The 2025 Asia Artist Awards (AAA) may have wowed fans with a star-studded lineup and impressive production on December 6 in Kaohsiung, but the event has since found itself at the center of controversy. Accusations surfaced online that the show’s 360-degree stage was simply a reused setup from TWICE’s concert held at the same venue just two weeks earlier.
TWICE performed at the main stadium of the World Games from November 22 to 23, using a four-sided stage configuration. Following AAA’s use of a similar design, netizens began to speculate that the awards show had simply “borrowed” the existing stage. The statement quickly went viral, sparking heated debates among K-pop fans on both sides.
In response, Moon Wan-sik, executive producer of AAA, took to Threads to refute the rumors. He shared photos documenting the staging process and strongly denied the allegations:
“The AAA stage was designed and built by our team. We have not shared or reused any stages with previous concerts. These false claims will be addressed through legal channels.”
Despite the denial, the criticism surrounding the 360-degree phase has not stopped. While AAA promoted the installation as allowing unobstructed views from all angles, many fans in the FN sections expressed disappointment, saying they could only see the artists’ backs for “90% of the show.”
Comments from frustrated attendees include:
- “If performers only look in one direction, don’t call it a 360-degree stage.”
- “I paid to see my idols, not their backs – it was heartbreaking.”
Photos of the event circulating online show that while the stage was technically surrounded by audience seating, the performance did not live up to expectations. As a result, social media has been flooded with mixed reviews, with fans debating whether the so-called “zero blind spot” design has truly lived up to its promises.
Meanwhile, AAA organizers are considering legal action against those spreading what they say are unfounded allegations, as the incident continues to dominate discussions after the ceremony.
Whether this controversy will impact future large-scale K-pop events remains to be seen, but for now, AAA 2025 is facing some major post-show fallout.
