K-Pop Rookies AHOF and P-Pop Kings SB19 Create Filipino Pride Moments at ACON 2025

Rising K-pop AHOF and P-pop sensation SB19, which includes Filipino member JL Gaspar, shared a highly anticipated backstage moment during the ACON 2025 event on December 7.

The festival, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Asia Artist Awards (AAA), featured SB19 as the only non-K-pop group in the performance lineup, further cementing their global impact.

The event marked a significant interaction between two groups deeply connected by shared heritage and mutual respect. SB19, composed of Pablo, Josh, Ken, Stell, and Justin, returned to the AAA stage after their award-winning performance at the 2023 ceremony held in the Philippines.

AHOF, a rookie group of 2025, recently won the Best New Artist award and has achieved remarkable success since their debut. The encounter held special meaning for fans, particularly given AHOF's earlier tribute to the P-pop Kings.

In August 2025, AHOF performed a widely praised cover of SB19's hit song "Go Up" during their first fan concert in Manila. JL Gaspar, long viewed by some fans as SB19's "little brother" in the industry, shared respectful greetings with the group, a moment that quickly fueled hopes for future collaborations in the global music scene.

Both groups have been instrumental in propelling Philippine music (OPM/P-pop) onto the international stage, with SB19 previously charting on Billboard and achieving recognition as "Philippine national idols".

Their presence at ACON 2025, alongside top K-pop acts, underscores the growing influence of Filipino artists in Asia and beyond.

Read also: