ENTERTAINMENT

DIVERSE ARRAY OF ICONS TO JOIN ASIAN HALL OF FAME: BLACKPINK'S LISA, FREDDIE MERCURY, AND MORE RECOGNIZED

Celebrating Excellence Across Various Fields

10.08.2023
BY MAXWELL SOETOMO
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An extraordinary group of individuals is set to be honored as 2023 inductees into the prestigious Asian Hall of Fame. This year's lineup encompasses an eclectic mix of talents, spanning not only music and entertainment but also business, government, and diverse areas of expertise. A total of sixteen living individuals, one group, four posthumous inductees, one corporate honoree (Nintendo), and a notable "artist ambassador," the late country legend Johnny Cash, will join the esteemed ranks of the Asian Hall of Fame.

A Glimpse into the Musical Inductees:

Lalisa Manoban (Lisa), globally recognized as a member of the chart-topping group BlackPink, is set to enter the Hall of Fame as a "cultural icon." Hailing from Thailand, the 26-year-old artist is celebrated for her skills as a rapper, singer, and dancer.

Jennifer Lee, the creative force behind the EDM act TOKiMONSTA, will be acknowledged for her contributions to electronic music. This second-generation Korean/American made waves with a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album in 2019 with "Lune Rouge."

Far*East Movement, the collective that delivered hits like "Like a G6" and "Rocketeer," will also be recognized. Their chart-topping successes on the Billboard Hot 100 solidified their influence in the music industry.

Ben Fong-Torres, a distinguished rock journalist, author, and broadcaster, best known for his affiliation with Rolling Stone, will be inducted in recognition of his invaluable contributions. With a career spanning decades, Fong-Torres remains a revered figure in the music journalism landscape at the age of 78.

Freddie Mercury, the legendary Queen frontman, will be posthumously inducted. Born in Zanzibar to Parsi-Indian parents, Mercury's remarkable vocal prowess and artistic vision continue to resonate even after his passing in 1991 at the age of 45.

Ryuichi Sakamoto, a pioneering composer born in Japan, will be celebrated for his groundbreaking achievements. He became one of the first Asian composers to secure an Oscar for Best Original Score, a historic moment he shared with collaborator Cong Su and David Byrne. Sakamoto's remarkable journey came to an end in March when he passed away at the age of 71.

Johnny Cash, although not of Asian descent, will be inducted as an artist ambassador. The legacy of the iconic country legend, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 71, continues to inspire.

Maki Hsieh, President and CEO of the Asian Hall of Fame, emphasized, "Inductees and artist ambassadors inspire courage, character, and service for the betterment of our country and humanity."

The highly anticipated induction ceremony is scheduled for October 21 at the prestigious Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. The Seattle Founders Gala, which will honor Pacific Northwest inductees, is set for September 29 at the Washington Athletic Club.

The Asian Hall of Fame, established in 2004 by the Robert Chinn Foundation, serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate Asian and Indigenous leadership, achievements, and contributions on both local and global scales. Beyond the annual induction ceremony, the organization engages in year-round programming to empower youth, amplify legislation, and promote cross-cultural content.

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