JL Gaspar of AHOF hopes to bridge Filipino, Korean cultures

Being a K-pop idol is a dream come true for JL Gaspar, the Filipino member of the K-pop group AHOF.

In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online, the Filipino singer opened about his journey to the South Korean entertainment industry, a dream that started when he was just a child. 

"Since I was young po kasi may idea na po sa K-pop and alam ko na po kung gano'n talaga ka-grabe 'yung support ng mga Filipinos when it comes to like K-pop or like any idols naman po," JL said. 

"But I think po, bata pa lang po ako, parang gusto ko na po, nag-start po ako mag-dream, gusto ko rin po talaga maging bridge para po mag-share 'yung culture ng Philippines and Korea," he added. 

According to JL, he initially thought his dream was impossible, but after seeing Sandara Park, who also began her career in the Philippines, he felt inspired to pursue it.

"Parang gusto ko pong maging ganoong klaseng tao," he said. 

In November 2024, JL joined the reality competition show "Universe League" which formed AHOF. 

"Noong sumali ako noon sa survival show, it never felt like I'm competing po. I think it's more on like, nag-take lang po ko ng first step para ma-reach 'yung dream ko," he said.

"And ayun po, like pinaka-worry ko po talaga nun is how I can make the Filipinos proud. And how can I make them say na, yeah, you really represent the Philippines very well," JL added.

By the end of the reality show, JL ranked number one, an achievement he is deeply grateful for.

"Seeing po na maganda po 'yung result, sobrang, sobrang saya ko po at hindi ko naman po siya magagawa by myself. Even though through SNS lang po nafi-feel 'yung love and support. So I'm sobrang thankful."

AHOF, which stands for All-time Hall of Famer, is composed of nine members: Filipino JL, Australian-Korean Steven, Chinese Zhang Shuaibo, South Koreans Park Ju Won, Seo Jeong Woo, Cha Woongki, and Park Han, Taiwanese Chih En, and Japanese Daisuke.

They won the K-pop talent search "Universe League," which aired on SBS.

The group debuted on July 1 with the single "Rendezvous" along with their first mini album, "Who We Are."

AHOF was in the Philippines for their Rendezvous in Manila fan con on August 30. It is their first fan con in the Philippines.

JL was one of the members of the P-Pop group PLUUS, who debuted in 2023 under SBTown. The boy band is best known for their songs, "Amigo," "Shining Star," "My Time," and "Missing You." —MGP, GMA Integrated News