5 moments from the Asia Artist Awards 2023 that we'll remember forever

The Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2023 got everybody riding that K-Wave!

It was an unforgettable day wherein Hallyu fans and their favorite artists came out to celebrate music, acting, the arts, and most especially, Hallyu. It was also the first time the prestigious ceremony was held in the Philippines, at no less than the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

Here are five moments from the AAA 2023 that everyone will forever treasure.

1. Fan energy

Hallyu stans are enjoying the AAA Fan Zone at the Philippine Stadium. #AAA2023inPH @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/DvPGYb7icY

— Nika Roque (@rqNIKA) December 14, 2023

Filipino fans truly know how to show their love!

On AAA day, Filo Hallyu stans paid tribute to their favorites in several ways, may it be through their outfits inspired by them, and bringing along photocards and other merchandise.

Fans also organized fan projects, such as selling or giving away fanmade merchandise, or going the extra mile to hire trucks that flash digital posters of their favorite artists.

The Fan Zone located at the Philippine Stadium was filled with fan-made merch, interactive photo areas, and walls where fans could leave messages dedicated to their idols.

Of course, the good vibes continued during the awards show itself, where fans would repeatedly chant out names of artists like Kim Se Jeong, Ahn Hyo Seop, and Melai Cantiveros. Fanchants during songs made for an extra memorable night as well.

Another touching moment was that a black ocean never happened at the AAA. In K-Pop, a black ocean means turning off lightsticks to signify a lack of support for the artist on stage. However, Filo stans kept their lightsticks on throughout the whole show, and used these to bop along to the performers and cheer for acceptance speeches.

2. Stars slaying the red carpet

Oh my oh my god, NewJeans is here! #AAA2023InPH@gmanews@gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/VdRh2xwVLq

— Nika Roque (@rqNIKA) December 14, 2023

One of the much-awaited events at the AAA was the red carpet. A lot of fans came out early to see their faves enter the event.

The artists also looked excited to be at the AAA, as several of them were in the Philippines for the first time.

All the stars slayed in their outfits, with the ladies staying true to their personal brandings, such as NewJeans with their signature Y2K-inspired ‘fits. The men also looked dapper in their classic suits.

3. Touching speeches

The AAA was definitely a night of showing appreciation. The winners made sure to show how much they appreciate their fans for all the love and support they’ve been showered with since debuting. The artists also gave a resounding promise that they will continue working hard to earn their fans' appreciation.

Some highlights include NewJeans, who was one of the awardees of the AAA Hot Trend Award. The girls visited the Philippines for the first time and said that they were so lucky to be receiving so much love. Member Hanni also promised their Bunnies, “If we haven’t come to your country to see you and perform for you, we will soon.”

EXO’s Suho, also known by his real name Kim Jun Myeon, said that he had experienced both happiness and disappointments this year. When he won AAA Best Emotive, he told EXO-Ls, “From now, I’ll continuously stay stable like how I was till now so I can move your emotions. I’ll continuously act and sing well and live well so I won’t be an embarrassing idol.”

Jung Sung Il, the actor who made waves as Ha Do Yeong on “The Glory,” received his first ever award, which is the AAA Scene Stealer. “I think the reason why I received an award so late is because there are so many amazing artists.”

Lee Dong Hwi, an actor and singer who rose to fame through the series “Reply 1988” and the film “Extreme Job,” won AAA Best Actor. He said, “First of all, the Philippines is like a hometown for me. We shot the casino drama [‘Big Bet’] for around two months here in the Philippines.”

He added, “I am very grateful to all heartwarming Filipinos. If not because of you, there’s no casino K-Drama.”

In another touching moment, SEVENTEEN’s BSS subunit members made sure to thank their collaborator Lee Young Ji. The 13-member group won the AAA Grand Prize for Album of the Year.

BSS told the rapper, “If not for her, we wouldn’t be able to receive this award.” Seungkwan also went down the stage to give her the trophy.

Meanwhile, ZEROBASEONE dedicated their AAA Best Musician award to their member Ricky, who couldn’t make it to the event.

Stray Kids also promised their fans to stay tuned for their “new version” in 2024 when they accepted the AAA Grand Prize for Stage of the Year.

4. Korean artists speaking Tagalog

It was a night filled with artists saying, “kumusta ka,” “salamat,” and “mahal ko kayo.” Around halfway through the show, MC and singer Kang Daniel asked the crowd, “Nasisiyahan ba kayo?”

This simple yet meaningful action really just shows how much Korean stars love their Filipino fans, taking the time to learn important words in Tagalog.

In a surprising turn, ATBO’s Won Bin gave his speech in Tagalog. The idol group won AAA Best Potential. 

Won Bin said, “Lumaki ako sa Philippines” before thanking their fans in Tagalog for the award. The 19-year-old idol spent 10 years of his life in the country before starting his idol training.

5. Performances

Of course, the biggest highlight of the AAA was all the performances! The AAA promised a night of more than 100 songs performed over six hours, and everybody delivered.

The artists went all out by showcasing dance breaks, theatricality, audience interactions, pyro, graphics, and their idol skills and showmanship that come second to none.

The show was kicked off by WHIB with, quite literally, a “Bang!” They were followed by SB19 with a medley. &Team joined them with a collaborative stage to the P-Pop group’s top hit “GENTO.”

More fire performances were from LUN8, HORI7ON, Yaochen, Paul Blanco, Kingdom, Kim Jae Joong, and KARD.

Delivering the good vibes with energetic performances were Lapillus, ATBO, DINDIN, STAYC, and AKMU, who got everybody bopping their heads and dancing along.

High energy stages were thanks to Ash Island, NMIXX, Tempest, Dreamcatcher, Sakuraza46.

ONEUS, Kep1er, and Kwon Eun Bin gave theatrical and sultry performances.

Lee Young Ji also gave a lit show, and asked fans to chant and sing with her. She also interacted and danced with SEVENTEEN’s BSS to the choreography of her song, “Not Sorry.”

BOYNEXTDOOR brought an actual door and performed at the tables before going up the stage.

&Team was strong all throughout with their total synchronization and stage presence. They captured both fans and new admirers with their high-level performances of “Drop Kick” and “War Cry.”

ZEROBASEONE, Kang Daniel, and Lim Young Woong charmed audiences with their stages.

ITZY and THE BOYZ did not disappoint when they gave a memorable, edgy show, complete with lots of props and pyro.

NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM got everybody standing and dancing and singing along with them.

Stray Kids performed like kings and turned the heat up. Aside from showing everything they’ve got on stage, the boys went down to the tables, with Felix even interacting with some fans.

Closing the show was SEVENTEEN’s BSS who tore the house down! Their 12-minute performance captured everything from theatrics, to synchronization, to stage presence, high energy, and true artistry that made the audience dance with them and scream so loud. —JCB, GMA Integrated News