The A Festival Brings Asia’s Biggest Entertainment Boom to Paris with JASP.ER, TRENDZ, ALAMAT, Jacob and More

Asian entertainment has never been more connected, and European fans will soon have a new destination to experience the music, performances, stories, and artists shaping the industry’s global expansion. On October 24 and 25, 2026, Paris will welcome the inaugural edition of The A Festival, a new large-scale event dedicated to celebrating Asia’s cultural and creative industries.

“We want every visitor to experience the festival in their own way — whether that means discovering an artist, attending a talk, meeting an actor, embracing a new culture, or simply letting themselves be surprised,” explained co-organizers Emmanuelle Amelin and Ely Valle. “The A Festival was conceived as an experience where every encounter can become a discovery. This is the vision we want to bring to life, beginning in Paris and expanding across Europe.”

Taking place at the Paris Event Center, The A Festival will bring together artists, bands, actors, industry discussions, and cultural experiences in a two-day celebration designed to showcase the many sides of modern Asian entertainment. While music will serve as one of the festival’s main attractions, the event aims to go beyond a traditional concert format by creating a space where fans can discover new artists, connect with performers, attend panels, and explore the creative industries behind some of Asia’s biggest global successes. The launch of The A Festival comes at a time when Asian entertainment continues to reach audiences around the world at an unprecedented pace. Korean dramas, Japanese music, Thai series, Chinese productions, Filipino pop, and other forms of Asian media have expanded far beyond their home markets, creating international communities of fans who actively follow artists and creators across borders.

Over the past several years, Korean content has played a major role in this global shift. More than 210 Korean productions have entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 within the last five years, now accounting for nearly nine percent of the platform’s viewing time. However, the growing popularity of Asian entertainment is no longer centered around one country. Japan continues to captivate global audiences with its music, animation, and film industries, while Thailand, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and other regions have developed their own internationally recognized artists, actors, and fan communities. Streaming platforms have further accelerated that expansion. Rakuten Viki recorded 21 million visits in January 2026, while iQIYI International saw its global audience increase significantly over the previous year. GagaOOLala also surpassed five million members as audiences continue seeking stories and entertainment from across Asia. As these platforms bring more content to international viewers, the lines between music, television, film, and digital entertainment continue to blur. The A Festival was created around this changing landscape, offering European audiences a place to experience the diversity and creativity coming from across Asia.

The first artist announced for the festival is JASP.ER, who will make their European debut at The A Festival as their only European performance of 2026. Created by RISER MUSIC, the record label under Thai entertainment powerhouse GMMTV, JASP.ER represents one of the most exciting trends in Asian entertainment today: artists who move naturally between acting, music, performance, and direct connection with global fan communities. The group consists of Joong Archen Aydin, Pond Naravit Lertratkosum, Aou Thanaboon Kiatniran, and Santa Pongsapak Udompoch, four performers who had already established themselves as international favorites through successful acting careers before stepping onto the music stage.

Joong Archen Aydin has become one of GMMTV’s most recognizable stars thanks to his charismatic performances and strong connection with international audiences. After gaining attention through projects such as Star in My Mind, Joong continued expanding his acting career with roles in popular series including Hidden Agenda and The Heart Killers. Beyond acting, Joong has always maintained a strong passion for music and performance, making his transition into JASP.ER feel like a natural extension of his artistic journey. His multilingual background and international experiences have also helped him build a fanbase that extends far beyond Thailand.

Pond Naravit Lertratkosum first captured global attention through the hit series Fish Upon the Sky, before further establishing himself as one of Thailand’s most popular young actors through Never Let Me Go. Known for his emotional performances, natural charm, and effortless chemistry with his co-stars, Pond quickly became a fan favorite among international viewers. His journey with JASP.ER allows him to explore another side of his creativity, bringing his stage presence and musical abilities into the spotlight while continuing to strengthen his relationship with fans worldwide.

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Aou Thanaboon Kiatniran brings a different kind of energy to the group, combining performance skills, creativity, and a strong artistic background. Before becoming known through GMMTV projects such as We Are, Aou developed his skills through dance and performance, building the foundation for the confident stage presence he brings today. His approachable personality and versatility have helped him connect with fans both on screen and during live appearances, making him an important part of JASP.ER’s dynamic.

Completing the lineup is Santa Pongsapak Udompoch, an entertainer recognized for his abilities as both an actor and performer. Before joining JASP.ER, Santa gained attention through his acting work while also showcasing his skills as a dancer and performer, including his participation in the Korean survival program Fantasy Boys. His experience performing in front of international audiences has helped shape his confidence on stage, making him one of the group’s standout performers.

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The A Festival’s lineup continues to expand with artists representing the wide range of sounds, cultures, and creative movements shaping Asia’s entertainment industry. From K-Pop performance powerhouses to rising voices in P-Pop and Thailand’s growing hip-hop scene, the festival is positioning itself as more than just a concert event — it is a celebration of the different communities and artistic identities that continue to connect fans across borders.

K-Pop fans will have the opportunity to experience TRENDZ, a group recognized for their powerful performances, intricate choreography, and energetic stage presence. Since debuting in 2022 under Global H Media, TRENDZ has steadily built their reputation as one of K-Pop’s emerging performance-focused groups, earning attention for their ability to combine sharp synchronization with emotionally driven performances. The group has developed a particularly strong relationship with international fans through overseas promotions, global events, and tours, including appearances throughout Europe where they have continued expanding their worldwide following. Their appearance at The A Festival marks another opportunity for European fans to experience the passion and intensity that have become central to TRENDZ’s identity.

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Representing another side of K-Pop’s global appeal, Jacob will appear as a solo artist, offering fans the chance to experience a more personal side of his artistry outside of his group activities. As a member of THE BOYZ, Jacob has become known for his warm vocal tone, thoughtful personality, and genuine connection with fans. Originally from Canada, Jacob’s multicultural background has also allowed him to connect naturally with international audiences throughout THE BOYZ’s global promotions. His solo appearance highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing not only groups but also individual artists who bring their own unique stories and perspectives to the stage.

The festival will also shine a spotlight on the continued international growth of Filipino pop through ALAMAT, one of the most distinctive acts emerging from the P-Pop movement. Since their debut in 2021, ALAMAT has built their identity around celebrating Filipino heritage, incorporating traditional influences, cultural storytelling, and multiple Philippine languages into their music. The group’s concept focuses on representing the diversity of the Philippines while bringing local traditions into a modern pop format. Their appearance at The A Festival introduces European audiences to a different side of Asian pop music, highlighting how the region’s entertainment landscape extends far beyond K-Pop.

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Expanding the festival’s musical diversity even further, Thailand’s rising hip-hop scene will be represented by IRONBOY. Known for his sharp rap skills and dynamic performances, IRONBOY has become one of the recognizable names in Thailand’s new generation of hip-hop artists. His inclusion reflects The A Festival’s broader vision of showcasing the many different genres, cultures, and creative movements developing throughout Asia. From idol groups and actors to rappers and independent artists, the festival aims to highlight the full spectrum of Asian entertainment rather than focusing on one single industry.

With additional artists from South Korea, Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and other Asian entertainment markets expected to be announced in the coming months, The A Festival continues to build a lineup designed to reflect the diversity and global influence of Asia’s creative industries. Each announcement brings the festival closer to its goal of becoming a European destination where fans can discover new artists, explore different cultures, and experience the connections that continue to make Asian entertainment a worldwide phenomenon.