SB19, J-pop group BE:FIRST collaborate on R&B track

“Toyfriend” is a track from the P-pop Kings’ sophomore studio album “Wakas At Simula” released under Sony Music Entertainment.

Prior to the promotional push, “Toyfriend” already made a significant dent across Japan’s leading digital platforms, debuting at No. 1 on MORA’s All Genre, International, and Hi-Res International charts, while peaking at No. 2 on the iTunes All Genre chart and No. 1 on its Pop chart, and No. 2 on Line Music Japan’s World Music Top 100 chart.

The upbeat bop has reached the summit of the RecoChoku’s Hi-Res Single and Single charts, and reached No. 2 on the Oricon Digital Chart — a proof of the Filipino boy group’s strong surge of support from Japanese fans. Other chart placements in Japan include a No. 3 peak at Spotify Daily Viral chart, No. 6 debut on Billboard Japan Top Download Songs chart and No. 4 placement on Genius Japan Overall Song Chart.

“Toyfriend captures the uncertainty of having feelings for someone while feeling completely confused if those feelings will be reciprocated in the first place. In this puzzling situation, one person can end up being treated as a toyfriend: caught between friendship and something more. The track reflects the ambiguity that comes with blurred intentions,” Josh said.

For Pablo, “Toyfriend” became an instant favorite within the first few seconds of hearing it, with SB19 expressing confidence that it was the right song to pursue for the collaboration.

“The sound carried a distinct energy that stood out from the start, making it an instant fit for the concept we were aiming for. Artistically, the track leans into a more edgy, slightly spicy, and sexy tone,” said the SB19 leader.

The track was initially conceived as a completely new song for both SB19 and BE:FIRST, which became a key factor in shaping the overall concept of the collaboration. According to Pablo, approaching the project from a blank slate allowed both groups to align on a shared direction and explore a sound that reflects their combined artistry.

“This collaborative process enabled both groups to contribute meaningfully while ensuring the final output feels cohesive and authentic,” Pablo shared in a press statement. “Ultimately, the intent was to deliver a fresh and distinctive record that highlights the strengths and synergy of both SB19 and BE:FIRST.”

“When the opportunity to collaborate with BE:FIRST came up, we identified it as a track that best suited both BE:FIRST and SB19 in terms of style and direction. SB19 recorded the song at our studio, 1Z, while BE:FIRST recorded their parts in Japan. We ensured that members of our team were present during BE:FIRST’s recording sessions to provide guidance and maintain cohesion in terms of vocal direction and overall sound,” Justin added.

SB19’s Ken pointed out that the collaboration began when he represented the country as Felip for prominent music showcase in Japan last year at the K-Arena Yokohama in Kanagawa, Japan. “The collaboration began when I previously performed for ‘DUNK.’ It was the fans who truly made it happen by engaging with one another, which the BMSG team recognized as a valuable opportunity to collaborate with 1Z Entertainment. This led to the collaboration between BE:FIRST and SB19.”

Despite geographical challenges, the collaborative process moved with striking ease — thanks to their commitment to achieving a strong and unified output.

SB19’s STELL pointed out how every contribution and creative element clicked into place. “Rather than seeing the distance as a limitation, it became an opportunity to embrace a global collaboration setup. Overall, the experience was very smooth and collaborative.” — Jan Milo Severo