SAKURAZAKA46, Hearts2Hearts, and KiiiKiii to Perform at ASEA 2025

SAKURAZAKA46, Hearts2Hearts, and KiiiKiii have been officially announced as part of the lineup for the 2nd ASIA STAR ENTERTAINER AWARDS 2025 (ASEA 2025), set to take place on May 28–29 at K-Arena Yokohama in Japan. The news was confirmed by the ASEA Organizing Committee on March 31.

SAKURAZAKA46, known for their artistic creativity and distinct presence in Japan’s music scene, continues to top social media trends and music charts with each release. In 2023, the group held their second Tokyo Dome concert, attracting 110,000 fans, and went on to break attendance records at ZOZO Marine Stadium. They also made history as the first Japanese idol group to perform on the main stage of Hong Kong’s “Clockenflap Music & Art Festival 2024.” In 2025, the group is slated to embark on a five-city Japan tour, including five days at Tokyo Dome and Kyocera Dome Osaka.

Hearts2Hearts, an 8-member rookie girl group from SM Entertainment—the company’s first multi-member girl group since Girls’ Generation—debuted to high expectations. With their debut track “The Chase,” released on February 24, the group took first place on a music show just 15 days after debut and topped China’s QQ Music K-pop weekly chart (Feb. 27–Mar. 5). They’ve been praised for their ethereal visuals, synchronized choreography, and diverse charm, gaining traction across major streaming platforms. Hearts2Hearts is also set to appear at the upcoming iHeartRadio Wango Tango 2025 festival in Huntington Beach, LA, standing alongside global pop stars.

Rookie girl group KiiiKiii, presented by Starship Entertainment, made a splash with their pre-debut single “I DO ME,” featuring catchy melodies and standout vocals. The music video topped YouTube Korea’s trending charts, and the group has since climbed the ranks on QQ Music and LINE MUSIC charts. They were also spotlighted by The Hollywood Reporter, further cementing their global appeal. KiiiKiii received praise for their strong live vocals on their first music show appearance and made their official debut on March 24 with their album UNCUT GEM, showcasing their bold Gen Z energy.

Now in its second year, ASEA is an awards show that unites top stars from across Asia and their fans through music. The inaugural event in April 2024 saw major performances from Stray Kids—who took home three awards including the grand prize—alongside TOMORROW X TOGETHER, DAY6, TREASURE, SHINee’s TAEMIN, Creepy Nuts, and more.

This year’s ASEA 2025 will once again feature top-tier K-pop and Asian artists who made significant achievements over the past year. The lineup includes aespa, ATARASHII GAKKO!, &TEAM, BADVILLAIN, ENHYPEN, HANA, Hearts2Hearts, KiiiKiii, NCT WISH, NEXZ, NiziU, n.SSign, SAKURAZAKA46, SKY-HI, THE BOYZ, THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE, timelesz, and Xdinary Heroes (listed in alphabetical order). THE BOYZ’s Juyeon and IVE’s Rei will host Day 1 of the event.

ASEA 2025 is organized by NEWSEN—Korea’s leading entertainment and sports news medlia celebrating its 20th anniversary—and @style, a star and style magazine marking its 13th year, in collaboration with THE STAR E&M. The event is co-hosted by the ASEA Organizing Committee and ZOZOTOWN.

Tickets went on sale March 25. For more details, visit the official website (www.asea.kr) or the special event page on ZOZOTOWN.

More announcements, including awards categories, judging criteria, and additional artist reveals, will be released via the official website in the lead-up to the event.

(Photos courtesy of Sony Music Labels Inc., SM Entertainment, Starship Entertainment, and ASEA Organizing Committee)