JL Gaspar, the youngest member of the P-pop group PLUUS, has officially joined the debut lineup of the global K-pop boy group AHOF. His inclusion was revealed during the grand finale of the survival show Universe League on Saturday, 25 January.

The 20-year-old standout captured hearts as a finalist on SBS’s Universe League, a South Korean survival show that scouted talented individuals from around the globe.

Before his Universe League journey, JL was part of SBTown’s P-pop boy group PLUUS. He trained rigorously for four years at the SB Talent Camp and debuted with the group in March 2023 through their mini-album PLUUS +.Y.M. 

Born in 2004 in Muntinlupa, JL announced his departure from PLUUS during their PLUUS in Motion fan meeting in September 2024 to focus on the competition. Despite leaving the group, he appealed for his fans' understanding as he chased his dream.

In Universe League, 42 contestants were divided into three teams—Team Groove, Team Beat, and Team Rhythm—mentored by renowned K-pop artists. 

JL was a standout in Team Rhythm, where contestants competed in various missions to showcase their abilities and claim the coveted PRISM Cup, the gateway to debut.

Now dubbed the "Nation's Giant Center," JL is poised to bring his exceptional talent, charisma, and dedication to the global K-pop stage.

Meanwhile, his former bandmates in PLUUS took to Instagram to celebrate his success. In a heartfelt message, they wrote, “JL, nangyari na ‘yung malaking pangarap mo. Magkasama man o hindi tayong magpapatuloy sa mga buhay natin, salamat dahil nakilala ka namin. See you soon!!”