JL Gaspar

{{Short description|Filipino singer and dancer (born 2004)}} {{Use Philippine English|date=May 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2025}} {{Philippine name|Gaspar}} {{Infobox person | name = JL Gaspar | birth_name = Jay Lawrence Gaspar | image = | caption = | image_upright = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2004|04|21}} | birth_place = Muntinlupa, Philippines | occupation = {{hlist|Performer|Singer|Dancer}} | signature = | website = | module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes | genre = {{hlist|K-pop|P-pop|Ballad }} | years_active = 2023–present | label = {{hlist|SBTown|Universal Philippines|F&F}} | instrument = | current_member_of ={{hlist|PLUUS|AHOF}}}} | known_for = }}

'''Jay Lawrence Gaspar''' (Korean: 제이엘; born April 21, 2004) is a Filipino singer, dancer, and performer. In 2025, he won first place on the South Korean survival show ''Universe League'' receiving over 3 million votes, and subsequently debuted as a member of the K-pop boy group AHOF. Prior to this, on March 31, 2023, he debuted as the youngest member of the P-pop boy group PLUUS.

== Life and career == === Early life === Jay Lawrence Gaspar<ref name="mb1">{{cite web |last=Hicap |first=Jonathan |date=2025-02-02 |title=JL Gaspar congratulated for winning in Korea's 'Universe League' TV show |url=https://mb.com.ph/2/2/2025/jl-gaspar-congratulated-for-winning-in-korea-s-universe-league-tv-show |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522043837/https://mb.com.ph/2/2/2025/jl-gaspar-congratulated-for-winning-in-korea-s-universe-league-tv-show |archive-date=2025-05-22 |url-status=live}}</ref> was born on April 21, 2004 and raised in Muntinlupa, Philippines.<ref name="inq_universe">{{cite web |last=Martinez |first=Gavin |date=2024-12-26 |title=Meet JL Gaspar, the P-pop idol in 'Universe League' |url=https://usa.inquirer.net/162817/meet-jl-gaspar-the-p-pop-idol-in-universe-league |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Inquirer |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522044716/https://usa.inquirer.net/162817/meet-jl-gaspar-the-p-pop-idol-in-universe-league |archive-date=2025-05-22 |url-status=live}}</ref> He has three siblings and completed his secondary education at Muntinlupa National High School.<ref name="mb1" /> Prior to his debut, he joined a local dance group, where he gained experience in various dance styles.<ref name="inq_universe" />

=== 2021–2023: Career beginnings and PLUUS === {{Main|Pluus}} Gaspar began training under SBTalent Camp in 2019 and was introduced publicly as the thirteenth trainee on September 26, 2021.<ref name="nylon_pluus">{{cite web |last=Bautista |first=Rafael |date=2023-04-03 |title=How PLUUS Is Pushing The Boundaries For Rookie P-pop Groups |url=https://nylonmanila.com/pop-culture/pluus-sbtown-newest-p-pop-boy-group/ |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Nylon Manila |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522123806/https://nylonmanila.com/pop-culture/pluus-sbtown-newest-p-pop-boy-group/ |archive-date=2025-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=SBTalent Camp |title=Official Trainee Profile J13|url=https://x.com/SBTalentCamp/status/1441990917108420614 |via=X (formerly Twitter) |date=2021-09-26 |access-date=2025-04-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250606205354/https://x.com/SBTalentCamp/status/1441990917108420614 |archive-date=2025-06-06}}</ref> While training under SBTalent Camp, he was mentored by SBTown CEO Geong Seong Han and trainer Adie Hong, both recognized for their involvement in the development of the P-pop group SB19.<ref name="pep_pluus">{{cite web |last=Olaguera |first=Chriselle |date=2023-04-04 |title=Meet PLUUS, SBTown's latest P-pop boy group |url=https://www.pep.ph/guide/music/172526/pluus-sbtown-ppop-boy-group-a5254-20230404 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418101624/https://www.pep.ph/guide/music/172526/pluus-sbtown-ppop-boy-group-a5254-20230404 |archive-date=2023-04-18 |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=PEP.ph |language=en-US}}</ref> After four years of training,<ref name="inq_universe" /> he was announced on February 8, 2023, as a member of SBTown's first boy group, Pluus.<ref>{{cite web |last=SBTalent Camp |url=https://x.com/SBTalentCamp/status/1623260353714098177 |title=Debut |date=2023-02-08 |language=en-US |via=X (formerly Twitter) |access-date=2025-06-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250606210101/https://x.com/SBTalentCamp/status/1623260353714098177 |archive-date=2025-06-06}}</ref> He is the youngest member of the group and has been nicknamed the "Nation's Giant Center".<ref name="inq_universe" /> The group officially debuted on March 31, with their first extended play, ''PLUUS +.Y.M''.<ref name="nylon_pluus" /><ref name="pep_pluus" />

