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Filipino singers who joined singing competitions in South Korea

Pinoy pride!
by Nikko Tuazon
Published Jan 31, 2026
JL Gaspar, Gwyneth Dorado, and Arabelle Dela Cruz are among the Filipino performers who have taken part in South Korean singing competitions.
JL Gaspar, Gwyneth Dorado, and Arabelle Dela Cruz (L-R) are among the Filipino performers who have taken part in South Korean singing competitions.
PHOTO/S: AHOF / Gwyneth Dorado / Arabelle dela Cruz on Instagram

Filipinos have long been celebrated for their exceptional vocal talent, earning recognition not just in the Philippines but on global stages.

With a deep musical culture and a natural flair for performance, many Filipino singers continue to shine in international arenas.

Several have taken their skills to South Korea, participating in some of the country’s biggest and most competitive music survival shows.

Here are some of the Filipino singers who joined singing competitions in South Korea:

GWYNETH DORADO

Gwyneth Dorado first gained international attention as a child finalist on Asia's Got Talent Season 1, but she made her mark in South Korea by competing on the JTBC survival singing show Sing Again 4 in late 2025 to early 2026.

Throughout the competition, she delivered standout performances of Korean ballads and songs such as "I Want You" (earning one of the highest judge scores of the season at 798/800), "Etude of Memory," and others, impressing judges and audiences with her powerful vocals,.

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Ultimately secured second place in the grand finale on January 6, 2026, with her rendition of "Light Up" earning a score of 3,009.39, just behind winner Lee O Wook.

Gwyneth Dorado
Gwyneth Dorado
Photo/s: @dorado_59 on Instagram

ARABELLe DELA CRUZ

Arabelle Dela Cruz is currently representing the Philippines on Veiled Cup, a veiled-singer competition broadcast in South Korea where contestants perform anonymously behind a veil.

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Before joining the show, she finished as first runner-up in The Clash 2025 and later secured her slot on Veiled Cup after winning in Veiled Musician Philippines on All-Out Sundays.

On the Korean stage, the 25-year-old—dubbed the “Laguna Diva”—has captivated audiences with her soulful, powerful performances, including her standout rendition of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.”

As of late January 2026, she has successfully advanced to the Veiled Cup Korea grand finals, set to conclude on February 1, 2026.

Arabelle Dela Cruz
Arabelle Dela Cruz
Photo/s: @arabelledelacruzm on Instagram
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NOOD KA MUNA!

GARRETT BOLDEN

Garrett Bolden entered the South Korean music scene after winning Veiled Musician Philippines on All-Out Sundays, which earned him a spot on SBS’s Veiled Cup.

Performing anonymously under his nickname "Zambales Beast," he impressed judges with soulful renditions—including “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You” and “Alone”—that helped him advance to the semi-finals.

He ultimately finished in third place, standing out as one of three Filipino representatives alongside Arabella Dela Cruz and Thea Astley.

Garrett Bolden
Garrett Bolden
Photo/s: Garrett Bolden on Instagram
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THEA ASTLEY

Thea Astley entered the South Korean music scene after becoming one of the top winners of Veiled Musician Philippines on All-Out Sundays in November 2025, earning her the chance to represent the country in SBS Korea’s Veiled Cup.

Under the anonymous persona “Manila Storyteller,” she showcased her expressive vocals and captivating stage presence, allowing her to progress through multiple rounds alongside fellow Filipino contestants Garrett Bolden and Arabella Dela Cruz.

GMA Gala 2023 ladies in muted colors Thea Astley
Thea Astley
Photo/s: Pau Guevarra
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JL GASPAR

JL Gaspar, a Filipino singer, dancer, and member of the P-pop boy group PLUUS, entered the South Korean entertainment scene as the only Filipino contestant on SBS’s Universe League from late 2024 to early 2025.

Throughout the show, he impressed mentors and viewers with his strong vocals, sharp dancing, and charismatic performances. His popularity surged, ultimately topping the final rankings with over 3 million votes.

JL earned a debut spot in the nine-member global K-pop group AHOF under F&F Entertainment in July 2025, becoming the first male Filipino to rank first and debut from a Korean survival show.

JL Gaspar
JL Gaspar
Photo/s: @ahof_official on Instagram
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ELISIA PARMISANO

Elisia Parmisano first joined the South Korean scene as a contestant on the SBS global survival audition program Universe Ticket in 2023-2024, where she stood out among international trainees competing to form a new girl group.

Throughout the show, she impressed with her vocal prowess, reaching the highest "P" level early on and securing her spot as the first confirmed member of the debut lineup through strong performances and fan support.

She ultimately ranked first overall and debuted as a member of the eight-member K-pop girl group UNIS, under F&F Entertainment, in March 2024, with their mini-album WE UNIS and title track "SUPERWOMAN."

elisia parmisano
Elisia Parmisano
Photo/s: YouTube
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GEHLEE DANGCA

Gehlee Dangca first entered the South Korean entertainment scene as a contestant on SBS’s global survival show Universe Ticket in 2023–2024, competing among 82 trainees for a spot in a new girl group.

She quickly won fans over with her charm, visuals, and vocals, earning more than 2.4 million votes and advancing steadily through the competition.

Gehlee ultimately placed fourth in the finale and debuted in March 2024 as a member of the eight-member K-pop girl group UNIS under F&F Entertainment.

gehlee dangca
Gehlee Dangca
Photo/s: YouTube
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JIN HYEON-JU

Jin Hyeon-ju, known professionally as Hyeonju, is a Korean-Filipina singer born in Naju to a Korean father and a Filipina mother who rose to prominence through SBS’s global audition program Universe Ticket in 2023–2024.

Throughout the show, she distinguished herself with her strong vocals, natural leadership, and prior idol experience, allowing her to consistently place among the top contenders.

Her steady performance led her to rank sixth in the January 2024 finale with 496,797 points, securing her debut in the eight-member girl group UNIS under F&F Entertainment.

Hyeonju officially debuted on March 27, 2024 as the group’s leader and lead vocalist, joining fellow Filipina members Elisia Parmisano and Gehlee Dangca as part of UNIS’s well-loved “Filo line.”

Before her Universe Ticket success, she also competed on KBS’s The Unit and was previously a member of the girl groups GOOD DAY and later cignature.

Jun Hyeonju
Jin Hyeon-ju
Photo/s: @UNIS_offcl on Instagram
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Kriesha Chu

Kriesha Chu first entered the South Korean spotlight through K-pop Star 6: The Last Chance (2016–2017), where she advanced as a wild card, became part of the trio KWINs, and finished as runner-up.

She later debuted as a soloist in May 2017 with her single “Trouble.”

In late 2025, she returned to the competition scene on JTBC’s Sing Again 4 as the anonymous Singer No. 62, delivering memorable performances like “Rain Shower” and “Emergency Room” before being eliminated early on.

Despite her short run, her appearance renewed public interest in her career, adding to her established work as a solo artist under New Way Company with previous releases, OSTs, and variety show appearances.

Kriesha Chu
Kriesha Chu
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JL Gaspar, Gwyneth Dorado, and Arabelle Dela Cruz (L-R) are among the Filipino performers who have taken part in South Korean singing competitions.
PHOTO/S: AHOF / Gwyneth Dorado / Arabelle dela Cruz on Instagram
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