K-pop, volleyball collide for Filipino fans at FIVB Men’s Worlds (2025)

BOYNEXTDOOR during the 2025 FIBA Volleyball Men’s World Championship appointment ceremony at the HYBE headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. K-pop group has been named Global Celebrity Ambassadors for the Philippines’ hosting of the event.

SEOUL — Filipino fans will experience the best of both worlds when two of the country’s beloved passions–volleyball and K-pop–come together on the opening night of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship on September 12.

BOYNEXTDOOR will headline the opening ceremony of the Philippines’ historic hosting of the Men’s Volleyball World Championship.

The group was unveiled as the Global Celebrity Ambassadors of the World Championship on Saturday at the HYBE Headquarters here.

READ: Historic FIVB world hosting gets full backing from different sides

“We believe that K-pop and sports share fundamental values. They both inspire passionate support and fandom for those who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly,” said Kim Tae-ho, HYBE’s Chief Operating Officer, through a translator during the appointment ceremony.

“I believe volleyball is a sport that represents passion and teamwork. And the World Men’s Volleyball Championship is a celebration where the top athletes from each nation come together to compete. So we believe this tournament will showcase the highest level of athletic performances while also creating a space and mutual respect and cultural exchange.”

In the Philippines’ biggest hosting yet in volleyball, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) is bringing the 31 best volleyball countries in the world – including its own Alas Pilipinas making historic debut–along with the fast-rising Kpop group to continue to boost the growth of the sport.

Beyond the volleyball action, Filipino fans will be treated to a historic first as SUNGHO, RIWOO, JAEHYUN, TAESAN, LEEHAN and WOONHAK of BOYNEXTDOOR make history as the first-ever K-pop act to perform at the FIVB World Championship.

Over the past decade, Philippine volleyball has been elevated by local leagues such as the PVL and UAAP, drawing packed crowds and hosting several prestigious events, including Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) tournaments and the Volleyball Nations League men’s division for the past three years.

PNVF and AVC president Tats Suzara welcomes BOYNEXTDOOR as the Global Celebrity Ambassadors.

The PNVF and FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship LOC tap the fast-rising K-pop group to perform on opening day and promote the #MWCH | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/0WOo2KywPG

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 26, 2025

At the same time, the Philippines has emerged as a common stop for K-pop concerts where the top artists from South Korea are treated sold-out shows. In fact, BoyNextDoor visited Manila in March for its‘KNOCK ON Vol.1’ concert tour.

“It’s historic for our Philippine volleyball fans to mix entertainment and sports. I think for the first time in the Volleyball World we’re bringing the K-Pop group BOYNEXTDOOR,” PNVF president Tats Suzara told reporters.

READ: Sergio Veloso calls for united approach as PH set to host FIVB men’s worlds

“Everyone’s excited I’m so overwhelmed of this appointment ceremony here in Seoul at the HYBE Headquarters. I think this is a treat for the Filipino volleyball fans and also to the global fans for volleyball.”

The opening night promises to be both historic and electrifying, with BOYNEXTDOOR serenading Filipino fans who are known for their passionate support of both volleyball and K-pop.

Alas Pilipinas is also making history on the same night, debuting in the FIVB World Championship for the first time in 51 years. It will facing Tunisia, currently the World No. 40 and an 11-time African championship winner.

The Philippines is slated in Pool A with World No. 15 Iran and World No. 20. All of its matches is held at Mall of Asia Arena, while other groups see action at Smart Araneta Coliseum.