=== 2024–present: ''Universe League'' and AHOF === {{Main|Universe League|l1 = ''Universe League''}}

In September 2024, during the ''Pluus In-Motion'' fan meeting, Gaspar announced that he had successfully auditioned for a K-pop survival program, though the specific show was not disclosed at the time. Then, on October 14, 2024, he was revealed as a contestant on ''Universe League'', a reality competition program produced by SBS, through a concept trailer released on the show's official YouTube channel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/581650/pluus-jl-to-join-korean-survival-show-universe-league |last=Mallorca |first=Hannah |date=2024-10-17 |title=PLUUS' JL to join Korean survival show 'Universe League' |language=en-US |website=Inquirer |access-date=2025-06-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250216061821/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/581650/pluus-jl-to-join-korean-survival-show-universe-league |archive-date=2025-02-16}}</ref> The following day, profiles for all 42 contestants were published, including Gaspar.<ref name="inq_universe" /> In the early stages of the show, participants were selected by mentors representing three teams: Team Beat, Team Groove, and Team Rhythm. Gaspar was the only contestant drafted by mentors from all three teams and ultimately joined Team Rhythm.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/410/0001037525 |last=Son |first=Jin-ah |date=2024-11-23 |script-title=ko:“팝콘 없어?”…첫방 ‘유니버스 리그’ SM·하이브 싸움 속 42인 첫 등장[종합] |trans-title="No popcorn?"... First episode of ''Universe League'' features 42 contestants amid SM-HYBE rivalry [Summary] |access-date=2025-06-08 |publisher=MK Sports |via=Naver News |language=ko |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250607210608/https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/410/0001037525 |archive-date=June 7, 2025 }}</ref>

As the competition progressed, he consistently received strong support in global voting.{{efn|Gaspar received approximately 38,000 votes in the first global voting round, placing second overall.<ref name="inq_universe" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/410/0001042245 |last=Geum |first=Bit-na |date=2024-12-21 |script-title=ko:차웅기 ‘유니버스 리그’ 1위→탈락자 최초 발생...더 흥미진진 해지다 (종합) [MK★TV픽] |trans-title=Cha Woong-ki ranks 1st on ''Universe League'' → first elimination occurs... the show becomes even more intense (Summary) |language=ko |publisher=MK Sports |via=NAver News |access-date=2025-06-08 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250607210628/https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/410/0001042245 |archive-date=June 7, 2025 }}</ref> He ranked first in the following global voting rounds, with 462,150 votes in the second, 1,099,728 in the third,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/057/0001867500 |date=2025-01-18 |last=Park |first=So-jin |script-title=ko:‘유니버스 리그’ 제이엘, 팬 투표 1위…파이널 진출 성공 |trans-title=JL ranks first in fan voting on ''Universe League''... advances to the final round |language=ko |publisher=MBC |via=Naver News |access-date=2025-06-08 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250607215416/https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/057/0001867500 |archive-date=2025-06-07}}</ref> and 3,168,841 in the final round.<ref name="bbph_ahof">{{cite web |last=Saenz |first=Rome |date=2025-01-27 |title=JL Gaspar Of PLUUS Joins Global K-Pop Group AHOF |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/jl-gaspar-of-pluus-joins-global-k-pop-group-ahof/ |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Billboard Philippines |publisher=Billboard |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250517180046/https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/jl-gaspar-of-pluus-joins-global-k-pop-group-ahof/ |archive-date=2025-05-17}}</ref>}} On January 24, 2025, Team Rhythm was named the winning team in the finale, which granted its members the opportunity to debut. As a result, Gaspar was confirmed as a member of the boy group AHOF, managed by F&F Entertainment.<ref name="mb1" /><ref name="bbph_ahof" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Reyes |first=J |date=2025-01-24 |title=P-pop idol JL Gaspar wins in 'Universe League,' to debut in global boy group AHOF |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/korean-popular-music/jl-gaspar-wins-universe-league-kpop-boy-group-ahof-debut/ |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=Rappler |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218065207/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/korean-popular-music/jl-gaspar-wins-universe-league-kpop-boy-group-ahof-debut/ |archive-date=2025-02-18}}</ref> The group officially debuted on July 1, 2025, with the release of their first extended play, ''Who We Are''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-07-01/entertainment/kpop/Rookie-boy-band-AHOF-takes-first-step-toward-hall-of-fame-with-debut-album-Who-We-Are/2343058 |title=Rookie boy band AHOF takes first step toward 'hall of fame' with debut album 'Who We Are' |last=Shin |first=Ha-nee |date=July 1, 2025 |website=Korea JoongAng Daily |access-date=July 5, 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250705002650/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-07-01/entertainment/kpop/Rookie-boy-band-AHOF-takes-first-step-toward-hall-of-fame-with-debut-album-Who-We-Are/2343058 |archive-date=July 5, 2025}}</ref>

