The first-ever Asia Star Entertainer Awards (ASEA) was recently held on April 10, 2024 in Yokohama, Japan. ICYDK, it's a new awards show launched by Newsen and @star1 magazine that aims to celebrate the top K-pop and Asian artists who garnered worldwide recognition in the past year.
Aside from the many groups and artists in attendance, one of our very own was part of the A-list crowd: Francine Diaz! The 20-year-old actress was invited to be one of the award presenters, specifically the Global K-Pop Leader Award.
Francine Diaz Goes Viral for Mispronouncing K-Pop Group Tomorrow X Together's Name in Awards Show
The actress recently went viral for an adorable *honest* mistake.
Francine got up onstage to announce the Global K-Pop Leader award, which was eventually awarded to K-pop group Tomorrow X Together (TXT). However, instead of pronouncing it as "Tomorrow By Together," she mistakenly said "Tomorrow Times Together"—probably due to the X in the group's name, LOL!
Netizens React to Francine Diaz's Onstage Mistake
Although some netizens were anxious that MOAs (TXT's fanbase name) would bash Francine for her mistake onstage, it turns out that they were v understanding and even found it to be cute!
Francine presenting an award to TXT was not in our 2024 bingo cards, TBH!
It turned out that Francine's "times" fumble was actually a foreshadowing of the four (!) awards that TXT would win that night, LOL.
Yay for extra exposure for tubatu!
Cassie Mondragon, best in math!
Francine Diaz Addresses Her Onstage Mistake Via Instagram Live
On April 11, 2024, Francine went live on Instagram to talk about last night's awards show where she also addressed the "Tomorrow Times Together" fumble. She began by apologizing to K-pop fans, specifically MOAs.
"First of all, I am very sorry for that very big mistake. Pag-pasensyahan niyo ako dahil hindi na po ako ganun ka-updated sa nangyayari sa K-pop world. Alam niyo naman po ako, dalawang grupo lang inii-stan ko. Now, alam ko na, na-educate na po ako," she shared.
She also went on to share her experience with TXT, noting that they were very kind to her during the award show. She even wished she could have had more time to talk with them!
"Sobrang bait po nila. Inoofferan nila ako ng upuan. Sana nga pwedeng makipag-usap sa kanila. Pero alam niyo na mahigpit po talaga. Pero kahit mahigpit, mabait po sila.
[Apat na] awards meron sila diba? Na-multiply po natin yung awards," she joked.
Francine also noted that if she ever had the opportunity to present another award for the group in the future, she would be game now that she's been ~educated~.
"Next time, kung meron man akong opportunity na i-present ang kanilang award, I'll take it as take two."
Francine Diaz at the 2024 Asia Star Entertainer Awards
Before the ceremony, Francine graced the red carpet in a beautiful red strapless gown. Her makeup was kept simple to highlight her youth and beauty—a glowy base, shimmery cheeks, and a monochromatic beat for her eyes and lips. Gorgeous!
For her second and last ensemble of the night, Francine donned an ethereal white frock with an asymmetrical neckline for her presenter duties.
P.S. She was also able to snap some pics with Yuri of SNSD and Fantasy Boys. Lucky gal!
Before going to the center of the stage to present the award, Francine was introduced as "the actor who is the most influential in the Philippines."
She briefly introduced herself as an "actress, model, vlogger, and a singer."
"Good evening, everyone. I am Francine Diaz. I am an actress from the Philippines. For starters, it’s an honor to be invited to [this awards ceremony] where music becomes one," she noted in her speech.
She added that she recently did a collaboration with Korean actor Seo In Guk for a duet song called "My Love" and shared that she can't wait for more collaborations with other stars in the future.
"I'm falling in love with music too. I recently sang a duet song called 'My Love' with Korean top star Seo In Guk. It’s a really special experience. While watching these amazing performances, I can’t help but dream of collaborating with them in the future," she said.
