SB19’s Josh, HORI7ON look back on 2023 with gratitude

(From left) SB19’s Josh Cullen Santos, HORI7ON. Images: FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines – It’s no question that 2023 was an unforgettable year for SB19 and HORI7ON.

Both groups made a mark in their own ways, while raising the country’s flag with their own unique charm.

As they’re about to welcome a new chapter in their careers, Josh Cullen Santos—SB19’s lead rapper, lead dancer, and vocalist—and HORI7ON looked back at how 2023 had been for them.

SB19’s Josh

Josh Cullen Santos of SB19 in a concept photo for “Freedom.” Image: Instagram/@officialsb19

While shaking his head in disbelief, Josh confessed during a music video launch that the past 2023 was a “rollercoaster ride” where a lot of ugly and beautiful things happened.

“Sa totoo lang (Honestly), I’m still very thankful for every blessing and finally, we’re back on track. Siguro (Perhaps), in looking forward to 2024, I’ll be expecting a much stronger SB19 and individual members will be doing their own things for sure,” he said.

Josh, who’s set to release his solo EP in the coming year, said fans will see a “stronger version” of SB19—not only as a group but also as solo artists—in the coming year.

“For myself? Siyempre, titigil ba ako (Of course, will I stop with what I’m doing)? You’ll be expecting a lot,” he added, while nodding with a knowing smile.

HORI7ON

HORI7ON while backstage of SBS Inkigayo. Image: X/@kpop_sbs

During an exclusive interview with INQUIRER.net, the members of HORI7ON were asked to share their most memorable moments in 2023 — with most of them citing their Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2023 appearance as their favorite.

Here’s what the members each have to say:

Marcus: “For me, the proudest moment is the Focus Award in the AAA. It’s been a dream for me [and my members] to finally receive an award in such a big awards show. It makes me feel more accomplished and I think for sure, it’s the proudest moment of HORI7ON.”

Jeromy: “For me, it’s our solo concert. Hindi ko ine-expect ‘yun kasi sobrang early talaga n’un. Hindi ako makapaniwala na nakapag-concert na kami in our hometown (I didn’t expect that because it arrived so early in our careers. I couldn’t believe we had a concert in our hometown).”

Kim: “For me, same with Marcus. Kasi noong una, akala namin na impossible ‘yun. Sobrang nagpapasalamat kami na napasama kami sa AAA (At first, we thought that it’s impossible. We’re so grateful that we’re part of the AAA).”

Reyster: “We’re super grateful for 2023. I feel so honored [to be part of the AAA], like I’m the first honor (in apparent reference to Melai Cantiveros’ viral interview answer to IVE’s Jang Wonyoung during the ceremony’s interview portion).”

Kyler: “Sa akin naman, isang malaking karangalan ang mapabilang sa AAA. Ang makapagperform in front of other artists at makatanggap ng award kasi nakakaproud talaga siya (For me, it’s a huge honor to be part of AAA. And to perform in front of other artists and receive an award. It makes me proud).”

Winston: “Para sa’kin naman, noong nag-perform kami sa KAMPFEST CDMX sa Mexico. Sobrang masaya kami kasi nakapunta kami doon and nakatanggap kami ng pagmamahal kahit sa mga Mexican fans. Sobrang masaya kami dahil nagkaroon kami ng opportunity to come there.” (For me, performing at the KAMPFEST CDMX in Mexico was the most unforgettable. We’re very happy that we’re able to go there and receive love from Mexican fans. We’re very happy that we had an opportunity to go there.)

Vinci: “The best part of this year was the love that we received from our fans, or Anchors, consistently. If it wasn’t for their support and love, we wouldn’t be able to reach our dreams and goals. [In bridging the gap between the Philippines and South Korea], I think it’s important to appreciate each other’s culture. HORI7ON is glad to be part of that beautiful bridge. Moving forward, I hope we can enrich each other’s culture because that is what is happening in music right now.”