Eurovision Launches Asian Song Contest Edition in Bangkok This November

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced the launch of Eurovision Asia, a regional version of its long-running song competition. The inaugural event will be hosted in Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2026. According to reports from France Inter on March 31, organizers are partnering with Asian production companies to establish the contest. Currently, ten countries have confirmed participation, with registrations remaining open. Organizers anticipate this number may grow before the event. Notable confirmed participants include the host nation Thailand, the Philippines, Nepal, and South Korea, the latter recognized for its influential K-pop music industry. The EBU projects a potential viewership of 600 million for the Asian contest. For comparison, the 2025 Eurovision event in Europe attracted 166 million viewers. The organization has reportedly been attempting to establish an Asian version since 2009. This expansion coincides with the 70th anniversary of the original Eurovision Song Contest, reflecting its ongoing brand development strategy.