Former A.C.E leader, now pursuing a solo career under the name JUNHEE (준희), has won the national selection and will represent South Korea at the first-ever Eurovision Asia contest.

JUNHEE emerged victorious in the "Korea's Next Wave" competition, organised by ENA. The final was held today, with JUNHEE securing the win with his song «Deep Dive».

Watch his performance here

On social media, JUNHEE shared the following message:

"I still can't believe I'm writing this.

Today I won Korea Next Wave and will have the incredible honour of representing South Korea at Eurovision Asia 2026.

To every fan who voted for me, supported me, believed in me and stood by me every step of the way, and to everyone around the world who watched my performance – thank you from the bottom of my heart.

When my name was announced, the first thing I thought of was all of you. Because I know I couldn't have done this alone.

I've been through a lot in my life as an artist. There were days when I doubted myself and wondered how far I could really go. But I kept singing because there were people waiting for my music, believing in who I could become, and giving me another reason to take the stage.

That's why tonight means so much more to me than just winning a competition.

Now I have the honour and responsibility to stand on the Eurovision Asia 2026 stage as the representative of South Korea.

I won't take this responsibility lightly. I promise to give everything I have on that stage so that you can be proud of choosing me.

Thank you for giving me a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.

You brought me here. Now let me take you to an even bigger stage.

I love you. Truly. And this is only the beginning. See you in Bangkok.
Thank you all.
JUNHEE"

Choices, I think your heart is beating fast :)

The 32-year-old Park Junhee is the leader and vocalist of A.C.E, who in recent years has gone from being a member and leader of a boy band to a solo artist and founder of his own agency.

On May 23, 2017, he debuted in A.C.E under the name Jun alongside Donghun (now Jiham), Sehyoon (Wow), Byeongkwan and Chan with the single «CACTUS». That same year, he took part in the survival show «The Unit» but was eliminated in the fourth episode, finishing in 27th place.

The group released a series of successful albums that strengthened their international fanbase. Key releases include «Under Cover», which reached No. 9 on the Billboard chart. Notably, A.C.E attended the Hollywood after-party for Bong Joon Ho when he won the Oscar for «Parasite» in 2020.

After his contract with Beat Interactive ended in March 2025, JUNHEE founded his own agency, H&P Entertainment (HNP Entertainment), and launched his solo career.

In August 2025, JUNHEE released his pre-debut single «Supernova», which reached No. 1 on iTunes in seven countries.

His official solo debut took place on September 12, 2025, with the mini-album «The First Day & Night».

In August 2026, he released his second mini-album «LOVE METHOD» with three title tracks: «LA LA LA LUNE», «5 STARS» and «Forever Young». The album also features the track «GET OUT» with fellow A.C.E member Wow.

The Eurovision Asia contest was announced on March 31, 2026. The European Broadcasting Union, together with Voxovation, S2O Productions and Thai broadcaster Channel 3, officially confirmed the launch of the Asian version of the competition, with the first final set to take place in Bangkok on November 14, 2026.

Eleven countries are taking part in the debut edition, and organisers expect the list to grow. Confirmed participants include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand (host country) and Vietnam.

China, Japan and India are not on the list for the time being.

The format will closely resemble the classic Eurovision: each country will hold a national selection to choose its representative, and the winner will be determined by a 50/50 combination of professional jury and public votes.

According to organisers, the contest aims to become a platform for cultural exchange and creative expression in Asia, reaching an audience of over 600 million people. The creators promise the show will be "louder, brighter and grander than ever" and emphasise that the Asian version will reflect the region's cultural diversity and identity.

So far, besides South Korea, confirmed participants include: Bhutan (Nyendra with «Lhayi Semo»), Malaysia (Aina Abdul), Philippines (Carmelle with «Sobra-Sobra»).

The upcoming announcement schedule is as follows:

September 19, 2026 – Nepal
September 24, 2026 – Laos
September 27, 2026 – Thailand (host country)
September 30, 2026 – Bangladesh

Cambodia is expected to confirm its participant in September, while Mongolia and Vietnam will announce their winners at a later date.

"Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Eurovision, we are opening this new chapter with Asia – a region rich in culture, creativity and talent. This is the evolution of Eurovision together with Asia," said Martin Green, Eurovision Song Contest director.

Read more:
5 Asian Singers to Watch at the Intervision 2025 Contest
What Duc Phuc from Vietnam's Winning Intervision 2025 Song and Performance Are About
 

Sources 1, 2