This Filipino Canadian almost became a member of K-pop group NCT
Photo from sm_nctuniverse/Instagram
NCT Pinoy line – almost!
NCT Wish, the final unit of K-pop powerhouse NCT, recently wrapped up a successful first-ever performance in Manila which thrilled fans with their youthful energy and charm.
But beyond the stage lights and cheers, another story quietly captured the hearts of Filipino fans, like how one Filipino Canadian former SM trainee came so close to becoming the first-ever NCT member with Filipino roots.
A participant on the survival show “NCT Universe: LASTART,” Anderson Taylor was among the fan favorites who competed for a spot in NCT Wish.
Though he narrowly missed the final lineup, his recent social media activity has reignited interest in his story – especially after revealing that he is actually half-Filipino and half-Canadian, and not Korean Canadian.
During an Instagram live, Anderson revealed that he has both Canadian and Filipino heritage. He mentioned that this shared background played a role in how naturally he connected with fellow trainee Ryu, who is of Filipino and Japanese descent.
Fans were surprised that SM Entertainment never spotlighted Anderson’s Filipino heritage during the show. Even Anderson himself admitted his confusion over it.
Since then, he has been proudly embracing his roots online – most notably participating in the viral “Daleng Dale” dance challenge, popularized by new P-pop boy group, GAT.
@and6rson DALENG DALEEE @GAT #dance #dalengdale #amnse #GAT #filipino ♬ Daleng Dale – GAT
“Where my Filipinos at,” he commented in one post, to which a fan replied, “Dang, so we almost got a Filipino member of NCT.” Anderson simply responded with a poignant “almost.”
Another fan commented, “Okay damn, this is how I find out you’re Filipino,” prompting a cheeky reply from Anderson: “Aye better late than never ig.”
His TikTok bio now proudly features both the Philippine and Canadian flags.
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Now, NCT Wish continues to rise, especially after their comeback album “Poppop” earned them their first million-seller milestone.
Anderson, on the other hand, is back in Toronto and steadily becoming an online K-pop charmer. Who knows, he might debut in another group.
