JL Gaspar congratulated for winning in Korea's 'Universe League' TV show
At A Glance
- JL returned to the Philippines on Feb. 2
Filipino idol JL Gaspar continued to receive congratulatory messages after winning first place in South Korea’s survival audition TV show “Universe League.”
It was a dream come true for 20-year-old JL who will now be debuting in the K-pop boy band AHOF (All-time Hall Of Famer).
In the final episode of “Universe League” on Jan. 24, which was broadcast on Korean TV channel SBS, Gaspar finished in the No. 1 spot with 3.16 million votes.

"Universe League" (SBS)

The congratulatory messages for JL Gaspar from the Muntinlupa City government and the Muntinlupa National High School (MNHS) Supreme Secondary Learner Government (Photos from the Muntinlupa City government, MNHS SSLG on Facebook)
In the Philippines, JL [Jay Lawrence] Gaspar grew up in Muntinlupa City and has three siblings.
The Muntinlupa City government congratulated him for his triumph in South Korea.
“Congratulations, JL Gaspar for securing the top spot sa finale ng Universe League competition at ngayon ay bahagi na ng global boy group AHOF (All-Time Hall of Famer) noong January 25, 2025 (Congratulations, JL Gaspar for securing the top spot in the finale of the Universe League competition and now being part of the global boy group AHOF (All-Time Hall of Famer) on January 25, 2025),” the city government said.
It added, "Ang nakamit na tagumpay ni JL ay patunay na walang impossible na makamtan ang iyong pangarap sa pagsusumikap at paniniwala sa iyong kakayanan. (JL's achievement is proof that nothing is impossible to achieve your dreams with hard work and belief in your abilities).”



K-pop boy band AHOF (SBS, F&F Entertainment)










JL Gaspar in "Universe League" (SBS)
In a video message posted by SBTown, Gaspar thanked those who supported him in his journey.
“First of all, thank you so much. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be where I am today. I can’t wait to meet you all in person together with the members that I met here, my new family. Thank you so much,” said Gaspar. .
Gaspar is a graduate of the Muntinlupa National High School (MNHS), one of the public schools in the city.
The MNHS Supreme Secondary Learner Government congratulated him for his feat.
“Big congrats to JL Gaspar for making history in the K-pop world!” it posted on Facebook.
It revealed that at MNHS, Gaspar served as Supreme Student Government (SSG) Grade 10 representative of his batch.
“His journey from Muntinlupa to the international stage is a true testament to his dedication and talent! This is such an incredible achievement not just for JL but for the entire Filipino fanbase. From being the only Filipino in the competition to leading Team Rhythm to victory, JL has proven that with talent and hard work, anything is possible! Let’s continue to support our boy as he makes waves internationally and represents P-pop on the global stage!” the MNHS SSLG added.
The nine members who will be debuting in AHOF are JL (Philippines), Steven (Australia), Zhang Shuaibo (China), Park Ju-won (South Korea), Daisuke (Japan), Chih En (Taiwan), Seo Jeong-woo (South Korea), Park Han (South Korea) and Cha Woong-ki (South Korea).
Gaspar debuted in the Filipino boy band PLUUS in 2023 before participating in “Universe League.”

PLUUS in 2023 (Universal Records)
He is the only Filipino in AHOF, which will debut under Korea’s F&F Entertainment.
F&F Entertainment also manages K-pop girl group UNIS, which has two Filipino members: Elisia Parmisano and Gehlee Dangca.
Update: Gaspar returned to the Philippines on Feb. 2.


JL Gaspar arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Feb. 2 (Photos from SBTown on X)





















"Universe League" (SBS)