Public broadcaster NHK announced Wednesday the lineup for its annual New Year’s Eve musical show “Kohaku Uta Gassen.” This year’s roster includes the return of South Korean pop acts as well as some new domestic faces — real and animated.

Highlighting the first-time participants set to appear at the 73rd edition of “Kohaku” are two K-pop acts that represent a new era for South Korea’s music industry. Groups Le Sserafim and Ive (both stylized in all caps) debuted in the first half of 2022, with both attracting global attention for their uptempo dance-pop songs. Each project also features a Japanese member, including Sakura Miyawaki, formerly of HKT48, in Le Sserafim.

This year’s list sees its first South Korean act since the girl group Twice performed in 2019. That unit will also return to the “Kohaku” stage when NHK airs the show on Dec. 31 at 7:20 p.m.

Among the Japanese acts set to make a “Kohaku” debut are solo rocker Vaundy, bands Ryokuoushoku Shakai and Saucy Dog, and Aimer, the singer responsible for the latest theme tune for popular anime series “Demon Slayer.”

“Demon Slayer” isn’t the only animated feature to get the nod at this year’s event. “One Piece Film Red,” the latest installment of the “One Piece” franchise and the year’s highest-grossing film so far, will get some time for a special set from the character Uta. The songs this virtual artist sings will come courtesy of the famously secretive singer Ado. The performance won’t technically be considered her “Kohaku” debut.

Pop powerhouse Johnny & Associates is well represented in the lineup, with six groups present, including the “Kohaku” debut of younger outfit Naniwa Danshi. Yet a new generation of male competitors will join them, highlighted by K-pop-influenced group JO1 and rising domestic stars Be:First (stylized in all caps).

Notable returning acts include NiziU, King Gnu, Perfume and Aimyon.

In a first for the national broadcaster, the lineup for “Kohaku” was announced during a livestream, which was hosted on the show’s official website.

The event also returns to NHK Hall in Shibuya this year after renovations moved the program to Tokyo International Forum last year. It will also feature the return of a live audience, after the past two installments were held without a crowd due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The show’s theme this year is “Love & Peace,” which, according to the official “Kohaku” website, reflects the desire for music to bring the titular feelings to viewers during “uncertain times with no bright future ahead” caused by war, the pandemic and natural disasters.

NHK also urges viewers to share photos and videos of “Kohaku” online as part of their “Share Kohaku” theme.

“Kohaku” started in 1951 as a radio program before moving to television two years later. The show traditionally splits female and male performers into red and white teams, respectively, to square off in a musical battle, and the audience and judges declare the winning team before ringing in a new year.