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\nbest known as JL of P-pop boy group PLUUS \u2014 will be representing the Philippines as one of the contestants in the upcoming Korean survival show \u201cUniverse League.\u201d
JL was confirmed as one of the contestants in \u201cUniverse League\u201d via the show\u2019s 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\u2019 faces.
\u201cA world where winner takes all. But it is not sports. It is \u2018Universe League.\u2019 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,\u201d the trailer said.
The show\u2019s X (formerly Twitter) page also uploaded JL\u2019s profile.
PLUUS\u2019 official X account also urged fans to support the P-pop idol\u2019s stint in the show.
\u201cShow your support to our dearest JL,\u201d it wrote.
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\u2019s TikTok page.
He announced that he would take a break from group activities during the \u201cPLUUS In-Motion\u201d fan meet in September to focus on the show.
\u201cHindi po naging madali ang decision ng company, ng members, and hindi po siya naging madali for me. Paulit-ulit namin po siyang pinag-isipan,\u201d he said. \u201cBata pa lang ako, ineenjoy ko na po talagang makinig sa music, especially K-pop. Marami po akong tinitingala ng groups and \u2018yun ang reason b\u2019at ko pinursue ang dream ko\u2026 I will always be PLUUS JL.\u201d
(This wasn\u2019t an easy decision for the company, members, and it wasn\u2019t easy for me as well. We have been thinking about this for quite some time. I\u2019ve 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\u2019 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 \u201cUniverse League.\u201d
\u201cUniverse League\u201d is the second season of the Korean survival show \u201cUniverse Ticket,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n