IVE’s Rei and MONSTA X’s Hyungwon took center stage at the Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2026 (ASEA 2026), held on May 16 at Belluna Dome in Saitama, Japan.

Rei returned for her second consecutive year as MC, opening the night with a bold short haircut transformation. She appeared in a white dress during the first part of the show and switched to a pink dress in the second, drawing attention throughout the ceremony.

Building on her experience from ASEA 2025, Rei led the event with more confidence and ease this year. Her chemistry with co-MC Hyungwon added a lively energy to the stage, while her interviews with attending artists stood out for her quick reactions and smooth switching between Korean and Japanese.

Beyond hosting duties, Rei also marked a major milestone with IVE winning the “THE PLATINUM” main award for the second year in a row. The group’s recent success includes strong chart performance, multiple music show wins, and global reach through their ongoing world tour.

Rei shared that returning as MC and receiving the award with IVE made the moment especially meaningful, crediting fans for their continued support.

Meanwhile, Hyungwon also returned as MC for the second year, where he guided the ceremony with calm and steady hosting. He impressed with his refined visuals and smooth delivery, wearing white for the first part and black for the second.

Hyungwon also received the “Top Touring Artist” award with MONSTA X, adding another highlight to the night. He expressed gratitude to fans and shared excitement for MONSTA X’s ongoing world tour and the upcoming unit comeback.

The night placed both idols at the center of ASEA 2026, balancing hosting duties with major career milestones on the same stage.

IVE member Rei is returning as an MC for the third Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2026, marking her second consecutive year hosting the event.

According to the ASEA organizing committee, Rei will take the stage as MC on May 16 at Belluna Dome in Saitama, Japan, where the two-day ceremony will be held on May 16 and 17.

Rei shared that she feels honored and grateful to return as an MC for the event. She reflected on her first award show hosting experience at “ASEA 2025,” calling it a special memory, and said she hopes to show an even more grown side of herself this year.

Last year, Rei received praise for her calm hosting skills, bright energy, and natural communication with global fans in both Korean and Japanese. During the ceremony, she also appeared with IVE, who won “THE PLATINUM” award.

Beyond music, Rei has continued building her image as a trendsetter through her signature poses, fashion sense, and content activities. She has also stayed active through variety appearances and her solo YouTube series “따라해볼레이.”

The announcement comes as IVE continues its second world tour “SHOW WHAT I AM,” with the group preparing for a Tokyo Dome performance on June 24. Rei is also set to continue activities with IVE’s upcoming Japanese fourth album “LUCID DREAM,” arriving on May 27.

For now, all eyes are on Belluna Dome as Rei returns to one of K-pop’s biggest award show stages, this time with another year of experience behind her.