GoldenTV and Character Media announce an all-star lineup of performers at the 22nd Annual Unforgettable Gala, headlined by K-Pop solo artist WonHo, formerly of MONSTA X and marking his first U.S. visit; 80s legends THE JETS, the first Asian American/Pacific Islander group to hit Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100; and 98 DEGREES, the iconic 90s boy band; plus many more to be announced.
The end-of-year awards celebration, fondly known as UNFO, annually honors the API community’s biggest and brightest talents in entertainment, arts and culture. Co-chaired by Adele Lim and Eugene Lee Yang, the UNFO awards selection committee includes Apl.de.Ap, Awkwafina, Bing Chen, Destin Daniel Cretton, Manny Jacinto, Daniel Dae Kim, Lisa Ling, Simu Liu, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and more.
“This year’s Unforgettable Gala is more than a celebration of our biggest names today; it’s a recognition of the longtime allies and icons who have given so much to our community,” said Takashi Cheng, founder and CEO of GoldenTV. “In true Unforgettable fashion, we have even more surprises and exciting moments to share.”
Promoted as “Unforgettable Together,” this year’s gala brings together API artists and legends in entertainment, featuring unprecedented collaborations and never-before-seen performances on stage. “Unforgettable Together” is a concerted effort to unite generations of the greater API community and highlight icons, allies and supporters.
For the first time, a very special AAPI timeline performance will take the audience on a musical journey through the decades, bringing together current and veteran recording artists, including the 80s hitmakers, THE JETS. Following their recent U.S. tour and Maui benefit concert for Lahaina, Hawaii, original group members Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons and Justin Jeffre of 98 DEGREES will perform together with surprise AAPI recording artists to be revealed at UNFO.
The preeminent API awards gala is a one-of-a-kind celebration, featuring a golden evening of grandeur and glamour at the Beverly Hilton. New partners and sponsors of this year’s UNFO include CARTIER, FENTY, VIZIO and more to be announced.
This year, UNFO will once again air nationwide as a live-to-tape awards show special on Wednesday, Dec. 18, on ChimeTV powered by GoldenTV, with repeat airings again on cable, per local listings, and on GoldenTV. More about UNFO sponsorship or GoldenTV advertising opportunities is available here.
The Unforgettable Gala was founded in 2002 by Asian-centered media company Character Media, formerly Audrey Magazine, KoreAm Journal, and Kore Asian Media. Marking a new era, UNFO is produced for the first time by GoldenTV and Character Media, as part of the Golden Media family of companies. Interviews are available with GoldenTV CEO Takashi Cheng and/or UNFO co-leads Jessica del Mundo and Tina Li.