AHOF member JL shared an inspiring moment to come full circle, revealing that two years ago he wanted to attend the Asia Artist Awards as an audience member, but didn’t have the financial means to purchase a ticket.
In an exclusive interview with Star News, the newly debuted idol of the multinational K-pop group spoke about his experience as a fan before entering the industry. JL explained that he was looking forward to attending the Asia Artist Awards in person with his friends in 2023, as the event would take place in his home country of the Philippines.
The enthusiasm was short-lived, however, as financial constraints prevented him and his companions from participating, according to reports Koreaboo. “So we could only cheer from outside the venue,” JL said during the interview.
The situation changed dramatically for JL during the latest edition of the ceremony. After debuting with AHOF in 2024, he had the opportunity to return to the Asia Artist Awards as a performer rather than a spectator. The group made their first appearance at the 10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025 held on December 6 at Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan, winning the new Best New Artist award.
AHOF achieved this recognition within just five months of their official debut, demonstrating their significant impact on the K-pop landscape. The group’s rapid success was notable, with their debut mini-album “WHO WE ARE” ranking fifth in initial sales for a male group’s debut album and securing three music show trophies within ten days of their debut. Chosun Biz reported. Their second mini-album “The Passage”, released in November, sold nearly 390,000 copies in its first week, breaking the group’s record and cementing their status as one of the most successful debut artists of the year.
For JL personally, attending the awards ceremony as a member of the AHOF had a deeper meaning than the trophy itself. He noted that meeting the Stray Kids artists in person was the real highlight of his experience. “After our debut, I was able to attend ‘AAA’ and meet the Stray Kids sunbaenim in person, which made me so happy,” JL shared.
The issue resonated with the idol’s fans, who celebrated his journey from being unable to afford a ticket to standing on stage as an award-winning artist, as per Soompi. His story exemplifies how dedication and hard work can transform circumstances, turning youthful dreams into today’s reality.
