
Hey, Filo RUBIs! Kwon Eunbi's attendance at the AAA is confirmed! It will be her first time setting foot in the Philippines right after becoming a solo artist. Can't wait for Eunbi-yah!
11. Kim Jae Joong
Yup, Kim Jae Joong is coming back, you guys. The South Korean singer just held his solo concert in Manila last July 2023. This December, he is set to serenade the Philippine Arena!
Instagram/jj_1986_jj
12. Dindin
Lim Cheol more popularly known as Dindin will be coming to the Philippines for the first time. The South Korean singer made his debut in 2014 and has been making waves for his incredible vocals in the K-Pop industry. Quick fun fact about him: he’s actually close friends with Super Junior’s Heechul!
13. Lee Youngji
Besties, this is not a drill. Our favorite rapper is coming! Lee Youngji will also be attending the AAA at the Philippine Arena. ICYDK, Youngji won the 11th season of the famous hip-hop competition, Show Me The Money. This will be Youngji’s first visit to the Philippines. Youngji, fighting!
14. Dreamcatcher
Hey, Filo InSomnias! Are you ready for this? JiU, SuA, Siyeon, Handong, Yoohyeon, Dami, and Gahyeon will be attending this year’s AAA at the Philippine Arena. The 7-member girl group made their debut in 2017. Last August 2023, Dreamcatcher also had their solo concert at the New Frontier Theater in Manila.
15. KARD
Hidden KARDs, wake up! KARD will be ringing the alarm in the Philippine Arena this year. The 4-member co-ed group consisting of J.Seph, Jiwoo, Somin, and BM will be present at the AAA 2023. Can’t wait!
16. Ash Island
Here’s another South Korean rapper making his way to the Philippines for the first time. Yoon Jin-young also known as Ash Island will be attending the AAA 2023 at the Philippine Arena. Let’s give him a warm welcome!
17. Yao Chen
Indeed, the AAA 2023 will be a celebration of Asian talent. That’s why we’re also having Chinese rapper Yao Chen. He debuted in 2016 and was formerly a member of the C-Pop boy group R1SE.
18. TEMPEST
We’re getting introduced to a lot of South Korean artists because of AAA 2023 and we’re not complaining at all! Prepare your hearts because we will be welcoming another 7-member boy group—TEMPEST. They debuted last March 2022. Get to know Hanbin, Hyeongseop, Hyuk, Eunchan, LEW, Hwarang, and Taerae more this December!
19. LAPILLUS
What’s up, Lapis? We’re meeting LAPILLUS once again! The 6-member girl group debuted in 2022 and is actively promoting in South Korea and in the Philippines. We’re so glad that Chanty, Shana, Yue, Bessie, Seowon, and Haeun won’t miss the AAA this year.
20. SEVENTEEN's BooSeokSoon
Who’s excited to spend a day with BooSeokSoon? DEFINITELY US! SEVENTEEN’s sub-unit consists of Boo Seungkwan, Lee Seokmin also known as DK, and Kwon Soonyoung or Hoshi. They first had their debut single Just Do It in 2018. This year, it will be their first appearance as a trio at the Philippine arena. Carats, we’ve got to save money for this. Fighting!!
21. ONEUS
It seems that ONEUS will be setting foot in the Philippines for the first time. Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion made their debut in 2019. In fact, they will be having a comeback for their 10th mini album, La Dolce Vita. See you soon, ONEUS!
22. Kingdom
In 2018, the Kingdom was established and made its way straight to Kingmakers’ hearts. This 2023 they will be with their Filo Kingmakers to participate in the upcoming AAA! Excited to meet Dann, Arthur, Mujin, Louis, Ivan, Hwon, and Jahan!
23. ATBO
ATBO is coming! They are finally coming to the Philippines after winning the reality show The Origin - A, B, or What? in 2022. Can’t wait to meet Oh Junseok, Ryu Junmin, Bae Hyunjun, Seok Rakwon, Jeong Seunghwan, Kim Yeonkyu, and Won Bin!
24. LUN8
ICYDK, Fantagio Entertainment introduced their newest boy group last June 2023. Consisting of eight members namely, Chael, Jinsu, Takuma, Junwoo, Dohyun, Ian, Ji Eunho, and Eunseop—LUN8 will be conquering the Philippines this December 2023! We’re so looking forward to meeting these eight boys!
25. AKMU
Legendary siblings, Akdong Musician popularly known as AKMU are coming to the Philippines! Since 2014, the duo have been continuously cementing their spot in every music chart out there. Recently, they released a new song called Love Lee. We might have the chance to be serenaded by Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun! Exciting times, indeed!
Local Artists
1. SB19
A’Tins! P-pop boy group, SB19 will be participating in the upcoming AAA! We all know how SB19 has been serving us with world-class performances since 2018. Although there are no details yet on who will be performing during the award show, surely we can’t miss seeing Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken, and Justin’s interactions with our favorite Korean artists!
2. HORI7ON
Then, we have another Pinoy pride—HORI7ON! The group consists of Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcus. They are the first all-Filipino global boy group under MLD Entertainment. Recently, the group had their homecoming concert after they made their debut in South Korea last July 2023. So excited for HORI7ON!
Stay tuned as more celebrities get added to the official lineup!