Veteran journalist Karen Davila took to her X (formerly Twitter) account on July 26 to clarify her comments following backlash from netizens regarding her perceived disregard for the contributions of P-pop boy group SB19 to the international music scene.
In her post, Davila stated, “SB19 first opened the doors for PPOP internationally and made history! BINI is carving their own – being the first all girl group to hit it big.”
She further added, “I should’ve been more specific. SB19 & BINI, you make us all proud! And may you both open more doors for aspiring local artists ❤️ Both are Proudly Filipino .”
SB19 first opened the doors for PPOP internationally and made history! BINI is carving their own – being the first all girl group to hit it big.
I should’ve been more specific. SB19 & BINI, you make us all proud! And may you both open more doors for aspiring local artists ❤️… https://t.co/wjn2IzMOA9
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) July 26, 2024
The controversy began after the July 23, 2024, episode of ‘TV Patrol,’ where a report highlighted the achievements of “Nation’s Girl Group” BINI. The segment covered BINI’s regional tour and their upcoming performance at the KCON event in Los Angeles, U.S.A.
Following the report, Davila commented, “Ang galing ng BINI. At saka maganda dun, ang K-pop sikat sa buong mundo, maganda yung BINI na silang magbubukas ng pintuan para [sa] P-pop. Pag sumikat sila, sisikat din yung iba pang Pilipino.”
Fans of SB19 were quick to point out that the all-male P-pop group had already made a significant international impact before BINI. Supporters of BINI defended Davila, arguing that her comments were taken out of context.
SB19, consisting of Stell, Pablo, Justin, Josh, and Ken, was formed in 2016 and officially launched in 2018 after training in South Korea. They have since become trailblazers in bringing P-pop to the global stage.
BINI, formed in 2021, includes members Aiah, Sheena, Maloi, Mikha, Stacey, Jhoanna, Gwen, and Colet, and has quickly risen to prominence as a leading P-pop girl group.
