THE BOYZ, NiziU, n.SSign, and BADVILLAIN Confirmed for ASEA 2025

THE BOYZ, NiziU, n.SSign, and BADVILLAIN have officially been added to the artist lineup for the second annual Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2025 presented by ZOZOTOWN (ASEA 2025), taking place on May 28 and 29 at K-Arena Yokohama in Japan. The announcement was made by the ASEA Organizing Committee on March 25.
 
Formed in 2017, THE BOYZ gained instant attention as the “all-center idol group,” thanks to their standout visuals, strong performances, and powerful stage presence. Since their debut, the group has steadily built their own musical universe while sweeping rookie awards and growing in popularity year after year. Their first album after signing with new agency One Hundred marked a career-high in album sales, signaling a successful new chapter. Member Juyeon is also slated to host the first day of ASEA 2025, making their second consecutive appearance at the event all the more exciting.
 
NiziU, the 9-member girl group formed through JYP Entertainment’s “Nizi Project,” will also appear for the second year in a row. From the moment of their debut in Japan, they’ve topped music charts and sold out stadium tours, cementing their massive popularity in their home country. Their official Korean debut in 2023 with the single album Press Play earned them first place on music shows and ranked 7th for first-week sales among debuting K-pop girl groups at the time. Their second Korean single LOVE LINE is set for release on March 31.
 
n.SSign, formed through the audition program Stars Awakening, steadily built a dedicated fanbase through their pre-debut activities and officially debuted in August 2023 with their first full-length album BIRTH OF COSMO. Following their first live performance at Tokyo Dome City Hall last November, they sold out shows in Osaka, Nagoya, and Sendai, proving their rising popularity in Japan. Their latest title track, Love Potion (白日夢) from their third mini album, topped music charts and won on music shows, marking a new high point in their career. They’ll also be holding their first solo concert in Korea on April 5.
 
BADVILLAIN, a seven-member girl group launched by Big Planet Made Entertainment just three years after its founding, has been generating buzz even before debut. The group includes dance powerhouses such as EMMA from Street Woman Fighter, Chloe Young from 1MILLION, HU’E and YunSeo from My Teenage Girl, and members INA, Vin, and KELLY. With their debut single OVERSTEP and follow-up release ZOOM, they’ve carved out a bold and distinct identity. BADVILLAIN was also recently named one of the “100 Essential Emerging Artists for 2025” by UK music publication NME, signaling growing international attention.
 
Now in its second year, ASEA has become a major celebration of Asia’s top stars, bringing together artists and fans through music on a global stage. Last year’s inaugural event featured major acts like Stray Kids (who took home three awards including the grand prize), TXT, DAY6, TREASURE, SHINee’s Taemin, and Creepy Nuts.
 
This year’s star-studded lineup includes aespa, ATARASHII GAKKO!, &TEAM, BADVILLAIN, ENHYPEN, HANA, NCT WISH, NEXZ, NiziU, n.SSign, SKY-HI, THE BOYZ, THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE, timelesz, and Xdinary Heroes. (Listed alphabetically.) THE BOYZ’s Juyeon and IVE’s Rei will serve as MCs for the first day.
 
ASEA 2025 is hosted by NEWSEN (celebrating its 20th anniversary), @star1 (13th anniversary), and The Star E&M, and organized by the ASEA Committee in partnership with ZOZOTOWN.
 
Ticket sales begin on March 25. For more information, visit the official website at www.asea.kr or the ZOZOTOWN event page here.
 
Additional lineup announcements, award categories, and judging criteria will be released gradually through the official ASEA website.