Filipino Contestant JL Wins SBS's "Universe League" and Secures Debut

Photo by SBS Universe League

SBS’s latest survival show, Universe League, wrapped up its intense competition, crowning Filipino contestant JL (Jacob Lopez) as one of the debuting members. The show, which aired its first episode on November 22, 2024, introduced a fresh format combining K-pop talent battles with a sports league system.

A total of 42 contestants were divided into three teams: Rhythm, Groove, and Beat. Each team was guided by well-known K-pop artists—Lee Changsub for Groove, Yugyeom for Beat, and Ten and Yangyang for Rhythm. Jay Park served as the sole MC, leading the competition with his signature energy.

Unlike traditional survival shows, Universe League focused on teamwork rather than individual rankings. Contestants engaged in strategic drafts and trades, aiming to build the strongest lineup. Throughout the season, global fans closely followed the performances, leading up to the highly anticipated finale on January 24, 2025.

Photo by SBS Universe League

JL, a 2004-born contestant from Manila, quickly became a standout with his stage presence and versatile charm. His journey gained massive support from international viewers, who played a crucial role in the final decision through worldwide voting. The fan vote, conducted through KTOPSTAR, HIGHER, and SBS's official site, saw participation from 193 countries, reflecting the show’s global appeal.

With the competition now over, the debut team is set to enter the K-pop industry with high expectations. Fans worldwide are eagerly waiting for their first official release, marking the beginning of a new era for Universe League’s winners.

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