Hyunwon and Rei will co-host ASEA 2026, a major music festival featuring top Asian artists, on May 16-17 at Belluna Dome.
March/17/2026 19:02
Hyunwon of MONSTA X and Rei of IVE will synchronize as MCs. The music festival 'ASIA STAR ENTERTAINER AWARDS' (hereafter 'ASEA 2026') will be held on May 16 and 17 at Belluna Dome in Saitama Prefecture, gathering top-class artists representing Asia. The organizing committee announced today (17th) that Hyunwon and Rei will serve as MCs on the first day. The two showcased stable hosting last year as MCs for 'ASEA', although they were MCs on separate days. This time, they will work together as MCs on the first day of 'ASEA 2026'. After resuming his MC activities with 'ASEA' following his discharge last year, Hyunwon has continued to make steady progress as a member of MONSTA X. MONSTA X recorded their highest initial sales with the commemorative album 'THE X', celebrating their 10th anniversary, and has appeared on various global charts, including the US 'Billboard 200'. As a representative producing member of the group, Hyunwon participated in album production, showcasing his musical prowess and presence on world tours and global festival stages. Since 2017, he has been active as a DJ under the name DJ H.ONE, expanding his musical spectrum. He also participated in MONSTA X's remix digital single 'N the Front (H.ONE Remix)' and displayed his candid charm and variety sense through variety shows. MONSTA X is set to release a new song 'Unfold' in the US on April 3. Rei, who perfectly handled her first award ceremony as an MC through 'ASEA' last year, has had a fulfilling year with notable achievements in both group and individual activities. She has been selected as an advertising model for various brands, appointed as an ambassador for luxury brands, served as a special MC on music shows, and showcased her presence in variety shows. Additionally, she participated in MONSTA X's Jooheon’s solo song 'Push', flaunting her soft singing voice and demonstrating her abilities as a musician again. IVE's global achievements continue as well. They achieved a perfect all-kill on major domestic music charts with their 2nd full album 'REVIVE+' released in February and recorded nine wins on music shows. The title track 'BANG BANG' ranked on the 'Billboard Global 200' and 'Billboard Global (excluding the US)' charts for two consecutive weeks, achieving high rankings on various global platforms. IVE is set to continue their world tour 'SHOW WHAT I AM' across major regions including Asia, Europe, America, and Oceania. Launched in 2024, 'ASEA' is positioned as a global award ceremony that selects artists who exert influence beyond Asia and showcases high-level performances. This year, many top-class artists who have achieved meaningful results over the year are expected to participate and present a splendid stage. Previously, artists such as ATEEZ, &TEAM, ENHYPEN, Hearts2Hearts, and xikers have confirmed their appearances. 'ASEA 2026' will sequentially release information on the artist lineup, award categories, and judging criteria through its official website.
Related Articles
Kérastase unveiled new visuals of IVE’s Wonyoung, its Japan local ambassador, to mark the launch of holiday coffrets and new Gloss Absolu products. The campaign highlights elegant, glossy hair and includes limited-edition sets for gifting or self-reward, with prices and release details announced.
CJ ENM’s 2026 MAMA AWARDS revealed 25 presenters for its Osaka ceremony on November 20–21, featuring stars from K-pop, film, TV, dance, and more. Under the concept “A MUSIC INTERSTELLAR,” the show promises an all-generation K-POP stage and record artist lineup.
Popular color contact lens brand rom'u has launched its long-awaited 1-month series, alongside a romantic new visual featuring IVE's Rei. The new lineup includes three designs and six colors inspired by the Milky Way, moonlight, and starlight, combining natural everyday wear with a glamorous sparkle.
IVE’s Wonyoung has unveiled a winter fashion pictorial. In the photos released on October 20, she wears fluffy fur and warm, heavy outerwear ahead of the full winter season, revealing not only her cute image but also a pure, cool charm. IVE will release the mini album "Looks Can Kill" on the 26th.
Netflix has announced production of Crime Scene Zero 2 and confirmed the return of the original five stars: Jang Jin, Park Ji-yoon, Jang Dong-min, Kim Ji-hoon, and IVE’s Yujin. The mystery role-playing show, praised for its intricate cases and deduction, will premiere in Korea in 2027.
2026 MAMA AWARDS has released its main teaser, announcing a massive, time-and-space-spanning festival under the concept “A MUSIC INTERSTELLAR.” The show will feature all-generation K-pop collaborations and iconic stages, with innovative 360-degree production at Kyocera Dome Osaka. The event runs November 20-21, with MAMA FAN FESTA starting November 9.
IVE will release their new mini album “Looks Can Kill” on October 26. The title track and music video were released in advance on October 19. The album features six songs and presents an electronic dance-pop sound, a hero-themed music video, and a story about IVE inspiring dreams and courage.
STARSHIP Entertainment has purchased additional real estate worth 81 billion won in total to expand its headquarters. It approved buying land and a building for 22 billion won and plans to acquire the property next January for business facilities. The company is expanding in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong area.
STARSHIP Entertainment has purchased additional real estate worth 81 billion won in total to expand its headquarters. It approved buying land and a building for 22 billion won and plans to acquire the property next January for business facilities. The company is expanding in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong area.
IVE has released the final concept photos for its new mini album, Looks Can Kill. STARSHIP Entertainment shared the full set of “Hero Comics” version images through IVE’s official social media, featuring unique hero characters that blend each member’s symbol color and logo with their individual charm. The title track will be pre-released on the 19th, and the mini album will be released on the 26th with six songs in total, including Looks Can Kill, Mirror Mirror, SNAKESKIN, CRUMBS, Girls Girls Girls, and Glow Motion.
