The "kawaii" troupe of Japanese entertainment company ASOBI SYSTEM will take over the stage of the Korea-hosted global music awards show "ASEA 2026."
On the 15th, the ASEA 2026 organizing committee said that on the first day of the "3rd Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2026" (hereinafter "ASEA 2026"), to be held May 16 and 17 at Belluna Dome in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, Fruits Zipper (FRUITS ZIPPER), Candy Tune (CANDY TUNE), Sweet Steady (SWEET STEADY), Cutie Street (CUTIE STREET) and chief producer Kimura Misa (KIMURA MISA) have confirmed they will appear.
This lineup has raised strong expectations among local fans because it brings together the core players of ASOBI SYSTEM's idol project "KAWAII LAB."
Fruits Zipper (FRUITS ZIPPER): Since debuting in 2022, the group, known for the song "My cutest point," surpassed 3 billion views on TikTok and won the Japan Record Awards for three consecutive years, making them a trending group. After a recent Tokyo Dome performance, they followed up with an arena tour, showcasing overwhelming power.
Candy Tune (CANDY TUNE): A skilled act that ranked No. 1 on TikTok's popularity chart for 10 consecutive weeks last year. With a June entry into Nippon Budokan in Japan scheduled, they are expected to showcase their skills on the "ASEA 2026" stage.
Sweet Steady (SWEET STEADY): Since forming in 2024, they have shown steady momentum. With the new song "Sweet Step," they have stood out on global charts and are being noticed as next-generation stars.
Cutie Street (CUTIE STREET): Their debut song set an astonishing record of 7.4 billion views on TikTok. Last year they won the Japan Record Awards' rookie of the year, announcing the birth of a "super rookie."
Producer Kimura Misa, who leads them, will also take the stage herself. After activities as a model and singer, she transformed into a producer, and through this awards show she plans to present the distinctive worldview of "KAWAII LAB." on the global stage.
Now in its third year, ASEA is a global awards show that selects artists who have exerted influence across Asia. In addition to Japanese groups, top K-pop artists such as ATEEZ, ENHYPEN, &TEAM, Kwon Eun-bi, Wonho and Psycus are set to join in large numbers, promising spectacular performances.
The glamorous lineup of presenters and MCs also draws attention. MONSTA X's Hyungwon and IVE's Ray will serve as MCs on the first day, and on the second day actor Lee Sung-kyoung will take the mic. Actors Lee Jun-ho, Go Youn-jung and Lee Chae-min, among other top actors, will appear as presenters, further heightening the festival atmosphere.
ASEA 2026 is hosted by entertainment and sports outlet Newsen and star & style magazine AtStyle.
[Photo] ASEA organizing committee, provided by ASOBISYSTEM Co., Ltd.
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