ANOTHER P-pop idol is set to make waves on the international stage!
JL of P-pop boy group PLUUS has been announced as one of the contenders for the forthcoming South Korean survival show “Universe League.”
On Monday, “Universe League” released a 47-second concept teaser, featuring 42 contestants—including JL—who will compete for a slot in a global boy group.
These aspiring idols will be divided into three groups: Rhythm (red), Groove (green), and Beat (blue). They will participate in a series of missions to win the “Prism Cup” and debut in the next global boy group.
Each team will have their respective directors, with WayV’s Ten and Yangyang joining Team Rhythm, GOT7’s Yugyeom in Team Beat, and BTOB’s Lee Changsub in Team Groove.
Meanwhile, Korean-American rapper Jay Park will serve as the show’s host.
“Universe League” is scheduled to premiere on November 22. Further details about the name of the next global boy group and how long they will promote have yet to be announced.
The show’s first season was called “Universe Ticket,” which formed global girl group UNIS with three Filipina members: Elisia Parmisano, Gehlee Dangca, and Jin Hyeon-ju.
Support
On X (formerly Twitter), PLUUS shared the concept teaser, supporting JL, their youngest member, on his “Universe League” journey. Their fans, collectively known as SUM, also sent their best wishes to the P-pop idol.
In September, JL left for South Korea to prepare for the forthcoming survival show. His fellow PLUUS members sent him off at the airport.
Before this, JL shared a heartfelt message to SUM, thanking them for supporting his decision to join the survival show.
“Hindi po siya naging madaling desisyon, even sa company po, and yet, yung reactions niyo po sobrang different talaga niya sa kung ano po yung ine-expect kong magiging reaction niyo,” he said.
He also thanked them for making him feel that this move was “valid” and an “achievement” for him.
“Nafi-feel ko po nung time na ‘yon na-betray ko rin kayo and yung mga tao sa paligid ko, but thank you po for making me realize na it’s an achievement po,” JL stressed.
Despite his participation in “Universe League,” JL assured fans that he would continue being their “shining star.”
“Huwag niyo pong iisipin na aalis po ako, palagi po akong nandiyan sa inyo,” he added.
This was not the first time an active member of an idol group joined a survival competition series and earned a slot in its new boy group.
One example was Hwang Min-hyun from the boy band NU’EST, who debuted with K-pop boy group Wanna One in 2017. Formed through the second season of “Produce 101,” Wanna One promoted exclusively for more than a year and released hit songs like “Energetic,” “Beautiful,” and “BOOMERANG.”
When Wanna One’s contract ended, Hwang returned to NU’EST, but the group announced their disbandment in March 2022 after 10 years together.
About PLUUS
PLUUS is a six-member group composed of Gab, Theo, Justin, Yen, Haro, and JL.
They debuted in March 2023 with the release of their first mini album “Pluus +.Y.M.”
PLUUS recently held their second fan meet “PLUUS In-MOTION” at the Music Museum, where they performed their latest single “SUMMOTION.”
