Hyungwon Returns as MC for ASEA 2025 After Military Discharge
Hyungwon of Monsta X is set to make his first official public appearance since completing his mandatory military service as the MC for the prestigious Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2025 (ASEA 2025). According to the ASEA Organizing Committee, Hyungwon will host the awards ceremony on May 29, the second day of the event held at K-Arena Yokohama, Japan.
Having been discharged from the military on May 13 after 18 months of service, Hyungwon quickly stepped into the spotlight, marking a new chapter in his career. This will also be the first time since his debut in 2015 that he leads a major awards ceremony as a solo MC.
Debuting with Monsta X in 2015 under Starship Entertainment, Hyungwon has established himself as a versatile entertainer, expanding into acting, producing, DJing, and MC roles. In 2023, he formed the sub-unit Shownu X Hyungwon and released the album The Unseen, with self-produced tracks Love Me a Little and Roll With Me, showcasing his musical capabilities.
Aside from music, Hyungwon gained popularity in the entertainment scene. His appearances on the YouTube variety show There’s Not Even a Crumb (aka Charjipul) in 2022 earned over 22.25 million views as of May 20. He also hosted the solo web entertainment series Chae’s Drifting before his enlistment, drawing in new fans with his unique charm.
As an MC, Hyungwon has accumulated experience through various special MC appearances on music shows. Notably, he served as a DJ for MBC FM4U Idol Radio Season 2 from August 2021 to August 2022, demonstrating poise and charisma. In 2023, he further stepped up as a weekly live MC on SBS Inkigayo, solidifying his position as a reliable host.
This proven track record is what led ASEA organizers to select him early as one of the MCs for their 2025 ceremony. His recent fan event, Hyungwon’s Greenhouse (Wonder Garden), held right after his discharge, also highlighted his immense popularity and charisma, building anticipation for his MC performance at ASEA 2025.
In an official statement via Starship Entertainment, Hyungwon shared, “I was happy to meet both the members for our 10th anniversary and our fans last weekend after my discharge. I’m honored to greet everyone again through ASEA 2025. Though I’m nervous to host an award show without my group for the first time, I will do my best to deliver a fun and memorable event with amazing artists and audiences. Please show lots of support.”
Meanwhile, Monsta X celebrated their 10th debut anniversary on May 14, and the group is scheduled to hold a full-member concert titled Connect X at Seoul Olympic Park KSPO Dome from July 18 to 20.
