Global P-Pop powerhouse SB19 continues its global ascent with “TOYFRIEND,” a cross-border collaboration with top-selling Japanese group BE:FIRST. The clubby R&B track serves as the latest single from their sophomore studio album Wakas At Simula, released under Sony Music Entertainment.
Prior to its promotional push, “TOYFRIEND” has already made a significant impact across Japan’s leading digital platforms, debuting at No. 1 on MORA’s All Genre, International, and Hi-Res International charts. It also peaked at No. 2 on the iTunes All Genre chart and No. 1 on its Pop chart, while reaching No. 2 on Line Music Japan’s World Music Top 100 chart.
The upbeat track also topped RecoChoku’s Hi-Res Single and Single charts and reached No. 2 on the Oricon Digital Chart, reflecting strong support from Japanese listeners. Other chart placements include No. 3 on Spotify Daily Viral chart, No. 6 on Billboard Japan Top Download Songs chart, and No. 4 on Genius Japan Overall Song Chart.
Inviting listeners to the dance floor with its infectious rhythm and polished production, “TOYFRIEND” blends the strengths of both Asian pop powerhouses. Beyond its energetic sound, the track explores the emotional complexity of situationships, capturing confusion, uncertainty, and blurred intentions. It is positioned as a summer-ready anthem that pairs dance energy with emotional tension.
SB19’s JOSH explains, “[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.”
For PABLO, “Toyfriend” became an instant standout upon first listen, with SB19 confident it was the right track for 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.”
The track was initially conceived as a completely new song for both SB19 and BE:FIRST, a key factor in shaping its direction. According to PABLO, starting from a blank slate allowed both groups to align creatively and develop a unified sound.
“This collaborative process enabled both groups to contribute meaningfully while ensuring the final output feels cohesive and authentic,” PABLO shares 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.”
SB19’s JUSTIN adds, “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.”
SB19’s KEN pointed out that the collaboration began when he represented the country as Felip for a 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 ease thanks to both groups’ commitment to a unified output. SB19’s STELL noted how the distance became part of the creative process rather than a limitation. “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.”
With the release of “TOYFRIEND,” SB19 and BE:FIRST deliver a genre-blending track that highlights the growing influence of Asian pop on the global stage.
“TOYFRIEND” by SB19 (with BE:FIRST) is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
SB19 will also be headlining the Wakas at Simula Concert their biggest concert yet happening on April 18, 2026, at the SMDC Festival Grounds. It will serve as the finale of their Simula at Wakas tour, which supported their three-part EP (Pagsibol, Pagtatag, and Simula at Wakas). Japanese boy group BE:FIRST was recently announced as part of the lineup.
For tickets, sign up now at www.livenation.ph.
Fans can follow SB19 on YouTube, on Facebook, on X, on Instagram, and on TikTok for the latest updates, music releases, and exclusive content.
