If you look at SB19 now, you can hardly find anyone with a bad thing to say about the group. They are true pioneers for OPM and P-pop as they paved the way for many Filipino artists looking to make a name for themselves.
Looking back at their career, however, it was not all sunshine and rainbows as there was one time where they faced the worst criticism of all time. It would go down as the hardest press conference video that A’TIN would be hard-pressed to look at to this very day. This was the press conference for their newest single at that time, “Go Up.”
To understand why this moment felt so special, we have to go back to 2019, when SB19 was still carving out a name for themselves. During their August 19, 2019 press conference for “Go Up,” the group faced ridicule from certain members of the media. Instead of being asked about their artistry, they were mocked for supposedly being “too K-pop” for a Filipino act.
At a time when P-pop was still struggling to gain traction, SB19 endured skepticism, laughter, and painful remarks. Some mocked Stell for his style and mannerisms, and the boys’ music sounding too “K-pop.” Even against said criticisms, the boys held their ground and bravely answered them. Behind the scenes, however, it would prove to be too much for the group as they came together, cried, and hugged. The sting of that early dismissal remained a core memory for both the group and their fans.
“Go Up” would later become their breakout hit, proving that their hard work and vision were worth it. SB19 would go on to become pioneers and trailblazers for P-pop, proving to the bathers and critics wrong.
Fast forward to July 1, 2025. The K-pop boy group known as AHOF or All-time Hall Of Fame for short, debuts out of the SBS reality show “Universe League.” With members hailing from South Korea, the Philippines, Japan, China, Taiwan, and even an Australian–Korean background, they officially debuted under F&F Entertainment. Among their diverse lineup is JL, a proud Filipino who has quickly become a point of pride for fans back home.
On August 30, 2025, AHOF officially held their first fan concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines. The night had performances and fan interactions, but what stood out was their special cover of SB19’s “Go Up.” Their rendition was sleek, high-energy, and respectful, earning cheers from the crowd. JL himself said the group hoped to collaborate with SB19 in the future, calling them an inspiration for their artistry. It was a performance that resonated not just with the audience but with SB19’s journey as a whole.
“Go Up” was the very same song that had the dreaded press conference where multiple interviewers mocked SB19 for sounding too much like “K-pop,” but lo and behold, a K-pop group performs the song inspired by the boys themselves. The symbolism is undeniable. Today, an actual K-pop group is paying tribute to them by performing their song, recognizing SB19’s influence and success.
The AHOF cover of “Go Up” is more than just a performance. It is an acknowledgment that SB19 has transformed from being underestimated underdogs into cultural trailblazers. Their struggles paved the way for today’s P-pop movement, and now even artists beyond Philippine borders are honoring their efforts, achievements, and impact.
Closing thoughts
For SB19 and A’TIN, the press conference in the past may have been a hurtful, painful experience that still stings to this day, but had they not moved on from that experience, they would not have achieved their level of success. It goes to show that the moment was a reminder that perseverance, passion, and authenticity will always rise above doubt.
Little does everyone know that their setbacks then will turn into something inspirational for others. In this sense, AHOF has gained respect for honoring SB19 and will most likely be a group to watch as well. For now, everything has gone full circle, and time can only tell us what’s next for SB19.
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