The 2023 Asia Artist Awards (AAA), held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on December 14, was a spectacular event that brought together the brightest stars from across Asia. Often likened to the Asian Oscars and Grammys, this year’s AAA was hosted in the Philippines for the first time. It was a dazzling display of talent, fashion, and fanfare.
Filipino fans, known for their passionate support, turned up in large numbers, showcasing their love in various ways. The Fan Zone at the Philippine Stadium was a hub of activity, filled with interactive photo areas and walls for fans to leave messages for their favorites. The fans had a blast picking up freebies and getting to know others who share their adoration for the idols. Fans also paid tribute to their favorites in different ways, such as dressing in outfits inspired by them, and bringing lightsticks, photocards, and other merchandise to the venue. The good vibes continued during the main show, where fans chanted the artists’ names, and reciting fanchants during songs added to a memorable night as well.
The red carpet event prior to the awards’ ceremony was a major highlight, with fans arriving early to catch a glimpse of their idols. Some of the foreign stars, mainly hailing from Korea and Japan, and many visiting the Philippines for the first time, did not disappoint, showcasing their charm and style to their fans and the press.
SUGGESTED: IN PHOTOS: Red Carpet at the Asia Artist Awards 2023
Host Ryan Bang kept the crowd at the red carpet entertained with his witty remarks, effortlessly switching between English, Filipino, Korean, and Japanese. His humorous side comments and engaging style made waves on X, earning him widespread praise from netizens for his entertaining hosting skills.
Singer-actress Kim Sejeong, best known for her roles in the hit K-dramas Business Proposal and Uncanny Counter, dazzled in her backless white gown, earning an appreciative roar of approval from the crowd. That same roar was repeated at the awards’ ceremony, where she received a loud chant of her name from the audience upon receiving her AAA Popularity Award.
Kim Sejeong at the Red Carpet during the Asia Artist Awards 2023. HALLYULIFE PHOTO
The winners expressed deep appreciation for their fans’ love and support. They also promised to continue working hard to earn their fans’ appreciation.
K-pop acts NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, ZEROBASEONE, BOYNEXTDOOR, and many more idols visited the Philippines for the first time and expressed their gratitude in receiving so much love. Some expressed their anticipation in holding their first concert in the Philippines as they received so much love and support from the fans during the awards ceremony.
EXO’s Suho reflected on his year of happiness and challenges. Upon winning the AAA Best Emotive award, he told EXO-Ls, “From now, I’ll continuously stay stable like how I was till now so I can move your emotions. I’ll continuously act and sing well and live well so I won’t be an embarrassing idol.”
EXO Suho receiving his Best Acting Performance Award at the Asia Artist Awards 2023. PHOTO FROM AAA ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Filipino actress Melai Cantiveros—who starred in PULP Studios’ first offering Ma’am Chief—drew laughs with her quips when she accepted her Best Actor Award. She joked, “If someone (questions) why I have (an) award, don’t worry. I question too. I just receive an award all my life from my mother and father when they are angry with me. Tonight, my heart is kuan. I think it’s because God moves in mysterious ways.”
Filipina actress Melai Cantiveros-Francisco receiving her AAA Best Actor Award at the Asia Artist Awards 2023. PHOTO FROM AAA ORGANIZING COMMITTEE.
Actors Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, among other Filipino artists, bagged the AAA Fabulous Award. Daniel thanked his fans and ended with a peace sign, while Kathryn expressed her gratitude for those supporting Filipino-made series and movies. Other Filipino acts like Ben&Ben, and SB19 also won awards, as did Filipino-Argentinian Chanty and her group Lapillus.
Jung Sung Il, who rose to prominence as Ha Do Yeong in The Glory, won his first-ever award, the AAA Scene Stealer. He remarked, “I think the reason why I received an award so late is because there are so many amazing artists.”
Lee Dong Hwi, known for starring in Reply 1988 and Extreme Job, won the AAA Best Actor trophy. He shared his connection with the Philippines, saying, “First of all, the Philippines is like a hometown for me. We shot the casino drama Big Bet for around two months here in the Philippines. I am very grateful to all heartwarming Filipinos. If not because of you, there’s no casino K-drama.”
SEVENTEEN’s BSS members thanked their collaborator Lee Young Ji as they won the AAA Grand Prize for Album of the Year. BSS said “If not for her, we wouldn’t be able to receive this award.” Seungkwan also went down from the stage to give her the trophy.
ZEROBASEONE dedicated their AAA Best Musician award to their member Ricky, who was unable to make it to the event. Meanwhile, Stray Kids promised their fans to stay tuned for their “new version” in 2024 when they accepted the AAA Grand Prize for Stage of the Year.
The night was filled with Korean artists saying Tagalog phrases like “kumusta ka,” “salamat,” and “mahal ko kayo.” Halfway through the show, MC and soloist Kang Daniel turned to the crowd and asked, “Nasisiyahan ba kayo?” showcasing the Koreans’ love for their Filipino fans. In a surprising turn, ATBO’s Won Bin thanked his fans in Tagalog during his award acceptance speech, revealing that he grew up in the Philippines before.
The AAA promised a night of more than many massive hit songs performed over six hours, and the artists delivered with dance breaks, theatricality, audience interactions, pyro, graphics, and idol skills. The show was kicked off by WHIB with a “Bang!” followed by SB19 with a medley. &TEAM joined them with a collaborative stage to the P-Pop group’s top hit “GENTO.” AKMU, ATBO, DINDIN, HORI7ON, KARD, KINGDOM, Kim Jaejoong, LUN8, Paul Blanco, STAYC, and Yaochen followed with exciting performances of their own.
Ash Island, Dreamcatcher, NMIXX, and TEMPEST brought high-energy stages, as did top Japanese girl group Sakurazaka46. Kep1er, Kwon Eun Bi, and ONEUS gave theatrical and sultry performances. &TEAM, BOYNEXTDOOR, Kang Daniel, Lim Young Woong, and ZEROBASEONE charmed audiences with their stages. ITZY and THE BOYZ gave edgy, memorable performances, complete with props and pyro.
NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM got everyone dancing and singing along with their hits. Stray Kids turned up the heat. SEVENTEEN’s BSS closed the awards show with a 12-minute performance that had everything from high energy, stage presence, synchronization, theatricality, and true artistry. Lee Youngji even joined them onstage.
SEVENTEEN BSS and Lee Youngji on stage at the Asia Artist Awards 2023. PHOTO FROM AAA Organizing Committee
The 2023 Asia Artist Awards, a celebration of Asian talent and a testament to the unifying power of music and entertainment, was more than just an award ceremony. Showcasing the best of Asian entertainment, it fostered a deeper connection between artists and fans, making it a memorable night indeed. The event was made possible through the efforts of StarNews Korea, TONZ Entertainment, and PULP Live World.
Check out the full list of winners here: Asia Artist Awards 2023: Winners’ List
MORE PHOTOS BELOW (Photos courtesy of AAA Organizing Committee):
