Hallyu actress Choi Ji-woo, girl band Kara and Hong Kong star Lee Ku won top awards at the 2012 Asia Model Awards organized by the Korea Model Association Wednesday.

The seventh annual ceremony was held Wednesday evening under the slogan “Asia is One,” and was joined by some of the most popular models and stars from 15 different Asian countries including Korea, China, Japan and Thailand.

The top Asia Star Award went to three stars from Korea and Hong Kong, while the Popular Artist Award went to BEAST, Jay Park, MBLAQ and IU. Actor Park Hae-il was awarded the Asia Special Award, while Kim Jae-bum received the Super Model Award.

Fashion designer Lie Sang-bong bagged the International Cultural Exchange Merit Award, and the Fashion Model Award went to Hye Bak and Hwi Hwang.

Actor Jung Il-woo and actress Lee Yeon-hee received the Fashionista Award.

The Asia Model Awards is held each year to recognize stars who have positively influenced the culture and entertainment industry.

By Shin Hae-in (hayney@heraldcorp.com)