The 8th Asia Artist Awards at the Philippine Arena might be one of the most unforgettable events we've attended this year. With more than 40 artists present, we got back-to-back fiery performances and witnessed some really heartwarming interactions between them!
Everyone braved the shifting weather—from sunny to rainy in the span of a moment—and of course, the expected traffic in order to attend. Thankfully, there were numerous memorable moments that made the six-hour plus event truly worthwhile, especially for us fans of both K-pop and K-dramas.
Here are the 11 best moments from the Asia Artist Awards 2023:
1. SB19 and &TEAM gave the most marvelous opening stage!
The event began at exactly 3PM, and the mood for the night was immediately set by P-pop boy group SB19 together with the K-pop boy group &TEAM. For sure, A'Tins and LUNÉs had the time of their lives witnessing an ~*explosive*~ collab stage between their favorites.
Even casual viewers like us were totally amazed by their performance. They definitely set the bar high for the succeeding live stages! Here's a two-minute clip of their "Gento" stage from &TEAM's official Twitter account. Look at how they *rocked* every move:
2. The hosts looked oh-so-gorgeous from every angle!
When we first saw Kang Daniel, Jang Wonyoung, and Sung Hanbin on the red carpet, we thought: oh it's gonna be a visual feast with them hosting the event. And it truly was! Daniel and Hanbin looked dapper in their tux. And Wonyoung was *stunning* as the lady in red during the first part of the show. Seeing her up close was such an experience:
Did you prefer their red-themed fits at the beginning of the 2023 AAAs, or their blue ensembles for the second half of the show?
3. Kim Sejeong is *the moment*.
Yup, Kim Sejeong is the moment. Period. She was a head-turner on the red carpet wearing a flowy backless halterneck gown that showed off her toned body.
Sejeong won the AAA Popularity Award that night, and also AAA Best Actor for the second time in a row—it was a proud moment for the whole crowd. Last night was a clear manifestation that PH fans ~*adore*~ the idol-actress. Sesang (Sejeong's fandom name) or not, she has a space in all our hearts, for sure. Take a look at how touched she was when the entire stadium chanted her name! Love you lots, Sejeong-ah!
4. NewJeans got the recognition they truly deserve!
It was the first time NewJeans visited the Philippines, so the AAA crowd made sure the girls felt all their love and support. The five-member K-pop girl group is a growing sensation in the K-pop scene and no one can say otherwise.
The girls won a Daesang or the grand prize for the Song of the Year award thanks to their mega-hit track, "Ditto." They were also hailed as Singer of the Year! During one of their acceptance speeches, they even greeted their CEO with a happy birthday—so cute! We're so proud of you, NewJeans!
5. NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM's back-to-back performances had us in a chokehold.
As fans of both NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM, it was *literally* a deadly moment for us to see them perform one after the other.
For the first time in the Philippines, NewJeans performed their hit songs "OMG," "ETA," and of course, everyone's favorite "Super Shy." We're telling you, the crowd went absolutely crazy for them! We've waited for so long for their live performance and it was so worth it.
And then there was LE SSERAFIM who never disappoints with their "Perfect Night" stage! They also performed a "Fearless" remix before making the crowd go wild for their "Eve, Psyche, and Bluebeard's Wife" dance break. It was such a powerful stage!
6. Lee Youngji and her charm made it to the Philippines!
ICYDK, we love Lee Young Ji. She has been the ~realest~ and most charming rapper we've encountered since she won the 11th season of the South Korean talent show Show Me The Money.
It was also her first time to visit the Philippines, but she made sure that the crowd would remember her for the rest of their lives. How? Well, she taught them to chant her name and cheer her on during her songs "I Am Lee Young Ji" and "Not Sorry." We totally won't forget her!
ICYMI, Young Ji was the most fun red carpet attendee, too! Instead of doing the usual smile and wave to the press, she danced to SEVENTEEN BooSeokSoon's "Fighting" which she featured in.
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7. We can't help but love the 3HOs of Korea!
It was really one of the best things that the 2023 AAAs did for the whole K-community. To sit Lee Junho, Kim Seon Ho, and EXO's Suho together at one table? Totally a *chef's kiss* genius move!
8. Melai Cantiveros made her way to every K-celeb's heart!
After the 3HOs' quick interview with MC Wonyoung, Melai Cantiveros was asked about her experience at the AAAs—and her reaction was the funniest of all!
"I feel like I am the first honor and valedictorian attending AAA," Melai smilingly told Wonyoung. Everyone couldn't help but laugh at her answer!
She was also asked about the artists that she was looking forward to seeing during the awards show. Fortunately, she was seated right next to the table of her fave Korean actor, Kim Seon Ho! Her funny antics were a mood. Many fans commented that they are now supporters of a new love team: MelaSeon!
Melai also said that she loves NewJeans. The girls cheered for her when they found out about it.
READ: Here's Proof That Even Korean Celebs + Idols Found Melai Cantiveros *Funny* During The AAA 2023
ICYMI, Melai also posted a selfie with her seatmates: Korean actors Kim Young Dae and Moon Sang Min!
9. Kathryn Bernardo proved that 2023 is the year of her many breakthroughs.
Kathryn Bernardo was one of the awardees at the 2023 AAAs, and we couldn't be happier for her. The award-winning actress won the AAA Fabulous Award, and stepped up onstage to receive it wearing a gorgeous strapless white gown (the nude-colored corseted bodice created the illusion of a two-piece ensemble!).
When it was time for her acceptance speech the crowd went wild, showing their love and appreciation for the actress. It was a proud moment for every Filipino to see her on that stage.
"Hello guys, magandang gabi sa inyong lahat. I hope you're all having a great night. I'm Kathryn Bernardo and I'm a Filipina actress. Wow, what an honor to be recognized tonight with these beautiful and talented people. Thank you so much, AAA, for this fabulous award," she began in her speech.
"Patapos na yung taon but I feel so blessed na I'm sharing this award with all of you. Maraming, maraming salamat and have a good night!" Kathryn concluded. Congrats again, Kathryn! You can read her full speech here.
READ: Woah, Kathryn Bernardo Just Won The AAA Fabulous Award At The Asia Artist Awards 2023
10. Stray Kids' fiery stage was a jaw-dropping moment!
Stray Kids won the Stage of the Year award at the 2023 AAAs and they immediately proved that they are worthy of the honor! They performed their hit songs including "Maniac" and "Topline," and had a blast together hyping up other Korean celebs—and of course, the crowd.
For first-timers to witness Stray Kids' stage (like me), we were definitely ~*impressed*~ with how powerful and dynamic their performance was. Absolutely one for the books!
11. BooSeokSoon's incredible performance had us all jamming in our seats!
SEVENTEEN's BooSeokSoon was the last to perform and it was ~*worth the wait.*~ As expected of the trio, they gave a fantastic and engaging stage for the crowd and all the AAA awardees to enjoy. BooSeokSoon, consisting of Boo Seungkwan, Lee Seokmin, and Kwon Soonyoung or Hoshi, are known for their effortlessly funny and energetic stages.
Their performance began with what seemed to be an improvised scene. They were all drinking and having a snack with Kim Sejeong, Lee Donghwi, and Kentaro Sakaguchi while singing their song "7PM." NGL, we were laughing so hard at how they got the actors to go along with their playful performance.
The song suddenly stopped, and BooSeokSoon froze in their seats for a moment before proceeding with their next song, "Fighting." The confused looks on the actors' faces were hilarious! One look at Kentaro and Donghwi's enormous grins and you'll see how much laughter they were trying to resist because of BooSeokSoon.
Of course, the "Fighting" stage which everyone had been waiting for was breathtaking. They performed it together with Young Ji, too!
For the first time in the Philippines, BooSeokSoon also performed their very first single "Just Do It," and everyone danced along to it! Seeing all the artists enjoy their stage and jam along to their songs was truly one of the best things to witness during the AAAs 2023.
The Asia Artist Awards 2023 may have concluded, but the memories we had that night will stay with us forever.
