The Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2025, held on December 6 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, lit up the Asian entertainment scene with a dazzling red carpet and explosive performances. With megastars like IU, Park Bo Gum, Lee Jun Ho, Kim Yoo Jung, IVE, Stray Kids, and CORTIS in attendance, the show had all the makings of a legendary night. However, the sheer number of awards distributed has sparked a firestorm of criticism, with fans claiming: “If you attend, 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 with AAA‘s polished image. Her stamina and charisma — famously enduring seven hours in heels back in 2023 — continue to draw praise. She shared MC duties with Lee Jun Ho this year and walked away with two major trophies: AAA Icon and Asia Celebrity, further cementing her “It Girl” status.
Meanwhile, IU practically swept the awards. From Artist of the Year (Actress) to Best Couple (with Park Bo Gum), AAA Fabulous, Hot Trend, and AAA 10 Legendary Solo Artist, her dominance was undeniable. Whether in music, concerts, or acting, IU continues to command every platform she steps onto.
The Daesang Dilemma: Too Many, Too Easy?
Controversy centered around the Daesang (Grand Prize) categories. In addition to the traditional Artist, Album, and Song of the Year, this year saw the introduction of new Daesangs like:
- Performance of the Year (RIIZE)
- Stage of the Year (ATEEZ)
- Music Icon of the Year (LE SSERAFIM)
While some fans applauded the inclusive spirit, many argued that AAA is diluting the prestige of Daesangs by creating too many — seemingly to appease fandoms and attendees. Notably, IVE’s “Rebel Heart” winning Song of the Year drew heavy backlash, with critics citing stronger digital and cultural impact from other hits like Rosé & Bruno Mars’ “APT.” and G-Dragon’s “Home Sweet Home – Too Bad.”
Stray Kids, at least, earned respect for 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 globally influential K-pop acts — were absent from the main Daesang list. Instead, they received symbolic titles like AAA 10 Legendary Group and AAA 10 Legendary Solo Artist, which many see as vague acknowledgments rather than recognition of actual achievements in 2025.
G-Dragon’s absence from major categories, despite his impactful comeback, fueled further discontent. As one fan put it online, “They gave everyone a trophy… except the legends.”
Lack of Transparency and Questionable Criteria
AAA’s extensive award list raised eyebrows over unclear judging standards. Some artists with minimal 2025 activity were still granted top honors, leading fans to suspect that attendance and fandom power outweighed actual merit.
The slogan online quickly became: “Show up, and you’ll take something home.”
AAA 2025 Key Daesang Winners:
- 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)
- Music Icon of the Year: LE SSERAFIM
- Performance of the Year: RIIZE
- Stage of the Year: ATEEZ
Final Thoughts:
While AAA 2025 delivered on star power and entertainment, its over-generous award system has left fans questioning the event’s credibility. Unless reforms are made, its reputation as a meaningful industry benchmark may be at risk.
- Daesang Artist of the Year (Singer): Stray Kids
- Daesang Artist of the Year (Actor): IU
- Daesang Album of the Year: Karma – Stray Kids
- Daesang Song of the Year: Rebel Heart – IVE
- Daesang Music Icon of the Year: LE SSERAFIM
- Daesang Performance of the Year: RIIZE
- Daesang Stage of the Year: ATEEZ
- Daesang Best Actress: Moon So Ri (OTT), Lim Yoona (TV)
- Daesang Best Actor: Park Bo Gum (OTT), Lee Junho (TV)
- Best Couple: Park Bo Gum & IU
- Bonsang – Best Artists of 2025:
MONSTA X, ATEEZ, WOODZ, JJ Lin, LE SSERAFIM, Lee Jun Hyuk, Yoona, IVE, Stray Kids, Lee Junho, Kim Yoo Jung, RIIZE, ALLDAY PROJECT, Uhm Ji Won, IU, Moon So Ri, Park Bo Gum, Sato Takeru - Rookie of the Year: Park Yoon Ho, KiiiKiii, ALLDAY PROJECT, CORTIS
- Best New Artist: AHOF, NEXZ, KickFlip
- Best Performance: KiiiKiii, CORTIS
- New Wave Award: Yunho (ATEEZ), ALLDAY PROJECT
- Best Music Video: “Hands Up” – MEOVV
- Best OST: “Golden” – K-Pop Demon Hunters
- AAA Icon: Choo Young Woo, CRAVITY
- AAA Emotive: Kang Yoo Seok, RIIZE
- AAA Potential: xikers
- AAA Fabulous: Lee Jun Ho, IU
- AAA Scene Stealer: Choi Dae Hoon
- AAA Best K-pop Record: IVE, Stray Kids, ATEEZ
- Asia Star Award: JJ Lin, Yoona, Sato Takeru
- Best Band: QWER
- Best Vocal Performance: Arden Cho (as Rumi in K-pop Demon Hunters)
- Best Producer: 3RACHA (Stray Kids)
- Asian Artist Award: Jang Wonyoung (IVE), Park Bo Gum
- Hot Trend Award: IU
- Best Choice: Lee Yi Kyung, Shuhua (G)I-DLE, Hyunjin (Stray Kids), Kim Chaewon (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
- Best Musicians: Choi Yena, Ash Island, CHANMINA, KISS OF LIFE, TWS, MEOVV
- AAA 10 History of K-Pop: MONSTA X
- AAA Grand Presence of K-pop: Felix (Stray Kids), Jang Wonyoung (IVE)
- AAA 10 Legendary Producer: BUMZU
- AAA 10 Legendary K-pop Master Professional: Seo Hyunjoo (Starship Entertainment)
- AAA 10 Legendary Couple: Park Bo Gum & Kim Yoo Jung
- AAA 10 Legendary Actors: Lee Jun Hyuk, Uhm Ji Won
- AAA 10 Legendary Solo Artists: IU, G-Dragon
- AAA 10 Legendary Groups: BLACKPINK, BTS
