The ASEAN-Korea Music Fest in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this past weekend showcased a vibrant array of talent, but the P-Pop group 1st One truly stole the spotlight on Day 1. Their performance was met with rave reviews from attendees hailing from various nationalities, both from live and virtual audiences, highlighting the group’s infectious energy and incredible stage presence.

1st One members Ace, Alpha, Max, J, Joker and Jayson are known for their unique blend of pop music infused with traditional Filipino elements, captivated the audience with a dynamic setlist that included some of their most popular hits. The banger remixed version and dance break of “Shout Out” opened the set with folkloric musical chants that set the electrifying mood. It was followed by their hit, “Alam Mo Ba”, the still unrelease song “MYV” (Map Your Vibe), and the serenade song “Wala Ng Iba”. Their set closed with another remixed banger and surprised dance break of “Paalam Na.”

The group’s seamless choreography and vocal harmonies created an unforgettable experience, prompting enthusiastic responses from fans and music lovers alike. The unreleased singer “MYV or Map Your Vibe” held a distinct role as it was officially launched on the Round 2025 stage.  MYV serves as the anthem for the 1734 Murillo Velarde Philippine map with 1st One being the official partners designated bearers of the map.

In the Q & A portion, Korean host Paul Kim was pleasantly surprised with 1st One Ace’s proficiency in the Korean language.

Audience members from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and beyond were particularly impressed with how 1st One represented Philippine culture while also connecting with the diverse crowd. Many praised their ability to transcend language barriers through powerful performances that resonated emotionally with listeners. A Malaysian fan remarked, “Their energy is contagious! I can’t help but dance along,” while a Thai attendee added, “1st One’s performance was the highlight of the festival for me!” Other attendees from Malaysia said, “We want to go to the Philippines now to watch 1st One in a concert.” Their fandom who call themselves “For One” said “ Nakaka-proud marinig ang reactions from other nationalities.  Even the Koreans were impressed.”

Social media buzzed with excitement as fans shared clips of the group’s performance, with hashtags like #1stOne and #ASEANKoreaMusicFest #1STONEatROUND 2025 trending across platforms. 

Critics also chimed in, noting that 1st One’s participation not only showcased their talent but also emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in music.

As the festival continues, the impact of 1st One’s performance will surely linger, serving as a testament to the power of music to unite people from different backgrounds. Their ability to connect with a diverse audience may very well set the stage for future collaborations and greater recognition in the ASEAN music scene.

Overall, the rave reviews from attendees of various nationalities showcase not only 1st One’s talent but also the growing appreciation for P-Pop on an international scale. With more performances like this, the future looks bright for the group as they pave the way for more Filipino P-Pop artists on the global stage.