[D-BIZ 엔터/글로벌] ‘음악으로 하나 되는 아시아’… 제1회 유로비전 아시아, 11월 방콕 개최 확정70년 역사 ‘유로비전’ 드디어 아시아 상륙

70년 전통을 자랑하는 세계 최대의 음악 경연 대회 ‘유로비전 송 콘테스트’가 마침내 아시아에서 새로운 막을 올린다. 유럽 방송 연합(EBU)과 복소베이션(Voxovation)은 31일, ‘제1회 유로비전 송 콘테스트 아시아 2026’의 개최 도시로 태국 방콕을 최종 선정했다고 공식 발표했다.

이번 대회는 2026년 11월 14일 방콕에서 열리는 그랜드 파이널을 통해 아시아 전역의 창의성과 문화적 정체성을 전 세계에 뽐낼 예정이다.

■ 한국 포함 10개국 1차 확정… ‘범아시아 음악 축제’ 서막유로비전 아시아의 첫 여정에는 아시아의 문화 트렌드를 선도하는 10개국이 먼저 이름을 올렸다.

확정 라인업: 대한민국을 필두로 개최국 태국, 필리핀, 베트남, 말레이시아, 캄보디아, 라오스 등 동남아 주요국과 방글라데시, 네팔, 부탄 등 서남아시아 국가들이 참여를 확정했다.

확장성: 주최 측은 대회가 가까워짐에 따라 참여 국가가 더욱 늘어날 것이라고 밝혀, 명실상부한 범아시아 통합 엔터테인먼트 플랫폼으로서의 기대를 높이고 있다.

■ ‘시청을 넘어 참여로’… 차세대 소셜 플랫폼 ‘ZOOP’ 도입이번 대회는 기존 TV 중계의 틀을 깨고 첨단 기술을 접목한 ‘팬 중심’의 경험을 선사한다.

혁신 플랫폼 ZOOP: 오는 4월 9일 출시되는 전용 소셜 미디어 ‘ZOOP’이 독점 소셜 파트너로 참여한다. 팬들은 단순 시청에 그치지 않고 아티스트와 실시간 소통하며, 커뮤니티 활동에 따른 보상을 받는 등 능동적인 참여가 가능해진다.

문화 교류의 장: EBU의 마틴 그린 디렉터는 “아시아의 풍부한 재능과 목소리를 반영하는 무대를 구축하는 것이 목표”라며 “음악으로 통합되는 공동의 여정을 이어갈 것”이라고 강조했다.

■ 방콕, 아시아 엔터테인먼트의 중심으로 도약방콕은 이번 대회 유치를 통해 국제적 인지도를 높이는 것은 물론, 관광 및 창의 산업의 지속적인 성장을 기대하고 있다.

추윗 시리바자쿨 태국 관광청 부지사는 “방콕은 전통과 혁신이 협력하는 도시”라며 “아시아 전역의 다양한 목소리를 통합하는 유로비전 정신을 구현하기에 최적의 장소”라고 자신감을 내비쳤다.

"음악에는 국경이 없지만, 그 음악을 담는 그릇은 시대를 반영해야 한다." 유로비전의 아시아 상륙은 단순한 포맷 수출을 넘어, 웹 3.0 기반의 소셜 참여와 아시아의 다원적 가치가 결합된 새로운 미디어 실험이다. "K-팝을 넘어선 'A-팝(Asia Pop)'의 구심점은 어디인가?"라는 물음에 유로비전 아시아는 '방콕의 무대'라고 답하고 있다.

Bangkok announced as Host City of the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026

The Grand Final of Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 will take place on 14 November 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, marking the arrival of the world’s most iconic music competition in Asia.

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 31 March 2026 - The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Voxovation together with Thailand's S2O Productions and Channel 3 today announced the debut of Eurovision Song Contest Asia in 2026, with Bangkok selected as the Host City for its inaugural edition, bringing together ten countries across Asia.

Martin Green, Director of Eurovision Song Contest (left) presents the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 trophy to Chuwit Sirivajjakul, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, Tourism Authority Thailand (centre) for safekeeping on behalf of host city Bangkok until the Grand Final in November, accompanied by Peter Settman, CEO & Co-Founder of Voxovation (right).

South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam are confirmed alongside Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos, as well as Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, with more countries expected to join as the competition expands.

Bringing the world's largest live TV event to Asia, Eurovision Song Contest is now opening a new chapter shaped by the region's diversity, creativity and cultural identity, and grounded in the same spirit that has always defined the contest: United by Music.

ZOOP is the revolutionary new social media platform launching globally on 9th of April with a dedicated channel covering the new Eurovision Song Contest Asia. ZOOP will place the audience at the centre of the action, driving participation, community and interaction, with cutting-edge technology behind the experience.

Evolving Eurovision Song Contest with Asia

For seven decades, the Eurovision Song Contest has brought countries together through music, storytelling and live television, reaching audiences of hundreds of millions every year. “Evolving Eurovision Song Contest with Asia.” From left: Peter Settman, CEO and Founder of Voxovation, Martin Green, Director of Eurovision Song Contest, and Marcus Tang, CEO Asia, Voxovation.

Now, in collaboration with leading broadcasters and production companies across Asia, Eurovision Song Contest Asia will build on that legacy, creating a new shared stage where cultures meet, voices are amplified, and creative communities connect across borders.

Rooted in the same spirit that has defined Eurovision Song Contest for generations, the contest carries forward a simple but powerful idea, connecting people through music and shared experiences. In Asia, that idea will take on new meaning, shaped by the region's extraordinary diversity and creative energy.

Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: "As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, it feels especially meaningful to open this next chapter with Asia, a region rich in culture, creativity and talent. This is about evolving the show together with Asia, building something that reflects the voices, identities and ambitions of the region, while staying true to what has always made the Contest special.

Eurovision Song Contest Asia will be shaped by the artists, broadcasters and audiences who make it their own, continuing our shared journey of being United by Music."

Shaping the Future of Eurovision Song Contest in Asia

Designed to grow with the region, the format brings together countries representing more than 600 million people. With no comparable pan-Asian platform today, it is set to become one of the region's most talked-about entertainment events. Powered by exclusive social partner ZOOP, the contest will introduce a fan participation platform where audiences do more than watch. ZOOP gives fans new ways to engage with artists, join communities, and be recognised and rewarded for real participation, while helping create a more direct and meaningful connection between talent and audience.

Peter Settman, CEO & Co-Founder of Voxovation, the exclusive licensee of Eurovision Song Contest Asia said: "From day one, our ambition has been to build the Eurovision Song Contest Asia together with the region's best creative talent, creating a show that truly reflects Asia's identity and creative energy. Together with S2O Productions, we are shaping a show where artists and fans connect across borders in new ways, through participation, community and deeper engagement beyond the stage, with ZOOP helping bring that fan experience to life.

To bring this incredible show to a new continent is something very special. I look forward to millions of people in Asia watching the competition and singing in front of the TV, dancing to the performances and predicting the outcome."

Bangkok: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow

Bangkok is a city where tradition and modern expression coexist seamlessly, it offers a natural home for a contest built on diversity and exchange, connecting artists and audiences from across the region and beyond. The Contest will be broadcasted in partnership with Thailand's Channel 3, alongside broadcasters from at least 10 countries across Asia, each bringing their own voice, identity and storytelling to the stage.

Hosting Eurovision Song Contest Asia is expected to generate strong international visibility for Bangkok, while supporting tourism, job creation and the continued growth of Thailand's creative industries.

Thailand Welcomes The Region And The World

Eurovision Song Contest Asia will provide a powerful platform for artists to share their music, stories and identities with audiences across the region and globally, strengthening cultural exchange between Asia and Europe. The event further reinforces Thailand's position as a destination for world-class cultural and entertainment experiences. Chuwit Sirivajjakul, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, at the Tourism Authority said:

"When I heard that the European Broadcasting Union and Voxovation were considering Bangkok as the home for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, I thought, of course, it should be Bangkok, because this city has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life.

It is a place where tradition and innovation do not compete. They collaborate. That is the spirit of Eurovision, which celebrates the unity of diverse musical voices from across Asia and beyond.

We believe travel is in the moments that restore you, inspire you, and connect you to something larger than yourself. Eurovision Song Contest Asia embodies exactly that, and we are proud to welcome it home, marking a new chapter for Thailand's global presence."

Participating Countries-The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia will bring together broadcasters from across the region, each representing their country with original music and national talent.

Confirmed participating broadcasters include: Thailand — Channel 3 produced by S2O productions, South Korea, Philippines — ABS-CBN Corporation, Vietnam — Vietnam Television (VTV3) produced by Dao Music Entertainment, Malaysia — Media Prima (TV3), Cambodia — TV5 Cambodia produced by GIGIL Cambodia, Laos — Vientiane Capital Television (VTE9) produced by 3SD Group & SG Music, Bangladesh — NTV produced by Bongo Holdings, Nepal — Himalaya TV produced by Saujanya Media, Bhutan — Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS). Additional countries and broadcasters are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the line-up continues to expand.

Journey to the Grand Final

The Grand Final of Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 is scheduled to take place in Bangkok on 14 November 2026. Be part of the journey and follow Eurovision Song Contest Asia at www.eurovisionasia.com

About the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is the world's leading alliance of public service media, representing over 110 member organizations in more than 50 countries, with an additional 30+ associates worldwide. The EBU operates Eurovision, the premier global media exchange network, and produces the Eurovision Song Contest, one of the world's most watched live entertainment events, reaching hundreds of millions of viewers annually. Through its work, the EBU supports collaboration, innovation and the sharing of high-quality content across borders.

About Voxovation

Voxovation is a global entertainment company focused on developing, producing and scaling large-format television and live events. Founded by industry leaders with extensive experience in international entertainment formats, Voxovation specializes in bringing globally recognized IP to new markets and building original formats that connect audiences across cultures. The company is the exclusive licensee of Eurovision Song Contest Asia and is leading its development, production and commercialization across the region.

About S2O Productions

S2O, one of Asia's most iconic live entertainment and production companies known for delivering large-scale events and premium experiences across Asia. Renowned for its world-class production, immersive water elements, and high-energy experiences, S2O will bring its creative and technical expertise to reimagine the Eurovision format for audiences across the Asian region and beyond. As a production partner for Eurovision Song Contest Asia, S2O will support the delivery of world-class live experiences in Bangkok.

About ZOOP

ZOOP is a next-generation social platform designed to connect creators, fans and communities through interactive digital experiences. As the exclusive social partner of Eurovision Song Contest Asia, ZOOP powers fan engagement across the platform, enabling participation, content interaction and community-driven experiences at scale. Built on Hedera technology, ZOOP delivers secure, transparent and scalable infrastructure for digital engagement, bringing audiences closer to the action than ever before.