Kim Hye-yoon and THE BOYZ’s Younghoon Confirmed as MCs for ‘ASEA 2025 Presented by ZOZOTOWN’

Actress Kim Hye-yoon and THE BOYZ member Younghoon have been officially announced as co-hosts for the second day of the upcoming ASIA STAR ENTERTAINER AWARDS 2025 Presented by ZOZOTOWN (ASEA 2025), to be held at K-Arena Yokohama in Japan on May 28–29. The ASEA Organizing Committee made the announcement on April 1.

Known for her versatility and charm, Kim Hye-yoon first rose to prominence in 2013 and gained massive recognition for her role as Kang Ye-seo in JTBC’s SKY Castle. She continued to impress with her triple-role performance in MBC’s Extraordinary You, showcasing her range and emotional depth. Her most recent work, Lovely Runner (tvN, 2024), earned critical acclaim for her nuanced portrayal of youth and romance—so much so that critics have dubbed the genre “Kim Hye-yoon-style youth dramas.” Having previously hosted the 2024 SBS Drama Awards, her poised live hosting skills are expected to shine on the ASEA 2025 stage.

Joining her is Younghoon, a member of the popular K-pop group THE BOYZ, who debuted in 2017. Known for his striking visuals and powerful stage presence, Younghoon has captured the hearts of fans around the globe. Beyond music, he has ventured into acting and hosted MBC’s Show! Music Core for over a year (2023–early 2025), earning praise for his engaging and confident presentation. His bright and charismatic energy is set to bring excitement to the ASEA audience.

ASEA 2025 marks the first time Kim Hye-yoon and Younghoon are teaming up as MCs—a pairing that’s already drawing buzz. The second-day duo follows the first day’s hosts, THE BOYZ’s Juyeon and IVE’s Rei, completing a star-studded MC lineup that aims to energize global K-pop fans.

Now in its second year, ASEA is a premier pan-Asian music awards show celebrating the achievements of top stars across the continent. Last year’s inaugural event brought together acts like Stray Kids (who took home three major awards including the grand prize), TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), DAY6, TREASURE, SHINee’s Taemin, and Creepy Nuts, among others, igniting passionate fanfare across the globe.

ASEA 2025 promises to elevate the spectacle with an even more dazzling artist lineup, including 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 event is co-hosted by Newsen—Korea’s leading entertainment and sports news media celebrating its 20th anniversary—and the lifestyle and star-focused media brand @style, in collaboration with THE STAR E&M, the ASEA Organizing Committee, and ZOZOTOWN.

Tickets for ASEA 2025 went on sale March 25, with more details available on the official website (www.asea.kr) and ZOZOTOWN’s special event page. Additional announcements—including award categories, artist appearances, and judging criteria—will be released gradually through the official ASEA channels.

(Photos: Artist Company, One Hundred, ASEA Organizing Committee)