By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Korea's popular idol group Big Bang and rising newcomer 2NE1 will be part of a start-studded lineup of Asian musicians performing at the 6th Asia Song Festival in Seoul.





The festival, which brings 14 teams from nine Asian countries, is slated to take place at 6 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Seoul World Cup Stadium in northern Seoul.

They were part of the second lineup announced by the festival's main organizer, the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. Also included in the second line-up as special guests are popular Japanese group V6 and Hong Kong actress/singer Ekin Cheng.

Fans of Asian pop music can expect Korean idol groups Girls Generation and Super Junior at the festival. Also participating are Gackt and the co-ed duo Mihimaru GT from Japan, Chris Lee of China, Show Luo of Taiwan, K-Otic from Thailand, Ho Ngoc Ha from Vietnam and Agnes Monica from Indonesia.

''This event will develop as a representative brand for the cooperation and cultural exchange of Asian countries, and become the stepping stone to heighten the competitiveness of Asian music in the global music market,'' said Yong-hoon David Kim, the chairman of the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange.

The foundation said that the Korean 2NE1 will be receiving this year's ''Asian Newcomer's Award.'' Admission to the festival is free. Those interested can log on to the festival's Web site at www.asf.or.kr starting Aug. 21 to download the free admission ticket.

sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr