1621, formerly known as 1621BC, is a Filipino boy band managed by PPL Entertainment and signed to StarPop. The group consists of JM, JC, Win, Migz, and DJ; Pan was part of its original six-member lineup until his departure in 2025.
The six original members previously participated in the Filipino–South Korean survival reality program Dream Maker. The group debuted in November 2023 with the single "Laruan" and released its self-titled debut extended play, 1621BC, in February 2024.
In 2025, the group shortened its name to 1621 and released its second EP, Sapulso. Its single "Bababa" later became the group's viral breakthrough, reaching listeners beyond its existing fanbase. The group released its third EP, 1621: Begin, in 2026 and was selected for Billboard Philippines P-pop Class of 2026.
History 2022–2023: Dream Maker, formation and debut
Before the formation of 1621, JM, JC, Pan, Win, Migz, and DJ competed individually on Dream Maker, a survival reality programme produced through a collaboration between ABS-CBN and South Korean entertainment company MLD Entertainment. Following their participation in the programme, the six met radio and television personality DJ JhaiHo, who introduced them to PPL Entertainment, which was looking to form a boy band.
The group was subsequently formed under PPL Entertainment and introduced as 1621BC. Its original lineup consisted of Pan, Win, Migz, DJ, JM, and JC. Their debut single, "Laruan", was released under StarPop in November 2023. Written and produced by ALAS, the song addresses an unhealthy romantic relationship and the emotional effects of being misled by a partner.
The group's original name was derived from the number 1621, which the members associated with manifestation and achieving personal goals. The initials "BC" stood for "Beyond Complete", representing their intention to continue developing as performers.
2024: Debut EP and first recognition The group released its self-titled debut EP, 1621BC, on February 9, 2024. The six-track release included "Laruan", "Ikaw at Ikaw", "Crush, Crush", "Handa Na Ang Puso", "TOFU (Think of You)", and a rendition of Daniel Padilla's "Simpleng Tulad Mo". "Ikaw at Ikaw", written and produced by Kiko Salazar, served as the EP's key track.
"Laruan" was nominated for Best Performance by a Group at the 37th Awit Awards. In December, 1621BC received the PPOP Potential award at the PPOP Music Awards.
2025: Name change, Sapulso and Pan's departure In January 2025, the group released "Bagamundo", a song centred on perseverance and the pursuit of personal ambitions. In March, they released "Bababa", an upbeat pop song that uses an elevator ride as a metaphor for the uncertainty and excitement associated with romantic attraction.
By April, the group had shortened its name from 1621BC to 1621. During an appearance on All-Out Sundays, the members said the change was intended to make the group's name easier to remember.
"Bagamundo" and "Bababa" were included on the group's second EP, Sapulso, released on April 11. The six-track EP also included "Maria", "Diwata", "Stuck", and "Secret". Billboard Philippines later described "Bababa" as the group's viral breakthrough, noting that the song introduced the quintet to a wider audience beyond its existing fanbase.
Later in 2025, StarPop, PPL Entertainment, and ABS-CBN Music announced that Pan, whose full name is Francis John Rosas, had left the group following a mutual decision between the parties. JM, JC, Win, Migz, and DJ continued as 1621 as a five-member group.
In December, 1621 announced "Manifest Mo Na 'Yan", a single centred on aspiration and manifestation. It was released on December 26, 2025.
2026–present: 1621: Begin and P-pop Class of 2026 On March 13, 2026, 1621 released its third EP, 1621: Begin. The five-track project consists of "Manifest Mo Na 'Yan", "Oh, Ano?", "Ikaw Lang", "Orasan", and "Lulaley", with "Oh, Ano?" serving as its key track.
In June, Billboard Philippines selected 1621 for its P-pop Class of 2026 alongside AJAA, Hori7on, VVINK, XONARA, and YGIG. On June 24, the group performed "Bababa", "Ikaw Lang", and "Oh Ano" at Billboard Philippines inaugural P-POP UNITE: The Convention at One Ayala in Makati.
In September, 1621 appeared in the music video for the SexBomb Girls single "MAMA MAMA" alongside other contemporary P-pop acts.
Artistry During their debut period as 1621BC, the members described their musical approach as combining Western pop and K-pop influences with what they called a "classic" sound, with an emphasis on vocal performance. By 2026, Billboard Philippines described the group's sound as blending a revival of 2000s OPM with modern P-pop.
Members Current members 2023–present JM (Jhaymark Ronquillo) JC (Julius Caesar Ledesma) Win (Kerwin Buenafe) Migz (Luiz Miguel Aguiviva) DJ (Jay Dean Villaver)
Former members 2023–2025 Pan (Francis Rosas)
Discography Extended plays + List of extended plays released by 1621 Title EP details 1621BC Released: February 9, 2024 Label: StarPop Format: Digital download, streaming Sapulso Released: April 11, 2025 Label: StarPop Format: Digital download, streaming 1621: Begin Released: March 13, 2026 Label: StarPop Format: Digital download, streaming
Awards and nominations + Awards and nominations received by 1621 Year Award Category Nominee / work Result 2024 37th Awit Awards Best Performance by a Group "Laruan" PPOP Music Awards PPOP Potential 1621BC
References