1621

1621 is a Filipino P-pop boy group formed from the survival reality show Dream Maker, debuting in 2023. Now a five-member act, they broke through in 2025 with the viral single Bababa, which entered the Spotify Philippines Viral chart and spawned a widely covered dance trend, landing them in Billboard Philippines' P-pop Class of 2026.[edit]

The group was assembled through the ABS-CBN survival reality show Dream Maker, which aired in early 2023. Over the course of the competition, seven finalists were selected by viewer votes and announced on February 12, 2023, as the debut lineup of 1621. The name was chosen by the production team to evoke the energy and ambition of members aged 16 to 21 at the time of formation. Following the show, the group underwent a pre-debut training period under MLD Entertainment Philippines, a subsidiary of South Korea's MLD Entertainment, in partnership with ABS-CBN. They officially debuted on May 19, 2023, with the release of their debut single Muli. In early 2024, two original members departed for personal reasons, reducing the lineup to five.[edit]

1621's music blends Filipino pop sensibilities with K-pop production techniques, a result of their training under Korean and Filipino songwriters. Their debut single Muli is a sentimental mid-tempo ballad that highlights vocal harmonies and emotional delivery. The 2024 follow-up Sige Lang shifted to an upbeat motivational pop track with hip-hop influences, introducing a more energetic performance style. Their 2025 viral hit Bababa represents a further evolution into playful, dance-driven pop built on Filipino wordplay and a repetitive, infectious chorus. The group's signature sound combines catchy melodies with high-energy choreography, and their lyrics often focus on perseverance, youth, and hope.[edit]

1621 is part of the third wave of P-pop groups contributing to the genre's growing international profile. The Bababa dance challenge became a widespread trend on TikTok and Instagram Reels, with Filipino celebrities and international dance crews participating, boosting P-pop's visibility on global social media. Billboard Philippines named them to their P-pop Class of 2026 list, recognizing their promise as rising acts. The group's success has also highlighted the collaborative model between Filipino and Korean entertainment companies.[edit]

The official fandom name is Dreamers, and the fan color is sky blue. The official lightstick, called the Dream Light, features a star-shaped head with a central orb that emits a soft blue and white glow. Fans organize stream parties for new releases and hold banner projects during fan meetings. In 2025, a global fan project raised funds to donate school supplies to underprivileged children in the Philippines, aligning with the group's advocacy.[edit]

The group's name 1621 was chosen by the Dream Maker production team to symbolize the youthful energy and ambition of members aged 16 to 21. Member K is the only member with prior professional dance training, having competed in national dance competitions before the show. The debut single Muli was written by a team of Filipino and Korean songwriters. The Bababa dance trend was initially created by member D as a short freestyle during a TikTok live stream, which later went viral.[edit]