TAIWAN – P-Pop powerhouse SB19 proved once again why they’re the undisputed kings of Filipino music on the global stage, storming the ACON 2025 festival at Kaohsiung National Stadium on December 7, 2025, as the event’s sole representative from the Philippines. Fresh off back-to-back sold-out concerts in Melbourne and Sydney as part of their “Simula at Wakas” world tour, the quintet—Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin—brought their signature high-energy fusion of pop, R&B, and Filipino pride to the 10th-anniversary celebration of the Asia Artist Awards (AAA), captivating a sea of fans with a 20-minute set that blended chart-toppers and fresh fire.
The group’s appearance at the AAA’s joint show—following the main awards ceremony on December 6—came amid a star-studded lineup featuring ATEEZ’s prince-like spectacle of “Bouncy (K-Hot Chili Peppers),” “Ice on My Teeth,” “Work,” “In Your Fantasy,” and “The Real”; Cravity’s dynamic grooves; Woodz’s soulful vibes; Yena’s charisma; Kiss of Life’s fiery performance (sans main dancer Natty); and acts like AHOF, Ash Island, KickFlip, KiiiKiii, Lee Jun-young, Nexz, QWER, and Xikers. Hosted by (G)I-DLE’s Shuhua, Lee Jun-young, KiiiKiii’s Sui, and Cravity’s Allen, the festival pulsed with K-pop energy, but SB19’s set stood out as a bold injection of P-Pop flair, their denim-and-grey outfits channeling urban edge while dance crew W3 amplified the choreography.
Setlist Highlights: A High-Octane Medley of Hits
SB19 wasted no time turning up the heat, kicking off with the pulsating “DAM” that had the crowd chanting along before diving into the explosive “8TonBall.” The momentum built with the infectious “DUNGKA!” – a track that’s become a staple for their high-voltage live shows – and capped with the brooding intensity of “Crimzone.” Despite jet-lagged from their Oceania leg, the group delivered flawless vocals and razor-sharp moves, their stage presence as magnetic as ever. Prior to the main event, they teased VIP fans at a soundcheck with their smash hit “Gento,” a viral banger that’s amassed over 100 million streams on Spotify.
The performance wasn’t without its poignant touches: As the sole Filipino act, SB19’s set felt like a cultural bridge, blending their signature Tagalog lyrics with universal beats that resonated across borders. Their return to Taiwan—following a medley showcase at the 2023 AAA in the Philippines—marked a full-circle moment, with the group expressing gratitude for the warm welcome in Kaohsiung after a three-year hiatus.
SB19’s Heartfelt Post-Show Message
True to form, SB19 took to X (formerly Twitter) post-performance, sharing their raw elation with fans. “ACON 2025, did you guys enjoy our stage tonight? We’re finally back in Taiwan, and this time, we get to meet you in Kaohsiung. You had our hearts racing all over again, and we hope we gave you a good time as we performed onstage. 我們愛你💙 Next up, we’re flying to Auckland…” the official account posted, accompanied by a video clip of their electrifying set (pic.twitter.com/GTH1ZjYypR). The bilingual sign-off – blending English and Mandarin – highlighted their growing East Asian fanbase, while the Auckland tease nodded to the final stop of their “Simula at Wakas” tour in New Zealand.
Fan reactions poured in like confetti: Social media lit up with clips of “DAM” and “DUNGKA!” going viral, with A’TIN (SB19’s fandom) trending #SB19xACON2025 worldwide. “They owned that stage – P-Pop taking over Asia!” one fan tweeted, while another gushed, “From Manila to Kaohsiung, SB19’s energy is unstoppable!”
A Milestone in SB19’s Global Ascent
This ACON triumph caps a banner year for SB19, who’ve shattered records with their world tour – their first full-scale global jaunt since debuting in 2018. From sold-out arenas in the US and Europe to collaborations with international acts, the group has solidified P-Pop’s place on the world map, racking up billions of streams and awards like the Billboard Philippines No. 1 Artist. As the sole Filipino performers at ACON – a festival celebrating Asia’s top talents – their set wasn’t just a gig; it was a statement, proving that Filipino artistry can hold its own against K-pop giants.
Looking ahead, SB19’s Auckland finale on December 14 promises an emotional send-off, with whispers of a 2026 comeback album and more international collabs. For now, though, Kaohsiung’s roar lingers as a love letter from Taiwan – a reminder that in the ever-evolving world of Asian pop, SB19 isn’t just heating up stages; they’re rewriting the script.
Embedded Videos from the Article:
- SB19 Performing “DAM”: A high-energy clip capturing the group’s explosive opener, showcasing synchronized choreography and crowd interaction. (pic.twitter.com/Cxm2wLkHn3)
- SB19 Performing “DUNGKA!”: Fans erupting as the beat drops, with close-ups of their dynamic stage presence amid the festival lights. (pic.twitter.com/UOrHJ5Iyff)
For more on SB19’s tour and triumphs, catch their Auckland finale streams or revisit ACON highlights on the AAA’s official channels. A’TIN worldwide, the kings have spoken – and the world is listening.