JL of PLUUS. Image: X/@unvs_league
JL Gaspar — best known as JL of P-pop boy group PLUUS — will be representing the Philippines as one of the contestants in the upcoming Korean survival show “Universe League.”
JL was confirmed as one of the contestants in “Universe League” via the show’s concept trailer, which was uploaded on its official YouTube channel on Monday, Oct. 14. The video showed an animated clip of what appears to be a football field before revealing the contestants’ faces.
“A world where winner takes all. But it is not sports. It is ‘Universe League.’ 42 players enter the fierce battle for their debut. Rhythm, groove, beat: three teams are competing for the one and only Prism Cup. Who will be winning the Prism Cup? Winning the glory and a chance to debut,” the trailer said.
The show’s X (formerly Twitter) page also uploaded JL’s profile.
Global Boy Group Audition
[UNIVERSE LEAGUE] Profile Photo #1제이엘 JL
2024.11.22 (Fri) SBS 첫방송
Are you ready?#유니버스리그 #universeleague#보이그룹오디션 #글로벌오디션 #아이돌#BoyGroupAudition #GlobalAudition#SBS #kpop #fnfentertainment#제이엘 #JL pic.twitter.com/ZKCkJFPM6p
— Universe League (@unvs_league) October 15, 2024
PLUUS’ official X account also urged fans to support the P-pop idol’s stint in the show.
“Show your support to our dearest JL,” it wrote.
Show your support to our dearest JL! 🙌🧡 https://t.co/9C7ngmNfYw
— PLUUS ✨ (@pluus_official) October 15, 2024
JL debuted as a member of PLUUS in May 2023, and is best known for his performance skills, dance prowess and vocal agility. He is also known for his love for K-pop among fans, and has uploaded several cover videos of himself on the group’s TikTok page.
He announced that he would take a break from group activities during the “PLUUS In-Motion” fan meet in September to focus on the show.
“Hindi po naging madali ang decision ng company, ng members, and hindi po siya naging madali for me. Paulit-ulit namin po siyang pinag-isipan,” he said. “Bata pa lang ako, ineenjoy ko na po talagang makinig sa music, especially K-pop. Marami po akong tinitingala ng groups and ‘yun ang reason b’at ko pinursue ang dream ko… I will always be PLUUS JL.”
(This wasn’t an easy decision for the company, members, and it wasn’t easy for me as well. We have been thinking about this for quite some time. I’ve always enjoyed music since I was young, especially K-pop. I admire a lot of groups and this is the reason why I will pursue my dream. I will always be PLUUS JL.)
Universal Records Philippines, PLUUS’ record label, uploaded a vlog of JL departing for South Korea weeks after his announcement. A video of his SBTown labelmates expressing their support was also posted on its YouTube channel.
JL is the only Filipino contestant in “Universe League.”
“Universe League” is the second season of the Korean survival show “Universe Ticket,” which was behind the formation of K-pop girl group UNIS. The aforementioned group includes Filipina members Elisia Parmisano and Gehlee Dangca.
Compared to its first season, the show will select the winning contestants through group-based competitions. The 42 contestants will be divided into three groups: Rhythm, Groove and Beat, where K-pop idols will serve as coaches per team, per a Sports Chosun report.
The show will premiere on Nov. 22. Further details are yet to be revealed.