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Choi Woong, A-Yeon named Asian rookies of 2016

April 21, 2016
South Korean actor Choi Woong speaks after receiving the 2016 Rookie Asia Awards at COEX in Seoul on April 21, 2016.

South Korean actor Choi Woong speaks after receiving the 2016 Rookie Asia Awards at COEX in Seoul on April 21, 2016.

SEOUL, (Yonhap) — South Korean actor Choi Woong and singer A-Yeon have won the 2016 Rookie Asia Awards aimed at distinguishing promising up-and-comers in Asian entertainment, organizers said Thursday.

Choi, who plays the youngest special forces member in the South Korean hit TV series “Descendants of the Sun,” was named male rookie of the year, the Korea China Content Producer Association said. A-Yeon, who debuted as a drummer for the South Korean girl band Bebop in 2014, was the female winner.

There were non-rookies among the list of winners, too, at the event held at the COEX convention center in southern Seoul.

South Korean actor Ahn Jae-wook, who is among the first generation of “hallyu” stars to become popular all over Asia, won the Rookie Asia Star award.

Ailee was named the K-pop Star, and she performed “Mind Your Own Business” on stage after receiving her award.

CCTV Entertainment, which is part of the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, was recognized for its broadcasting production.

Thursday’s award ceremony will be broadcast on “Entertainment Star World,” an entertainment program produced by the Shanghai Media Group, in China.

South Korean singer A-Yeon holds up the 2016 Rookie Asia Awards at COEX in Seoul on April 21, 2016.

South Korean singer A-Yeon holds up the 2016 Rookie Asia Awards at COEX in Seoul on April 21, 2016.

South Korean actor Ahn Jae-wook (R) holds up the 2016 Rookie Asia Awards at COEX in Seoul on April 21, 2016.

South Korean actor Ahn Jae-wook (R) holds up the 2016 Rookie Asia Awards at COEX in Seoul on April 21, 2016.