THE Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2025held on December 6 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, lit up the Asian entertainment scene with a dazzling red carpet and explosive performances. Featuring megastars like IU, Park Bo Gum, Lee Jun Ho, Kim Yoo Jung, IVE, Stray Kids and CORTIS, the show had all the makings of a legendary night. However, the sheer number of prizes handed out has sparked a firestorm of criticism, with fans stating: “If you participate, you win.”
Jang Wonyoung shines again, IU becomes the queen of AAA
For the fifth consecutive year, IVE’s Jang Wonyoung took the stage as MC, now a familiar figure associated AAAit is a refined image. His stamina and charisma – famously resistant to seven hours in heels in 2023 – continue to draw praise. This year she shared MC duties with Lee Jun Ho and walked away with two major trophies: AAA icon AND Celebrities from Asiafurther solidifying her “It Girl” status.
Meanwhile, IU has pretty much flooded the awards. From Artist of the Year (Actress) TO Best Couple (with Park Bo Gum), AAA Fabulous, Hot trendAND AAA 10 Legendary Solo Artistshis dominance was undeniable. Be it music, concerts, or acting, IU continues to rule the roost on every platform she steps foot on.
The Daesang dilemma: too many, too easy?
The controversy focused on the Daesang (Grand Prix) categories. In addition to the traditional Artist, Album and Song of the YearThis year saw the introduction of new Daesangs such as:
- Performance of the Year (RIIZE)
- Phase of the year (ATEEZ)
- Musical icon of the year (LE SSERAFIM)
While some fans applauded the inclusive spirit, many supported it AAA is diluting the prestige of Daesang by creating too many of them, seemingly to appease fandoms and participants. In particular, the victory of IVE’s “Rebel Heart”. Song of the year sparked strong reactions, with critics citing the strong digital and cultural impact of other hits such as Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT”. and “Home Sweet Home – Too Bad” by G-Dragon.
Stray childrenat least, he earned respect Album of the Year thanks to strong sales with Karma.
Snubbing the giants: BTS, BLACKPINK, G-Dragon
Perhaps the biggest shock? BTS, BLACKPINK and G-Dragon – arguably the most influential K-pop groups globally – were absent from Daesang’s main roster. Instead, they received symbolic titles such as Legendary group AAA 10 AND AAA 10 Legendary Solo Artistswhich many see as vague acknowledgments rather than recognition of actual results in 2025.
G-Dragon’s absence from the main categories, despite his impactful return, fueled further discontent. As one fan put online, “They gave a trophy to everyone… except the legends.”
Lack of transparency and questionable criteria
AAA‘s extensive list of awards raised concerns about unclear judging standards. Some artists with minimal activity in 2025 were still granted top honors, leading fans to suspect that fandom participation and power outweighed actual merit.
The online slogan quickly became: “Come and bring something home.”
Daesang AAA Key Winners 2025:
- Artist of the Year (Singer): Stray Kids
- Artist of the Year (Actor): IU
- Album of the Year: Karma (Stray Kids)
- Song of the Year: “Rebel Heart” (IVE)
- Musical icon of the year: LE SSERAFIM
- Performance of the Year: RIIZE
- Stage of the year: ATEEZ
Final thoughts:
While AAA 2025 built on star power and entertainment, its overly generous prize system has left fans questioning the event’s credibility. Unless reforms are implemented, its reputation as an important industry benchmark could be at risk.
- Daesang Artist of the Year (Singer): Stray children
- Daesang Artist of the Year (Actor): UI
- Daesang Album of the Year: Karma – Stray kids
- Daesang Song of the Year: Rebel heart – IVE
- Daesang Music Icon of the Year: THE SERAPHINS
- Daesang Performance of the Year: RIIZE
- Daesang Stage of the Year: the gates
- Best Actress Daesang: Then R (TTT), List (TV)
- Best Actor for Daesang: Park Bo Gum (OTT), Lee Junho (TV)
- Best couple: Bo Gum Park & IU
- Bonsang – Best artists of 2025:
MOSANTA MORE, ANEEZ, WOODZ, JJ Lin, NO SSERAFIM, Lee, IVE, IVE, Stray, Lee Junho, Lee Yoo Junho, RIIZE, RIIZE, RIIZE, Ohm J Won, IU, IU, Ohm, IU, Oh. - Rookie of the Year: The Os
- Best New Artist: AHOF, NEXZ, KickFlip
- Best performance: KiiiKiii, CORTIS
- New Wave Award: Yunho (ATEEZ), ALL DAY PROJECT
- Best Music Video: “Hands up” – MEOVV
- Best OST: “Golden” – K-Pop Demon Hunters
- AAA icon: Choo Young Woo, CRAVITY
- Emotional AAA: Kang Yoo Seok, RIIZE
- AAA Potential: xikers
- AAA fabulous: Lee Jun Hou, Iu
- AAA Scene Stealer: Choi Dae Hoon
- Best AAA K-pop Album: IVE, Stray Kids, ATEEZ
- Asia Star Award: JJ Lin, Yoona, Sato Takeru
- Best group: QWER
- Best Vocal Performance: Arden Cho (as Rumi in K-pop Demon Hunters)
- Best Producer: 3RACHA (Stray boys)
- Asian Artist Award: Jang Wonyoung (IVE), Park Bo Gum
- Hot Trend Award: UI
- The best choice: Stray Kids, Kids, Ki Chewonon (LE SSERAFIM), Hongjoong (ATEEZ)
- AAA Symbol Award: Jang Wonyoung (IVE)
- AAA Popularity Award: Lee Junho, Kim Hye Yoon, Stray Kids, NiziU, Im Young Woong, Yuqi ((G)I-DLE)
- Best Actor/Actress: Lee Hyeri, Cha Joo Young, Lee Jun Young, Choo Young Woo
- The best musicians: Choi Yena, Ash Island, CHAMINA, KISS OF LIFE, TWS, MEOVV
- AAA 10 History of K-Pop: MONSTA
- AAA Great presence of K-pop: Felix (Stray Kids), Jang Wonyoung (IVE)
- Legendary Manufacturer AAA 10: BUMZU
- AAA 10 legendary professional K-pop masters: Seo Hyunjoo (Starship Entertainment)
- AAA 10 Legendary Couple: Park Bo Gum and Kim Yoo Jung
- AAA 10 legendary actors: Lee Jun Hyuk, Uhm Ji Won
- AAA 10 Legendary Solo Artists: IU, G-Dragon
- AAA Legendary Groups 10: BLACKPINK, BTS
Sources: Kênh14, Financial Express, IBTimes Singapore
