JL Gaspar

JL Gaspar
Born
Jay Lawrence Gaspar

(2004-04-21) April 21, 2004
Muntinlupa, Philippines
NationalityFilipino
Occupations
  • Performer
  • Singer
  • Dancer
Musical career
Genres
Years active2023–present
Labels
Member of

Jay Lawrence Gaspar (Korean: 제이엘; born April 21, 2004) is a Filipino singer, dancer, and performer. In 2025, he became one of the winners of the South Korean survival show Universe League and is now a member of the global K-pop boy group AHOF. Back in March 31, 2023, he debuted as the youngest member of Ppop Boy Group PLUUS.

Life and career

Early life

Jay Lawrence Gaspar[1] was born on April 21, 2004 and raised in Muntinlupa, Philippines.[2] He has three siblings and completed his secondary education at Muntinlupa National High School.[1] Prior to his debut, he joined a local dance group, where he gained experience in various dance styles.[2]

2021–2023: Career beginnings and PLUUS

Main article: Pluus

Gaspar began training under SBTalent Camp in 2019 and was introduced publicly as the thirteenth trainee on September 26, 2021.[3][4] While training under SBTalent Camp, he was mentored by SBTown CEO Geong Seong Han and trainer Adie Hong, both recognized for their involvement in the development of the P-pop group SB19.[5] After four years of training,[2] he was announced on February 8, 2023, as a member of SBTown's first boy group, Pluus.[6] He is the youngest member of the group and has been nicknamed the "Nation's Giant Center".[2] The group officially debuted on March 31, with their first extended play, PLUUS +.Y.M.[3][5]

2024–present: Universe League and AHOF

Main article: Universe League

In September 2024, during the Pluus In-Motion fan meeting, Gaspar announced that he had successfully auditioned for a K-pop survival program, though the specific show was not disclosed at the time. Then, on October 14, 2024, he was revealed as a contestant on Universe League, a reality competition program produced by SBS, through a concept trailer released on the show's official YouTube channel.[7] The following day, profiles for all 42 contestants were published, including Gaspar.[2] In the early stages of the show, participants were selected by mentors representing three teams: Team Beat, Team Groove, and Team Rhythm. Gaspar was the only contestant drafted by mentors from all three teams and ultimately joined Team Rhythm.[8]

As the competition progressed, he consistently received strong support in global voting.[a] On January 24, 2025, Team Rhythm was named the winning team in the finale, which granted its members the opportunity to debut. As a result, Gaspar was confirmed as a member of the boy group AHOF, managed by F&F Entertainment.[1][11][12] The group officially debuted on July 1, 2025, with the release of their first extended play, Who We Are.[13]

Aside from his group activities, on June 6, Universal Records Philippines released "Alon", which Gaspar recorded in 2024 before auditioning for Universe League.[14][15] Described as a pop ballad, the song centers on themes of transition and letting go. It has been interpreted as a "farewell to his time with PLUUS and a meaningful introduction to his new journey as a member" of AHOF.[16] Within ten days of release, the single surpassed 400,000 streams on Spotify.[17] It was later selected as the theme song for the Tagalog-dubbed broadcast of the Korean drama, Lovely Runner.[18]

Public image

Ambassadorships

In June 2025, Gaspar was appointed as a promotional ambassador for the Korea Dairy Committee’s “I Like It Korea Milk” campaign, aimed at promoting Korean dairy products internationally.[18]

Representation in K-pop

Gaspar has received attention for incorporating aspects of Filipino culture into his public persona as a K-pop idol.[19] As one of the few Filipino artists active in the South Korean music industry, his inclusion in AHOF has been highlighted as part of a growing trend of increased Southeast Asian representation in K-pop, reflecting the industry's expanding global focus and efforts to engage audiences in regions such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.[20]

He has referenced Filipino internet culture during live broadcasts and televised performances, notably by recreating popular meme gestures such as the "Alden tongue pose", the "AlDub pose", and a pose associated with internet personality Mimiyuuuh. Some of these expressions have also been adopted by fellow AHOF members during livestreams and stage appearances. In addition, Gaspar has expressed his fondness for Filipino food, particularly instant pancit canton noodles and pandesal, and has introduced these to other idols, including fellow AHOF member Steven.[19][21]

Althoug he has adapted quickly to life in South Korea and conducts most of his activities in Korean, Gaspar has also used Tagalog during promotional events, particularly in interviews. He has occasionally switched to Filipino in casual interactions, such as backstage moments and airport appearances. These instances have been viewed by fans and commentators as expressions of cultural pride, contributing to his image as a relatable figure among Filipino audiences.[19]

Discography

See also: Pluus § Discography

Singles

Title Year Album Ref.
"Alon" 2025 Non-album single [14]

Filmography

For JL's works with Pluus, see Pluus § Filmography.