Aside from his group activities, on June 6, Universal Records Philippines released "Alon", which Gaspar recorded in 2024 before auditioning for ''Universe League''.<ref name="dt_alon">{{cite web |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2025/06/06/alon-before-debut |last=Songco |first=Pauline |title='Alon' before debut |date=2025-06-06 |website=Daily Tribune |access-date=2025-06-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250606151822/https://tribune.net.ph/2025/06/06/alon-before-debut |archive-date=2025-06-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/jl-gaspar-bids-farewell-to-p-pop-group-pluus-with-heartfelt-alon-ahead-of-k-pop-debut-listen |date=2025-06-06 |last=Junaini |first=Hidzir |title=JL Gaspar bids farewell to P-pop group PLUUS with heartfelt 'Alon' ahead of K-pop debut—listen |website=Bandwagon Asia |access-date=2025-06-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250606151537/https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/jl-gaspar-bids-farewell-to-p-pop-group-pluus-with-heartfelt-alon-ahead-of-k-pop-debut-listen |archive-date=2025-06-06}}</ref> Described as a pop ballad, the song centers on themes of transition and letting go. It has been interpreted as a "farewell to his time with PLUUS and a meaningful introduction to his new journey as a member" of AHOF.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/music/2025/06/16/2450973/former-pluus-member-jl-gaspar-releases-single-k-pop-debut |title=Former PLUUS member JL Gaspar releases single before K-pop debut |date=June 16, 2025 |last=Severo |first=Jan Milo |access-date=July 11, 2025 |website=Philstar Global |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250616141831/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/music/2025/06/16/2450973/former-pluus-member-jl-gaspar-releases-single-k-pop-debut |archive-date=June 16, 2025}}</ref> Within ten days of release, the single surpassed 400,000 streams on Spotify.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/6/26/jl-gaspar-waves-streams-on-solo-pre-debut-single-alon-one-music-ph-1205 |date=June 26, 2025 |title=JL Gaspar Waves Streams on Solo Pre-Debut Single, "Alon" |access-date=July 11, 2025 |publisher=One Music PH |via=ABS-CBN}}</ref> It was later selected as the theme song for the Tagalog-dubbed broadcast of the Korean drama, ''Lovely Runner''.<ref name="mb_alon">{{cite web |url=https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/17/jl-gaspars-alon-chosen-as-theme-song-for-tagalized-version-of-k-drama-the-lovely-runner |title=JL Gaspar's "Alon" chosen as theme song for Tagalized version of K-drama ''The Lovely Runner'' |date=June 17, 2025 |last=Hicap |first=Jonathan |website=Manila Bulletin |access-date=July 11, 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711094741/https://mb.com.ph/web/20250711094741/https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/17/jl-gaspars-alon-chosen-as-theme-song-for-tagalized-version-of-k-drama-the-lovely-runner |archive-date=July 11, 2025}}</ref>

== Public image == === Ambassadorships === I Like It Korea Milk (Korea Dairy Committee): In June 2025, Gaspar was appointed as a promotional ambassador for the Korea Dairy Committee’s “I Like It Korea Milk” campaign, aimed at promoting Korean dairy products internationally.<ref name="mb_alon" />

PURIQUE Premium Salon: In August 2025, JL became the first ambassador for the K-Beauty service brand PURIQUE in the Philippines. His debut advertisement for the brand was launched at their Bonifacio High Street branch in Taguig.

=== Representation in K-pop === Gaspar has received attention for incorporating aspects of Filipino culture into his public persona as a K-pop idol.<ref name="jl_ph_culture">{{cite web |url=https://nylonmanila.com/pop-culture/ahof-jl-filipino-humor/ |last=Bautista |first=Rafael |date=2025-08-01 |title=AHOF JL's Filipino humor is already winning us (and his members) over |website=Nylon Manila |language=en-US |access-date=2025-08-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250805114236/https://nylonmanila.com/pop-culture/ahof-jl-filipino-humor/ |archive-date=2025-08-05}}</ref> As one of the few Filipino artists active in the South Korean music industry, his inclusion in AHOF has been highlighted as part of a growing trend of increased Southeast Asian representation in K-pop, reflecting the industry's expanding global focus and efforts to engage audiences in regions such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/003/0013345318 |date=2025-07-06 |last=Kang |first=Joo-hee |script-title=ko:K팝 핫플 '인·베·필'…동남아 멤버 품는 아이돌 그룹 |trans-title=K-pop hotspots Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines... Idol groups embracing Southeast Asian members |language=ko |publisher=Newsis |via=Naver News |access-date=2025-08-06}}</ref>

He has referenced Filipino internet culture during live broadcasts and televised performances, notably by recreating popular meme gestures such as the "Alden tongue pose", the "AlDub pose", and a pose associated with internet personality Mimiyuuuh. Some of these expressions have also been adopted by fellow AHOF members during livestreams and stage appearances. In addition, Gaspar has expressed his fondness for Filipino food, particularly instant pancit canton noodles and pandesal, and has introduced these to other idols, including fellow AHOF member Steven.<ref name="jl_ph_culture"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://usa.inquirer.net/175096/ahofs-steven-goes-viral-for-calling-instant-noodles-philippine-ramen |last=Martinez |first=Gavin |date=2025-07-06 |title=AHOF's Steven goes viral for calling instant noodles 'Philippine ramen' |website=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250806084705/https://usa.inquirer.net/175096/ahofs-steven-goes-viral-for-calling-instant-noodles-philippine-ramen |archive-date=2025-08-06}}</ref>

Although, he has adapted quickly to life in South Korea and conducts most of his activities in Korean, Gaspar has also used Tagalog during promotional events, particularly in interviews. He has occasionally switched to Filipino in casual interactions, such as backstage moments and airport appearances. These instances have been viewed by fans and commentators as expressions of cultural pride, contributing to his image as a relatable figure among Filipino audiences.<ref name="jl_ph_culture"/>

== Discography == {{See also|Pluus#Discography}}

=== Singles === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1"  ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Year  ! scope="col" | Album ! scope="col" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- ! scope="row" | "Alon" | 2025 | {{Non-album single}} | align="center" | <ref name="dt_alon" /> |}

== Filmography == {{For|JL's works with Pluus|Pluus#Filmography}}

=== Video appearances === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Artist ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- | 2024 | "DayDream" | Darlene Vibares | Himself | align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |title=DayDream (MV Ver. 2) |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zL2kgTqHhZU&pp=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m0mXRx3pc1g&pp=ygUYd2UgcmVhZHkgdW5pdmVyc2UgbGVhZ3Vl |website=YouTube |date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=April 20, 2025}}</ref> |- | 2024 | "We Ready" | ''Universe League'' | Performer | align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |title=WE Ready – Universe League Performance Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0mXRx3pc1g |website=YouTube |date=March 2024 |access-date=April 20, 2025}}</ref> |}

===Television=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" | Note(s) ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! scope="row" | 2024-2025 | ''Universe League'' | Contestant | Finished in first place | align="center" | <ref name="bbph_ahof"/> |}

== Notes == {{notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * {{IMDb name|nm14710814}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Gaspar, JL}} Category:2004 births Category:Living people Category:English-language Filipino singers Category:People from Muntinlupa Category:Filipino male pop singers Category:Filipino K-pop singers