SB19 Conquers Taipei with Sold-Out Concert, Marking a Milestone in P-Pop's Global Rise

SB19 Conquers Taipei with Sold-Out Concert, Marking a Milestone in P-Pop's Global Rise

By C.M. Ong | June 30, 2025

SB19 Makes History in Taiwan with "Simula at Wakas" Concert

SB19, dubbed the "Kings of P-pop," delivered a historic performance in Taipei, Taiwan on June 29, 2025, as part of their Simula at Wakas world tour. Held at Zepp New Taipei, the concert sold out in record time—solidifying SB19’s position as a driving force behind P-pop’s international rise.

Strategic Engagement: From Awards Stage to the Streets

Ahead of the concert, SB19 executed a masterclass in fan engagement. Just eight days prior, they became the first Filipino act to perform at the prestigious HITO Music Awards held at Taipei Arena. Their high-energy renditions of “GENTO,” “DAM,” and “DUNGKA!” captivated a Mandopop audience unfamiliar with P-pop.

A surprise collaboration with Taiwanese boy group Ozone drew widespread acclaim and highlighted the group’s respect for local culture—laying the groundwork for a warm reception from Taiwanese media and fans alike.

Viral Street Busking at Taipei Main Station

To build local hype, SB19 stunned fans with an unannounced busking session at Taipei Main Station on June 27. The intimate performance, featuring tracks from their Simula at Wakas EP, attracted a massive crowd that included OFWs, curious locals, and passersby—many of whom became instant converts.

This grassroots tactic paid off immediately: additional concert seats released that day were snapped up within an hour.

World-Class Production, Powerful Vocals, Global Appeal

Despite the smaller venue, the Taipei concert didn’t compromise on quality. With a live band, their W3 dance crew, and full LED wristband integration, fans were treated to an immersive, theater-grade production.

Reviews from both international and local attendees praised SB19’s vocal strength, “nonstop choreography,” and “electric stage presence.” Taiwanese netizens noted the group’s use of live mics during high-energy routines as “super impressive”—a rarity even among top-tier pop acts.

Cultural Authenticity as Global Strategy

Rather than conform to international pop formulas, SB19 proudly performed their Tagalog-language hits at the HITO Music Awards. Their commitment to cultural authenticity resonated deeply with both Filipino fans and Taiwanese viewers, earning admiration and “Pinoy pride” across social media.

Many Taiwanese viewers expressed surprise and admiration online, with comments like:

“I didn’t understand the lyrics, but I felt everything through their passion and energy.”

P-Pop Goes Global — and SB19 Leads the Charge

SB19's impact in Taiwan is more than a one-night success story. It’s a blueprint for how P-pop can thrive internationally through strategic cross-cultural collaboration, organic engagement, and powerful live execution.

Their successful entry into Taiwan's highly competitive Mandopop space opens new doors not just for them—but for the future of Filipino music on the global stage.

The Simula at Wakas tour now moves forward with momentum, and all eyes are on SB19 as they continue to position P-pop as a serious global contender.