Latin American boy band SANTOS BRAVOS celebrated their first anniversary with a fan signing at K-Pop Nara in the American Dream Mall on Thursday, October 15, marking a milestone that coincides with the group’s first visit to New York City and its highly anticipated debut performance at the KOOM Festival.
The celebration falls during Hispanic Heritage Month, adding another layer of significance as the group brings its diverse Latin American backgrounds to an international stage shaped by K-pop’s global influence.
SANTOS BRAVOS is the first Latin boy group to emerge from HYBE’s new base in Mexico City. The South Korean entertainment powerhouse, best known for representing global K-pop sensations BTS, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, and others, introduced the group through its reality competition series, SANTOS BRAVOS. After competing against 25 contestants, Alejandro Aramburú, Drew Venegas, Gabi Bermúdez, Kauê Penna, and Kenneth Lavíll emerged as the final lineup.
Hailed as “the voice of a new Latin generation,” the five members represent Peru, the United States, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Mexico. Together, they embody a cross-cultural approach to Latin pop that aligns with K-Pop training, performance, and fan-centric culture.
Drew VenegasPhoto by Amanda Moses 
Santos Bravos celebrated their one-year anniversary.Photo by Amanda Moses
As New York City celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, SANTOS BRAVOS met with approximately 200 fans at K-Pop Nara’s New Jersey location on October 15. Situated near the American Dream Mall’s expansive indoor ice rink, the event brought the group into a space traditionally associated with Korean and Asian pop culture, reflecting the increasingly interconnected worlds of Latin music and K-pop fandom.
Ticket buyers who purchased an album through K-Pop Nara’s fansigning sale could meet the members during brief signing sessions and watch them participate in a Q&A, a game testing how well they knew one another, and a TikTok dance challenge to their single “Ooh Laka Laka La,” featuring Enrique Iglesias.
This event marked a shift in evolving K-Pop culture, paving the way for Latin artists and their fans to be seen. For SANTOS BRAVES, it was also an opportunity to reflect on their journey from a group of contestants pursuing a shared dream to rising artists connecting with an international fan base.
“Thank you guys so much for all your love and support,” Drew Venegas said, becoming emotional as he reflected on the group’s beginnings. “I’m not going to cry, but there are a lot of words you guys are saying that make me reminisce and think back to all of our beginnings and how we got here. The fact that a lot of you are part of our journey means a lot to us, and we appreciate your support, love, and passion for our project.”
Santos Bravos celebrated their one-year anniversary.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Alejandro AramburúPhoto by Amanda Moses
The demand was undeniable: tickets for the fan event sold out in just six minutes. For the members, the response underscored how quickly their audience has grown and how meaningful that support has become as they enter their second year together.
“This was an amazing experience, meeting you guys and seeing that there are people who travel just to be here to meet us. It’s mind-blowing,” Gabi Bermúdez said. “We didn’t know what to expect in New York. This is our first time here as a group. This event sold out in six minutes. It’s like, ‘Wow!’ It’s very crazy and shows how much you guys love us.”
Kenneth Lavíll nodded in agreement, giving his brightest dimpled smile; he recalled the group’s first taste of the city.
“We went to Times Square yesterday, and we want to keep doing things here,” he said. “Thanks to everyone here. It really means a lot to us that you traveled just to be here.”
The anniversary celebration is only the beginning of SANTOS BRAVOS’ New York City debut. On Friday, October 16, the group will take the stage at the KOOM Festival at Terminal 5, bringing its music to New York audiences for the first time.
For fans unable to attend the anniversary event, Alejandro Aramburú and Kauê Penna reassured them that the group hopes to return to the city soon.
Kauê PennaPhoto by Amanda Moses 
Gabi BermúdezPhoto by Amanda Moses 
Kenneth LavíllPhoto by Amanda Moses 
Santos Bravos celebrated their one-year anniversary.Photo by Amanda Moses