SB19 P-pop Group and Members Profile (Updated April 2025)

SB19

Kings of P-pop

About

SB19, stylized in all caps, is a Filipino boy group that has become one of the most influential pioneers of P-pop (Pinoy pop). Formed in 2016 through a collaboration between South Korea’s ShowBT Entertainment and local talents in the Philippines, SB19 consists of five members. The group officially debuted on October 26, 2018, with their single “Tilaluha,” followed by their breakthrough hit “Go Up” in 2019, which propelled them to national fame.

Since then, SB19 has been at the forefront of P-pop’s global rise. They are the first Southeast Asian act to be nominated at the Billboard Music Awards and have consistently topped Billboard’s Social 50 and Hot Trending Songs charts. Their artistry, strong vocals, synchronized choreography, and meaningful lyrics have garnered them a loyal fanbase worldwide and cemented their status as trailblazers in the Philippine music scene.

Name and Meaning

The name “SB19” stands for “Sound Break 19.” “Sound Break” represents the group’s mission to break into the music scene and make a lasting impact, while “19” refers to the collaboration between South Korea (represented by country code +82) and the Philippines (+63); when the last digits are added (8+2+6+3), they total 19.

This name encapsulates the group’s identity as a bridge between two cultures and as innovators breaking barriers in the global music landscape.

Fandom: A’TIN

SB19’s dedicated fandom is called “A’TIN,” a stylization of the word “eighteen.” It signifies that the fans come before SB19 (since 18 precedes 19 numerically) highlighting the group’s appreciation for their supporters. The name was officially announced on November 2, 2019.

A’TIN has played a crucial role in SB19’s rise to fame, actively supporting their music, streaming goals, and social causes both online and offline.

Early Years and Pre-Debut

The roots of SB19 trace back to a training program by ShowBT Philippines, which recruited aspiring performers to undergo a rigorous Korean-style idol training system in Manila. The program emphasized vocal performance, dance, stage presence, and language skills. From hundreds of hopefuls, five members emerged as the final lineup.

Before their debut, the group trained for over three years without public recognition. They released their first single “Tilaluha” in 2018, which showcased their vocal capabilities but initially gained little traction. It wasn’t until the viral success of their 2019 dance practice video for “Go Up” that they caught the public’s attention, marking a turning point in their career.

Debut and Rise to Fame

SB19 officially debuted on October 26, 2018, with “Tilaluha,” but it was their second single, “Go Up,” released in July 2019, that skyrocketed them to fame. A fan-uploaded video of their dance rehearsal went viral, earning them national and international attention for their precision and talent.

Following this success, SB19 quickly became media staples, appearing on TV shows, news segments, and award ceremonies. Their fanbase grew exponentially, and by the end of 2019, they were recognized as a leading act in the emerging P-pop scene. They became the first Filipino act to chart on Billboard’s Next Big Sound and Social 50 charts.

Musical Evolution and Achievements

SB19’s musical catalog reflects their growth and versatility. Their first full-length album, Get in the Zone (2020), featured songs like “Alab (Burning)” and “Hanggang Sa Huli,” showcasing their ability to blend pop, R&B, and emotional ballads.

In 2021, they released the EP Pagsibol, featuring hits such as “What?” and “MAPA,” both of which received praise for their lyrical depth and nationalistic themes. “What?” became an anthem of self-empowerment, while “MAPA,” dedicated to parents, touched hearts across generations.

Their 2022 EP WYAT (Where You At) embraced a retro-funk sound and served as the basis for their first world tour, which spanned multiple countries across Asia, the Middle East, and North America. In 2023, they released Pagtatag! with tracks like “GENTO,” which dominated local charts and became a viral TikTok trend, later performed even by K-pop idols.

Global Recognition

SB19 has consistently broken records for Filipino artists. In 2021, they became the first Southeast Asian act nominated for a Billboard Music Award under the Top Social Artist category. They’ve topped Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart multiple times, with “Bazinga” famously outperforming global artists like BTS and Adele during its reign.

The group has also performed on international platforms like MTV Asia, 1MX Global, and the ASEAN-Korea Round Festival. They’ve graced New York’s Times Square, been featured on Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue, and Grammy.com, and in 2023, they became the first P-pop act to perform at the prestigious Roundhouse in London.

Recent Milestones and Future Plans

In 2023, SB19 began a new chapter by establishing their self-managed company, 1Z Entertainment, and releasing the EP PAGTATAG!, which featured tracks like “GENTO,” “I WANT YOU,” and “FREEDOM.” They embarked on the PAGTATAG! World Tour, performing in countries such as the Philippines, the U.S., and Canada.

In 2024, SB19 continued their international momentum by headlining KAMP Fest CDMX in Mexico City, becoming the first Filipino act to do so. They were also nominated for “Group of the Year” at the Billboard Latin Music Awards’ Fan Choice edition.

In 2025, the group announced their upcoming EP, Simula at Wakas, slated for release on April 25, 2025. This project marks the start of a new musical era and will be accompanied by a global tour. The first pre-release single, “Dam,” was released on February 28, 2025, along with its official music video. The world tour kicks off on May 31, 2025, with confirmed stops in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Toronto, Tokyo, Sydney, Taipei, and Doha. Additional shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Hong Kong are expected, with performances running through August and additional dates planned for October 2025. SB19 has hinted at further city announcements in the coming months.