The "31st Hanteo Music Awards 2023" has announced its second lineup.

The organizer, Hanteo Global (CEO Kwak Young-ho), announced on the 5th the second lineup for the "31st Hanteo Music Awards 2023" (hereinafter Hanteo Music Awards), revealing performers including aespa, ZEROBASEONE, Jeong Dong-won, Kim Jae-hwan, KISS OF LIFE, and tripleS, as well as presenters Brian, Yoon Bo-mi, Jo Kwon, Byul, and Gabee.

The most eye-catching name in the second lineup is undoubtedly aespa. As a representative 4th-generation girl group, aespa broke the record for the highest first-week sales for a girl group by selling approximately 1.69 million copies of their 3rd mini-album "MY WORLD," released last May. Furthermore, their 4th mini-album "Drama," released in November of the same year, also achieved million-seller status, marking their third consecutive million-seller record since their 2nd mini-album "Girls."

In addition, aespa held their first world tour, "SYNK: HYPER LINE," last year, meeting fans in 21 regions around the world and completing a highly meaningful 2023.

ZEROBASEONE, who heated up the past year, is also noteworthy. Having debuted through Mnet's "Boys Planet," ZEROBASEONE's debut album "YOUTH IN THE SHADE," released last July, recorded approximately 1.82 million copies in first-week sales, setting a new record for the highest first-week sales for a debut album.

Moreover, their 2nd mini-album "MELTING POINT," released in November of the same year, surpassed their previous work by achieving approximately 2.13 million copies in first-week sales, joining the ranks of "double million sellers for two consecutive albums."

Following aespa and ZEROBASEONE, Jeong Dong-won and Kim Jae-hwan are also performers drawing attention. Jeong Dong-won, who gained popularity after appearing on TV Chosun's "Mr. Trot" Season 1, is receiving great love from all ages due to his wide musical range that isn't limited to trot, and his exceptional talent that even extends to acting.

Recently, he introduced another persona, the "AI rookie solo idol" JD1, achieving great success not just as a trot singer, but as an idol singer as well.

Kim Jae-hwan is also an all-rounder who cannot be left out when making a list of "talented individuals." After officially debuting as a member of Wanna One through Mnet's "Produce 101" Season 2, Kim Jae-hwan has been active as a solo artist, building a discography that is hard for anyone to imitate as an "all-weather vocalist" and "performer" who transcends genres such as rock, ballad, pop, and dance.

KISS OF LIFE and tripleS are rookies who showed remarkable activity over the past year. tripleS has garnered interest from K-pop fans with a unique concept where 24 members form various units under the slogan "The Idol of All Possibilities," and have so far introduced seven units: Acid Angel from Asia, +(KR)ystal Eyes, Assemble, LOVElution, EVOLution, Aria, and NXT.

KISS OF LIFE is a top-tier rookie that has captured both public success and critical acclaim. Composed of Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul, KISS OF LIFE succeeded in catching the public's eye upon their debut last July with their outstanding musicality and high-level performance.

In particular, their 2nd mini-album "Born to be XX," released last November, drew praise from critics as well as the public, capturing both popularity and artistry.

The list of presenters who will make the awards ceremony shine even brighter is also spectacular.

Starting with Brian, a member of Fly to the Sky who sparked an R&B boom in the Korean music industry and has recently been active in various variety shows, the list includes Byul, famous for hit songs like "December 32nd" and "Greetings," and Gabee, who gained great popularity after appearing on Mnet's "Street Woman Fighter."

Furthermore, Jo Kwon of 2AM, who has recently been active as a full group, and Yoon Bo-mi of the "long-running idol" group Apink, who is cited as a role model by many rookie girl groups, will also participate as presenters, further brightening the awards ceremony.

With this, global K-pop fans' attention is focused on the Hanteo Music Awards, which has successfully secured a lineup "without a single weak link" following the first lineup.

Meanwhile, the "31st Hanteo Music Awards 2023" will be held for two days on the 17th and 18th at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul and will be broadcast live via SBS M.

These are English translations of articles from our GTTOUR Japanese website.