The formula that is K-pop has kept young Pinoy fans swept off their feet as this bunch of Filipino boys trained the Korean way and named SB19 is now drawing massive crowds only a year and a few months since they came out public.
The two-year training under Korean-run entertainment company ShowBT paid off as they eventually became the first Filipino act to land on Billboard’s Next Big Sound Chart.
To weigh in on this accomplishment, it is a chart measuring the “fastest-growing artists over the past week across all major social music sites statistically expected to achieve future success.” To simply put, SB19 is a very promising boy group.
The band’s management recently gathered the media in Novotel, Cubao, Quezon City and having been present in the previous press conference that introduced the boys to critics of all ages, I could sense a different kind of air this time. At least in the eyes of mainstream media, they transformed from newbies to certified current sensation, or should we say, phenomenal stars just months apart.
Even the think-tankers were themselves surprised of their quick rise. One was heard saying, “Strangely the group grew and they got fine treatment and numerous supporters from both Gen Zs and millennials. We appreciate all your support.”
Call them manufactured and sellout but these young dudes deserve all the admiration for their commitment and hard work. They truly have the “drive and passion to make it in the industry” which was basically the thing ShowBT were looking for them. It is reported that last year they signed a contract with Sony Music Philippines on, guess what, Christmas Day. They regularly guested in ASAP Natin ‘To for the whole month of last month.
Small wonder that even a dance rehearsal for their song “Go Up” wound up becoming a viral hit September last year. They were then awarded Favorite Group of the Year at the 5th RAWR Awards two months later.
A month after posting, the official music video for their single “Alab” already has nearly three million views on YouTube. The music video for “Go Up” had now hit past the five million mark. Also, their Wish 107.5 performance drew a large, loud crowd you thought there was a big political rally going on.
Only the five members themselves—John Paulo “Sejun” Nase, Josh Cullen Santos, Stell Ajero, Felip Jhon “Ken” Suson, and Justin De Dios—would be able to really understand the level of challenge they faced harnessing their craft through a formula that got the attention of the world. One thing’s for sure, it’s worth the effort and they’re bound to be together making more memories and cementing ground for stardom.
SB stands for sound break. Now here is a group singing Tagalog lyrics which, if you think about it, provides us locals the luxury that K-pop lyrics won’t easily be able to. So, to the remaining skeptics, give their sound a break.