HONG KONG (AP) — The inaugural TIMA International Music Awards (TMElive International Music Awards) launched Saturday at the Kai Tak Sports Park main stadium, drawing thousands of fans for a two-day festival featuring 34 acts from South Korea, the United States, Hong Kong and beyond, with six hours of live performances each day.
The event, which continues Sunday, brings together a powerhouse lineup that includes NCT 127’s Taeyong, RIIZE, aespa, Super Junior, KiiKii, Alpha Drive One, Hearts2Hearts, ALLDAY PROJECT, and Hong Kong singer-songwriter MC Cheung. Organizers billed the showcase as a celebration of cross-border musical talent, with acts spanning K-pop, Mandopop and Western pop.
Red Carpet Revelations and Fan Frenzy
On the red carpet ahead of Saturday’s show, MC Cheung admitted to reporters he was “very nervous.” The artist confirmed he would perform only older songs, not new material, and expressed excitement about watching aespa’s set. The four-member girl group, known for hits like “Next Level” and “Supernova,” drew loud cheers as they arrived in glamorous outfits. Karina caught attention with a revealing ensemble, while Chinese member NingNing addressed fans in Mandarin, promising unreleased songs and tracks the group had never performed before.
For RIIZE, member Wonbin was asked about post-show plans and replied he wanted to eat hotpot. In a lighter moment, fellow member Heeho lost his balance while trying to stick a signed poster to a backdrop, tumbling briefly as fans gasped and then laughed.
Super Junior Reflects on 20-Year Legacy
Super Junior, the iconic K-pop boy band celebrating nearly two decades together, appeared without member Shindong, who was absent due to a personal schedule. Leader Leeteuk jokingly said he was most looking forward to watching Shindong’s performance—before clarifying the comment was a jest. He thanked organizers for giving the group a chance to reunite on stage.
Asked about Super Junior’s enduring popularity, Leeteuk credited the members’ “crazy” energy. “We’re going to keep being crazy,” he said. “See us in 20 years—we’ll have wrinkles, but we’ll still be handsome.”
Broader Implications: K-Pop’s Expanding Global Footprint
The TIMA International Music Awards marks another milestone in the globalization of Korean pop culture, which has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry. With acts from multiple countries sharing a single stage, the event underscores how Asian entertainment hubs like Hong Kong are positioning themselves as crossover concert destinations. The Kai Tak Sports Park, opened in 2025, is part of a broader push to attract large-scale international events to the city.
For fans, the festival offers rare opportunities to see multiple top-tier acts in one setting. The two-day format also allows for deeper setlists: aespa and RIIZE are expected to deliver full showcases, while Super Junior’s involvement hints at potential reunion performances. As K-pop continues to dominate global charts, events like TIMA are likely to become benchmarks for cross-cultural collaboration in live entertainment.