"MZ Wannabe Icon" RAY of IVE has been appointed as the MC for 'ASEA 2025'.
According to the 'ASEA 2025' organizing committee on the 19th, RAY will serve as the MC on the first day, May 28, at the 2nd Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2025 (ASEA STAR ENTERTAINER AWARDS 2025, hereafter 'ASEA 2025'), which will be held in Tokyo, Japan on May 28 and 29.
'ASEA' is an award ceremony where top stars representing Asia gather to unite with fans worldwide through music. With global fans' attention focused on the announcement of the 2nd 'ASEA,' RAY is taking a meaningful step by challenging to be an award ceremony MC for the first time in her hometown, Japan.
RAY, who debuted as a member of IVE in 2021, has secured a high level of public recognition and likability by showcasing her distinctive, vibrant charm. The unique poses that RAY has presented, from the "Kongsooni pose" to the "Ribbon piece," have sparked a massive trend among the MZ generation, and her unique "Sakku (photo styling)" emotions on personal social media have also garnered significant attention.
Recently, RAY has proved her status as a self-acclaimed "trend maker" by popularizing the 'Pokkugini (Speedy guinea pig)' challenge from her new song "ATTITUDE" among K-pop fans and artists. Especially, the 'Pokkugini' video that RAY posted on the release day of "ATTITUDE" surpassed 26.2 million views on TikTok (as of March 19).
RAY's achievements in entertainment are also noteworthy. She has appeared in various programs, including SBS's 'Running Man', ENA's 'City Z Goes to the Countryside,' and tvN's 'Amazing Saturday,' showcasing her candid and charming charisma and emerging as a 'variety show blue chip.' Additionally, she offers a rich array of entertainment through her weekly unique YouTube content "Follow It RAY," featuring talk, experiences, fashion, and more.
Although RAY is the only Japanese member in the group, she boasts fluent Korean skills. Based on this, she is making a strong presence not only in music but also in various fields such as entertainment and YouTube content, and there is great anticipation for how RAY will perform as an MC at 'ASEA 2025,' where artists representing Asia and fans gather.
RAY conveyed her thoughts through her agency, saying, "I am so honored and happy to be the MC at 'ASEA 2025' held in Japan. Since it will be my first time being an award ceremony MC, I feel a bit nervous and excited, but I will do my best to show a good side of me. Please have high expectations for 'MC RAY' and 'ASEA.' See you on May 28!"
Meanwhile, IVE, to which RAY belongs, will hold its third fan concert 'IVE SCOUT' on April 5 and 6 at the KSPO Dome (formerly the Gymnastics Arena) in Olympic Park, Seoul, which has sold out all seats for both days.
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