AHOF's Steven and JL Gaspar Dominate Fan-Driven 'Kooky Polls' with Overwhelming Victories

K-pop's multinational sensations, AHOF's charismatic leader Steven and powerhouse vocalist JL have emerged as frontrunners in the whimsical yet fiercely competitive "Kooky Polls" of 2025.

The nine-member boy group, formed through the high-stakes survival show Universe League and managed by F&F Entertainment, continues to captivate fans worldwide, turning year-end fan-voting extravaganzas into nail-biting spectacles. Steven, the Australian-born leader known for his steady command and infectious energy, clinched the top spot in the Kooky Winter Leader Poll with an astonishing 8,316,282 votes.

This landslide victory not only solidifies his role as AHOF's guiding force but also unlocks a treasure trove of fan-funded rewards tailored to his international roots. Among the prizes: a custom-engraved trophy symbolizing fan devotion, a vibrant "Ggangnamam" banner nodding to his dynamic stage presence, and state-of-the-art LED screens destined for community centers in the Philippines—a heartfelt gesture reflecting AHOF's borderless fanbase.The poll, which ran for a grueling month and drew participants from over 50 countries, highlighted Steven's evolution from a former LUMINOUS member to AHOF's anchor.

"These votes aren't just numbers; they're a global hug from FOHA," Steven shared in a Weverse live session post-announcement, using the group's official fandom name—short for "Forever Our Home, AHOF." His win underscores the group's post-debut momentum, following their July 1, 2025, launch with the chart-topping EP Who We Are, outsho JL the 21-year-old Filipino sensation and AHOF's main vocalist, visual, and center secured a historic milestone by winning the Spotlight Poll for a Chicago Reader ad feature with 3,084,890 votes.

This triumph marks his inaugural U.S. print appearance in the December 18 issue, a bold step into American media landscapes for the Manila native. Previously a member of P-pop group PLUUS and the overall rank-one finalist in Universe League with 3,168,841 final votes, JL's dual-career trajectory exemplifies the fusion of P-pop grit and K-pop polish. This is for every FOHA who stayed up late, voted through storms, and believed in the dream, where his follower count surged by 150,000 overnight. The Chicago Reader spread, featuring JL in a candid photoshoot amid the Windy City's skyline, promises an in-depth profile on his journey from SB Town trainee (codename J13) to global idol. It's a fitting reward for a performer whose emotive solos, like his June 2025 solo single "Alon," have resonated across continents.

AHOF, whose name evokes "All-Time Hall Of Famer" (and playfully translates to "nine" in Korean), burst onto the scene earlier this year after Universe League—SBS's boy-group counterpart to the acclaimed Universe Ticket. The show, which aired from November 2024 to January 2025, assembled talents from Australia, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines into Team Rhythm, ultimately crowning Steven (rank 4), JL (rank 1), and seven others as the lineup alongside cross-team standouts Cha Woongki and Park Han. Since their debut showcase at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul, AHOF has racked up accolades: a first-place debut on Bugs Music Chart, sold-out MyK Festa performances, and a second mini-album, The Passage, slated for November 4. Tracks like "Ignition" and "We Are Ready" have become anthems of perseverance, mirroring the group's survival-show origins.

The Kooky Polls, a fan-favorite initiative blending humor with hype, have amplified AHOF's visibility amid a packed 2025 K-pop calendar. Organizers describe the events as "kooky" for their offbeat categories—from "Winter Leader" to "Spotlight" features—but their impact is profoundly serious, funneling proceeds to artist support funds. AHOF's victories here echo their Universe League ethos: unity in diversity, with FOHA fans from Manila to Melbourne proving that collective passion knows no bounds.

As the group gears up for year-end award shows and a potential world tour, Steven and JL's poll sweeps signal more triumphs ahead. In the words of their debut track: "We're ready—who we are, forevermore." For AHOF, the hall of fame feels closer than ever.

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