Following IVE's recent "BANG BANG" activities, member Rei has landed a major hosting gig for the Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2026.

The third annual ASEA announced on March 17 that Rei will co-host the first day of the awards ceremony on May 16 alongside MONSTA X's Hyungwon. This marks a significant opportunity for the Japanese-Australian member to showcase her MC skills on an international stage.

The pairing brings together two artists from different generations and backgrounds - Hyungwon from the established boy group MONSTA X and Rei from the rapidly rising IVE. Both idols have proven their versatility beyond their group activities, with Hyungwon having previous hosting experience and Rei gaining recognition for her multilingual abilities and stage presence.

This hosting announcement comes just days after IVE's "BANG BANG" promotion cycle saw its winning streak end on Music Core, where rookie group Hearts2Hearts claimed victory with "RUDE!" The timing suggests Rei's individual activities are continuing to expand even as IVE transitions between promotional periods.

Since launching in 2024, ASEA has positioned itself as a global awards ceremony celebrating Asian entertainment. The event's growth reflects the increasing international recognition of K-Pop and Asian pop culture, making the hosting role particularly prestigious for both Rei and Hyungwon.

While only the Day 1 hosts have been announced, fans are already anticipating who will take the stage for the remaining days of the ceremony. The multi-day format allows ASEA to accommodate the growing number of categories and international artists being recognized.

For Rei, this hosting opportunity represents another step in establishing her individual presence in the entertainment industry. Her natural charisma and language skills make her well-suited for the international audience that ASEA attracts.

The ceremony is scheduled for May 16, giving both hosts time to prepare for what promises to be a major celebration of Asian entertainment achievements.