AHOF member JL has shared an inspiring full-circle moment, revealing that two years ago, he wanted to attend the Asia Artist Awards as an audience member but lacked the financial means to purchase a ticket.
In an exclusive interview with Star News, the newly debuted idol from the multinational K-pop group opened up about his experience as a fan before joining the industry. JL explained that in 2023, he was eager to witness the Asia Artist Awards in person with his friends, as the event was taking place in his home country, the Philippines.
The excitement was short-lived, however, when financial constraints prevented him and his companions from attending, according to Koreaboo. "So we could only cheer from outside the venue," JL recounted during the interview.
The situation changed dramatically for JL at the most recent edition of the ceremony. After debuting with AHOF in 2024, he had the opportunity to return to the Asia Artist Awards as a performing artist 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 newly established Best New Artist Award.
Read more: BTS' Jimin, Jungkook Take on Skiing and Paragliding in New Stills From 'Are You Sure?! Season 2'
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 has been remarkable, with their debut mini-album "WHO WE ARE" ranking fifth in initial sales for a boy 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 own record and cementing their status as one of the year's most successful rookie acts.
For JL personally, attending the awards ceremony as a member of AHOF held deeper significance than the trophy itself. He highlighted meeting artists from Stray Kids in person as the true highlight of his experience. "After our debut, I got to attend 'AAA' and actually meet the sunbaenims from Stray Kids in person, which made me so happy," JL shared.
The issue resonated with the idol's fans, who have 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 present-day reality.
