
Photo via JL Gaspar Philippines (@jlgasparph) / Instagram
JL Gaspar, a member of P-pop boy group PLUUS, made history by winning SBS’s K-pop survival show, Universe League. As the sole Filipino contestant in the competition, JL will now debut as part of the nine-member global boy group AHOF (All-Time Hall of Famer).
The winners were revealed during the live finale aired on January 24, 2025. JL secured 3,168,841 votes, the highest in the final tally, outshining contestants from 200 countries.
Meet the Members of AHOF
JL’s team, Team Rhythm, emerged victorious against Team Beat and Team Groove in the global fan vote, which amassed a total of 12,743,374 votes. The winning lineup for AHOF includes:
- Steven (Australia)
- Chih En (Taiwan)
- Zhang Shuaibo (China)
- Daisuke (Japan)
- Park Juwon and Seo Jeongwoo (South Korea)
Additionally, top contestants from other teams, Cha Woongki (Team Beat) and Park Han (Team Groove), joined AHOF.
Universe League serves as the male counterpart to Universe Ticket, which debuted girl group UNIS in 2024. Forty-two contestants from six countries — South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Australia, and the Philippines — competed. These contestants were split into three teams: Team Groove, Team Beat, and Team Rhythm.
The contestants faced challenges designed to test their singing, dancing, and stage presence. Only nine contestants earned the coveted spots in AHOF.
JL stood out as a consistent favorite. He impressed fans and mentors alike, earning the unique status of being the only “three-pick” contestant, sought by all team directors during the initial draft.
In his emotional speech, JL thanked fans for their unwavering support. Speaking in Korean, he reflected on the challenges of leaving home for Korea and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming “love and attention” he received. “I love my friends, especially my new family, AHOF,” he said, tearfully addressing his supporters.
What’s Next for AHOF?
The new boy group will debut under F&F Entertainment, the agency behind girl group UNIS. If following the same timeline as UNIS, AHOF could debut in early 2025.
Before his Universe League win, JL performed with PLUUS, a six-member P-pop group under SBTown. The group debuted in 2023 with the mini album PLUUS +.Y.M. and released hits such as “Shining Star”, “Amigo”, “Missing You”
JL’s inclusion in AHOF marks another milestone for Filipinos in the global K-pop scene, joining a growing roster of Pinoy talents breaking international barriers.
Stay tuned for updates on AHOF’s debut and JL Gaspar’s journey as a global idol.
More…
- https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/korean-wave/2025/01/25/2416800/former-p-pop-member-jl-debut-k-pop-idol
- https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/korean-popular-music/jl-gaspar-wins-universe-league-kpop-boy-group-ahof-debut/
- https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/25/filipino-contestant-jl-wins-at-universe-league-to-debut-in-k-pop-boy-band