NewJeans and SEVENTEEN Clinched Major Awards at the Star-Studded 2023 Asia Artist Awards, powered by Smart and Viu

On December 14, the Philippine Arena in Bulacan became the focal point of the highly anticipated 2023 Asia Artist Awards (AAA), drawing some of Asia's most prominent artists and tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans. Smart Communications, a mobile services provider, and Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional OTT video streaming provider, powered the event.

The star-studded show featured appearances by NEW JEANS, LE SSERAFIM, ZEROBASEONE, NMIXX, BOYNEXTDOOR, Stray Kids, ITZY, THE BOYZ, Kwon Eunbi, Kep1er, SEVENTEEN BSS, SB19, Kim Seon Ho, Ahn Hyeo Seop, and more, marking AAA's debut in the Philippines as a truly unforgettable experience.

SEVENTEEN BSS claimed Grand Prizes for Album of the Year and Performance of the Year, delivering a show-stopping performance to conclude the event. Korean singer Lim Young-woong achieved a remarkable feat by winning five awards, including the grand prize for Fandom of the Year.

K-Pop sensation NewJeans emerged as the standout winner, securing two prestigious awards—Singer of the Year and Song of the Year for their hit "Ditto." They also received recognition for Hot Trend, Asia Celebrity, Best Choice, and Fabulous Awards.

In the realm of acting, Lee Junho secured the Actor of the Year award for the second consecutive year, honored for his role in the romantic comedy series "King the Land." Meanwhile, Filipina actress Melai Cantiveros received the AAA Best Actor Award for her portrayal of a policewoman in the movie "Mam Chief."

Social media buzzed with Filipino fans sharing their thoughts during the Smart-powered event, instantly sharing favorite moments. TV Host Ryan Bang and Comedienne Melai Cantiveros emerged as top trending topics, with Ryan praised for his red-carpet hosting skills, and Melai gaining attention for her humorous moments during the awards show. The appearance of Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo on stage after receiving the AAA Fabulous Award also created a stir among fans.

Smart subscribers seamlessly shared these iconic moments in real-time by uploading photos, videos, and stories on their social media accounts.

Rayver Dela Cerna, a 32-year-old Smart subscriber from Marikina City, expressed, "This event was truly memorable. It was fantastic to witness our favorite K-pop groups, K-drama stars, and even our Filipino celebrities all in one major event."

Smart subscribers enjoyed exclusive perks and activities at the concert, including the chance to redeem tickets through points on the Smart App. The Smart Live booth provided a red carpet-themed experience with a photobooth, an AAA-list filter for social media, and trivia questions for a chance to win exclusive prizes. Free charging stations were also available throughout the venue.

Fans availed the Smart Prepaid eSIM, the country's first prepaid eSIM, onsite for an enhanced network experience and access to value-packed offers like Power All 99.

The AAA joins Smart Live's stellar lineup of world-class concerts and events, including performances by Harry Styles, SEVENTEEN, and TWICE. Smart, recognized as the Philippines' Best Mobile Network by Ookla, continues to offer epic live experiences. For more information on Smart Live's events, visit https://smart.com.ph/Pages/smartlive.