Current Hit: JL Gaspar's 'Alon' Sweeps into K-drama Spotlight

Rising solo artist JL Gaspar is making waves with his powerful debut single ‘Alon‘ released on June 6 under Universal Records. The former PLUUS member has not only struck out on his own musically but has also earned a major milestone: ‘Alon‘ has been officially selected as the theme song for GMA Network’s Tagalized version of the hit Korean drama “The Lovely Runner.”

The soulful pop ballad serves as a fitting emotional anchor for the show, which premieres in the Philippines on June 23 at 5:10 PM. With themes of love, fate, and second chances, “The Lovely Runner“—starring Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok—has captured hearts globally, and JL’s evocative vocals bring a new layer of sentiment to its local adaptation.

Water, a recurring motif in the K-Drama, finds resonance in ‘Alon‘ (which means “wave” in Filipino). Byeon Woo-seok’s character Sandro (originally Ryu Sun-Jae) is a former swimmer, with several key scenes unfolding at the pool and on a summer beach trip with his love interest. The ebb and flow of their relationship echoes the metaphorical waves JL sings about—painful, beautiful, and constant.

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JL’s leap into solo stardom follows his recent triumph in the Korean survival show “Universe League,” where he clinched a coveted spot in a forthcoming global K-Pop group. Beyond music, he’s also been named honorary ambassador for “I Like It Korea Milk,” and drew crowds at a successful fan event held at Robinsons Magnolia on June 14.

The song’s official music video, now streaming on Universal Records’ YouTube channel, has quickly gained traction, with fans praising its emotional depth and stunning visuals. ‘Alon’ is also available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms.

With “The Lovely Runner” earning critical acclaim—including a 4-out-of-5 star rating from The Straits Times and a spot on Time Magazine’s Best K-Dramas of 2024—the Tagalized version is poised to connect deeply with Filipino viewers. Adding to the excitement, series lead Byeon Woo-seok is set to visit Manila for a fan meeting on July 19.

PR from Universal Records