MONSTA X’s Hyungwon and IVE’s Rei Confirmed as 'ASEA' MCs for the Second Consecutive Year

MONSTA X’s Hyungwon and IVE’s Rei to appear at Belluna Dome in May

MONSTA X’s Hyungwon and IVE’s Rei will be heading to 'ASEA 2026.'

On March 17, the organizing committee for the 3rd Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2026 (ASEA 2026)—a global music festival where top-class Asian artists gather—announced that Hyungwon and Rei have been selected as the MCs for the first day of the event. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 16 and 17 at the Belluna Dome in Saitama Prefecture, Japan.

Last year, both stars earned praise for their witty and seamless hosting skills at the inaugural 'ASEA.' While they hosted on different days last time, they will be working together as a duo for the first day of 'ASEA 2026.'

Hyungwon, who resumed his activities as an 'ASEA' MC last year following his military discharge, has maintained his top-tier status as a member of MONSTA X. Celebrating their 10th anniversary, the group reached a career high in first-week sales with their commemorative album THE X and charted on several global rankings, including the U.S. Billboard 200. Hyungwon, in particular, showcased his talent as a leading producer by participating directly in the album's creation. He has continued to prove his reputation as a "reliable performer" through MONSTA X's world tours and various global festivals.

Having been active as DJ H.ONE since 2017, Hyungwon also demonstrated his musical range by participating in MONSTA X's remix digital single N the Front (H.ONE Remix) under his alter ego. Furthermore, he displayed his sincere personality and variety show skills through the program Ttorora. Fans are also looking forward to the release of MONSTA X's new U.S. album, Unfold, on April 3.

IVE’s Rei, who successfully made her awards ceremony MC debut at last year’s 'ASEA,' had a prolific year with significant achievements in both group and solo activities. She has been active as a commercial model for various beauty and fashion brands, a luxury brand ambassador, a special MC for music broadcasts, and a variety show regular. Her musical talent was further highlighted through her feature in MONSTA X member Joohoney's solo track "Push," where she showcased her soft and unique vocal tone. As an "MZ Icon," she has solidified her status as a trendsetter by creating viral poses and challenges like the "Ribbon Peace" and "Kongsuni Pose," eventually winning the "Best Trend Leader" award from TikTok.

IVE's global dominance remains unparalleled. Their second full-length album, REVIVE+, released in February, achieved a "Perfect All-Kill" on major domestic charts and earned them nine music show wins. The title track "BANG BANG" stayed on the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) charts for two consecutive weeks. The group is set to expand their global presence with their large-scale world tour, SHOW WHAT I AM, visiting major regions across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.

Launched in 2024, ASEA has established itself as a global awards ceremony that honors influential artists and showcases high-level performances. This year, top-tier artists who achieved significant results over the past year will perform on a spectacular stage. The confirmed lineup so far includes ATEEZ, &TEAM, ENHYPEN, Hearts2Hearts, and xikers (in alphabetical order).

ASEA 2026 is hosted by Newsen and AtStar1 (@style) and is organized by the ASEA Organizing Committee.

Meanwhile, ticket reservations opened on the 16th. Detailed information can be found on the official Japanese website.

(Photo: Provided by ASEA Organizing Committee, Starship Entertainment)