Global stardom has always been in the cards for multinational boy group AHOF and their Filipino all-rounder, JL Gaspar. But did you know that there’s far more to his journey than his contributions to today’s Korean pop (K-pop) scene?
Photo: AHOF
JL has taken over our timelines and news feeds these past few weeks, and for good reason. Fans and casual listeners alike have clamored to laud his covers of our favorite early-2000s hits, which strike a golden balance between nostalgia and new-generation artistry. It only took a few days for various fandoms to shower the 22-year-old performer with praise for his rich vocal tone and emotionally charged renditions. Soon after, that admiration grew into curiosity about his prominence in the K-pop scene.
“Who is he? Why have I never heard of him before?”
“Quick, what’s the plan to make him famous?”
“Is this my sign to finally explore AHOF’s music?”
These are just a few of the enticing questions that K-pop stans have asked upon witnessing JL’s sheer talent. And in those moments, AHOF’s fans, FOHAs, didn’t doubt for a second that he was destined for unstoppable breakthroughs.
Filipinos are trendsetters at heart, and JL is no exception. From his humble beginnings in Pinoy pop (P-pop) to his remarkable feats as a full-fledged K-pop idol, he has stopped at nothing to raise our flag on every stage he graces. Becoming the new rising star on everyone’s radar doesn’t just happen overnight, but JL made it happen against all odds. And if that doesn’t scream Pinoy excellence to you, we don’t know what does.
Finding His Footing In P-pop
JL knows a thing or two about staying true to his roots, no matter where life takes him. Before cementing his status as a versatile member of AHOF, he was the bunso of PLUUS, a promising Filipino boy group aiming to reach global heights.
PLUUS entered the P-pop scene in 2023 with their debut EP PLUUS+Y.M., featuring the tracks “Amigo,” “My Time,” and “Cross My Heart.” Theo, Gab, Justin, Yen, Haro, and JL consistently wowed fans with their star power, which eventually made them the first P-pop boy group to perform at South Korea’s iconic Waterbomb Festival in 2024. Little did JL know, he was already in the midst of what would soon become one of the greatest turning points of his life.
The Universe Is on His Side
No artist worth their salt can grow without taking risks, and that’s exactly what JL did in late 2024 as the sole Filipino trainee on the South Korean audition program Universe League. Led by some of K-pop’s most revered mentors, the show gathered idol hopefuls from around the world in search of the next global boy group that would take the music scene by storm.
JL faced every challenge head-on, excelling on his own terms even if it meant putting his P-pop adventures on the back burner. His stellar vocals, dance moves, and stage presence were instant standouts to the Universe League coaches, including:
- WAYV’s Ten and Yangyang, JL’s role models,
- GOT7’s Yugyeom, and
- BTOB’s Lee Chang-sub.
JL’s kababayans at home couldn’t contain their joy as he consistently won over the idols he looked up to. He improved, took charge, and grew stronger with each performance. And sure enough, he won the whole show alongside Steven, Shuiabo, Juwon, Jeongwoo, Chih En, Daisuke, Woongki, and Han, comprising the final nine members of AHOF—K-pop’s “All-time Hall of Famers.”
Since their debut last year, the AHOF members have made headlines as a breath of fresh air in K-pop with hits like “Rendezvous,” “Pinocchio,” and “Run to You,” highlighting their exceptional talent and emotional depth. Similarly, JL’s resounding success has sparked hope among aspiring Filipino artists who hope to thrive on their own terms someday.
Unmistakably Pinoy Wit
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JL has captured fans’ hearts in many ways—one of the most endearing being his “chronically online” humor, which mainly operates on an astral plane that only Filipinos can understand.
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From pop culture references to iconic local movie dubs, JL’s dynamic personality shines through his gold mine of memes, and we love every second of it. Even if the group doesn’t have the slightest clue what’s going on, they play along anyway, and that’s all it takes to bring smiles to FOHAs’ faces.
Heartfelt Theme Songs and Solo Pursuits
From PLUUS to Universe League and AHOF, JL has never turned down the opportunity to push the envelope of his artistry. This is evident in “Alon,” his first solo single, which you might’ve already heard on Love, Siargao and the Filipino dub of Lovely Runner.
Written and composed by JL and hitmaker Maki, “Alon” captures the youthfulness of a blossoming relationship and the bittersweet dreams that arise from it.
Covers We’re Putting on Repeat
OG yearner starter pack 🤧
#AHOF #아홉
#JL #제이엘 https://t.co/y5Vyhh3Dgr— AHOF (@AHOF_official) October 11, 2026
FOHAs know a musical heartthrob when they see one. As JL’s latest covers continue making rounds online, how can we not swoon over his soulful vocals and charm?
JL has now amassed over six million views for his short and sweet song numbers, which include:
- “Insomnia” by Craig David,
- “Mad” by Ne-Yo,
- “Replay” by Iyaz,
- “Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingston,
- “Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart)” by The Vamps, and
- “She Looks So Perfect” by 5 Seconds of Summer.
In a heartfelt message to his fans, JL wrote, “I can’t sleep early these days because I keep looking at the comments on my videos. I never, ever expected something like this to happen. I’m just so happy! If I have to sing 24/7 just for more people to recognize us, I’ll do it!”
JL may be immensely thankful for FOHAs’ unwavering support, but we’re even more grateful for all the hard work he has put into helping Filipino performers make their mark worldwide.
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We’re so proud of you, JL! Who is your AHOF bias? Let us know in the comments below!
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