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Seventeen’s BSS, NewJeans, SB19, and LE SSERAFIM are some of the biggest names who will perform at the Asia Artist Awards 2023. Graphics: Samuel Yap
One of the most awaited events for any Hallyu fan is the year-end awards ceremonies. It’s the time for communities to show their power as they vote for their favorite acts to make it to the top — ultimately ending up as a hot topic on social media. But since then, it opened its doors to Asian acts which solidified its power in the entertainment industry.
Among the biggest Korean awards ceremonies are the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), Golden Disk Awards, Melon Music Awards, Genie Music Awards, and the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) — where the lattermost is set to be held at the Philippine Arena on Dec. 14.
The 2023 edition of the AAA is a feat for the Philippines — a country where K-pop and K-drama is hugely popular — as it’s the first time for a Korea-based awards show to be held in the country. Years prior, the 2017 Golden Disk Awards was supposed to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in January, but eventually ended up getting canceled.
Some of the biggest names in South Korea, Philippines, and Asia are set to grace the AAA 2023. But before the event, here’s a rundown of what the awards ceremony is about and some of its biggest moments in the past years.
The Asia Artist Awards 2022 was previously held at the Nippon Gaishi Hall in Nagoya, Japan. Super Junior’s Leeteuk and IVE’s Jang Wonyoung were the hosts. Image: X/@starnewskorea
AAA’s beginnings
The AAA was organized by South Korean business newspaper Money Today and its partner outlets Star News and MTN. The first installment was held in November 2016 at the Kyung Hee University’s Hall of Peace in South Korea, where Super Junior’s Leeteuk and actress Lee Si-young were the hosts.
Each edition evolved as the years went by, taking on the feel of a concert though it is really an awards ceremony that honors the best in music, TV, film, digital content creation, and the entertainment landscape.
Some of the biggest names who graced the AAA stage were BTS, Twice, Blackpink, Seventeen, EXO, and Red Velvet, just to name a few.
Apart from South Korea, the AAA was also held in other countries including Vietnam (2019), Japan (2022), and the Philippines (2023).
The upcoming edition will feature IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin, and Kang Daniel as the hosts.
What happens during the AAA?
Since its inception, AAA has lasted for roughly six hours. It kicks off with the stars gracing the red carpet before the main ceremony where many awards are given to the singers and actors who made a mark for the year.
But the highlight is the performances showing the best of what the artists have to offer. Not only in singing and dancing but also their ability to leave a mark within the three- to six-minute performance duration. Usually top groups (in terms of seniority and impact in the music scene) would last over the time limit.
Many K-pop artists mastered this to a tee. A lot of times, a dance or vocal performance will be shown before moving to a shortened or remixed version of their hit song of the year. Idols also use their knack for the camera to their advantage through pre-planned angles or a K-drama-like VTR.
Arguably, one of the most noteworthy AAA stages to date is BTS in 2018. Apart from performing “Fake Love” and “Idol,” the septet used their performance skills to their advantage with a dramatic introduction, a highlight of their global achievements, a sultrier twist to the traditional “ending fairy,” and more explosive versions of their hit songs.
Meanwhile, another group that used the limited time to their advantage is fellow HYBE group LE SSERAFIM — who is among the performers of this year’s edition — with a rock version of their hit song “Antifragile.”
Chaewon, Sakura, Yunjin, Kazuha, and Eunchae also showed off their dance skills during the intro.
Considered as sort of a tradition in Korean year-end and award shows, another moment to look forward to are the collaboration stages between groups. This can be done through a dance or song cover or a combination of both.
It usually involves a member or two of a group, or in rare cases, two or more groups joining forces in one stage.
AAA 2023 will feature performances from NewJeans, ZEROBASEONE, LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX, BoyNextDoor, Stray Kids, The Boyz, ITZY, Kwon Eunbi, Kim Jaejoong, DinDin, Lee Youngji, Dreamcatcher, KARD, and STAYC.
Also included in the lineup are &Team, Ash Island, Yao Chen, Kep1er, Tempest, Lapillus, Seventeen BSS, ONEUS, Kingdom, ATBO, LUN8, AKMU, WHIB, Lim Young-woong, Paul Blanco, and Sakurazaka46.
Filipino performers SB19, HORI7ON, and Ben&Ben are also expected to grace the AAA stage.
Apart from the performances, actors will also be given awards during the event. In past editions, they also served as the presenters at certain portions of the night — but it depends on the flow itself.
Kim Seonho, Ahn HyoSeop, Kim Sejeong, Moon Gayoung, Lee Donghwi, Lee Junhyuk, Cha Jooyoung, Lee Eunsaem 2PM’s Lee Junho, Jung Sungil, Kim Youngdae, Lee Junyoung, Moon Sangmin, Yoo Seonho, Ahn Donggoo, DKZ’s Jae Chan, EXO’s Suho, Kim Jihoo, and Kentaro Sakaguchi are the actors who will be part of the AAA.
The Philippines’ own Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, and Melai Cantiveros will also be included.
What awards will be given at the AAA?
The awards at the AAA are usually divided into two parts: Television/Film and Music.
These are given to the singers and actors who made the biggest mark in the industry for the year. But the biggest recognition is the Daesang or Grand Prize which covers Actor of the Year, Performance of the Year, Stage of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Singer of the Year.
Other awards that will be given are Rookie of the Year, Popularity Award which is determined by fan votes, Asia Celebrity, Best Artist Award, Best Icon Award, Fabulous Award, Focus Award, New Wave Award, Best Emotive Award, Best Choice Award, Hot Trend Award, Potential Award, and Best Acting Award, among many others.
Minor recognitions are also given during the event, but sometimes, it will depend on the AAA’s organizers.
What can fans also expect?
The AAA doesn’t just end with performances and giving of awards. Many fans — who are in the venue or will not finish the livestream immediately — would stay until the end to witness the interactions between the singers and actors.
Being open about friendships in the industry are rare, which is why many fans are excited to see the stars exchanging hugs and eye contact, standing together, or relaxing with their close friends.
It is also their time to express their gratitude to fans who are eager to see them be their usual selves onstage.