Video Appearances

Year Title Artist Role Ref.
2024 "DayDream" Darlene Vibares Himself [22]
2024 "We Ready" Universe League Performer [23]

Television

Year Title Role Note(s) Ref.
2024-2025 Universe League Contestant Finished in first place [11]

Notes

  1. ^ Gaspar received approximately 38,000 votes in the first global voting round, placing second overall.[2][9] He ranked first in the following global voting rounds, with 462,150 votes in the second, 1,099,728 in the third,[10] and 3,168,841 in the final round.[11]

References

  1. ^ a b c Hicap, Jonathan (February 2, 2025). "JL Gaspar congratulated for winning in Korea's 'Universe League' TV show". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on May 22, 2025. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Martinez, Gavin (December 26, 2024). "Meet JL Gaspar, the P-pop idol in 'Universe League'". Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 22, 2025. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
  3. ^ a b Bautista, Rafael (April 3, 2023). "How PLUUS Is Pushing The Boundaries For Rookie P-pop Groups". Nylon Manila. Archived from the original on May 22, 2025. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
  4. ^ SBTalent Camp (September 26, 2021). "Official Trainee Profile J13". Archived from the original on June 6, 2025. Retrieved April 20, 2025 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  5. ^ a b Olaguera, Chriselle (April 4, 2023). "Meet PLUUS, SBTown's latest P-pop boy group". PEP.ph. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  6. ^ SBTalent Camp (February 8, 2023). "Debut". Archived from the original on June 6, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  7. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (October 17, 2024). "PLUUS' JL to join Korean survival show 'Universe League'". Inquirer. Archived from the original on February 16, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  8. ^ Son, Jin-ah (November 23, 2024). “팝콘 없어?”…첫방 ‘유니버스 리그’ SM·하이브 싸움 속 42인 첫 등장[종합] ["No popcorn?"... First episode of Universe League features 42 contestants amid SM-HYBE rivalry [Summary]] (in Korean). MK Sports. Archived from the original on June 7, 2025. Retrieved June 8, 2025 – via Naver News.
  9. ^ Geum, Bit-na (December 21, 2024). 차웅기 ‘유니버스 리그’ 1위→탈락자 최초 발생...더 흥미진진 해지다 (종합) [MK★TV픽] [Cha Woong-ki ranks 1st on Universe League → first elimination occurs... the show becomes even more intense (Summary)] (in Korean). MK Sports. Archived from the original on June 7, 2025. Retrieved June 8, 2025 – via NAver News.
  10. ^ Park, So-jin (January 18, 2025). ‘유니버스 리그’ 제이엘, 팬 투표 1위…파이널 진출 성공 [JL ranks first in fan voting on Universe League... advances to the final round] (in Korean). MBC. Archived from the original on June 7, 2025. Retrieved June 8, 2025 – via Naver News.
  11. ^ a b c Saenz, Rome (January 27, 2025). "JL Gaspar Of PLUUS Joins Global K-Pop Group AHOF". Billboard Philippines. Billboard. Archived from the original on May 17, 2025. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
  12. ^ Reyes, J (January 24, 2025). "P-pop idol JL Gaspar wins in 'Universe League,' to debut in global boy group AHOF". Rappler. Archived from the original on February 18, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  13. ^ Shin, Ha-nee (July 1, 2025). "Rookie boy band AHOF takes first step toward 'hall of fame' with debut album 'Who We Are'". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on July 5, 2025. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
  14. ^ a b Songco, Pauline (June 6, 2025). "'Alon' before debut". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on June 6, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  15. ^ Junaini, Hidzir (June 6, 2025). "JL Gaspar bids farewell to P-pop group PLUUS with heartfelt 'Alon' ahead of K-pop debut—listen". Bandwagon Asia. Archived from the original on June 6, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  16. ^ Severo, Jan Milo (June 16, 2025). "Former PLUUS member JL Gaspar releases single before K-pop debut". Philstar Global. Archived from the original on June 16, 2025. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
  17. ^ "JL Gaspar Waves Streams on Solo Pre-Debut Single, "Alon"". One Music PH. June 26, 2025. Retrieved July 11, 2025 – via ABS-CBN.
  18. ^ a b Hicap, Jonathan (June 17, 2025). "JL Gaspar's "Alon" chosen as theme song for Tagalized version of K-drama The Lovely Runner". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on July 11, 2025. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
  19. ^ a b c Bautista, Rafael (August 1, 2025). "AHOF JL's Filipino humor is already winning us (and his members) over". Nylon Manila. Archived from the original on August 5, 2025. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  20. ^ Kang, Joo-hee (July 6, 2025). K팝 핫플 '인·베·필'…동남아 멤버 품는 아이돌 그룹 [K-pop hotspots Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines... Idol groups embracing Southeast Asian members] (in Korean). Newsis. Retrieved August 6, 2025 – via Naver News.
  21. ^ Martinez, Gavin (July 6, 2025). "AHOF's Steven goes viral for calling instant noodles 'Philippine ramen'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 6, 2025.
  22. ^ "DayDream (MV Ver. 2)". YouTube. February 14, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  23. ^ "WE Ready – Universe League Performance Video". YouTube. March 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
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