ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
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From Underdogs To Icons: Meet The Breakthrough Stars On Forbes Asia's 30 Under 30 List-Featuring BINI, Sheetal Devi, And More
Photo credit: Forbes
What do a P-pop girl group, a K-pop trio breaking barriers, and a teenage armless archer from India have in common? They’re all part of Forbes Asia’s 2025 30 Under 30 Entertainment & Sports list—and they’re changing the game in their own bold ways.

Let’s start with the pride of the Philippines: BINI. This eight-member girl group didn’t just survive the ever-competitive world of pop—they conquered it. Back in February, they kicked off their 15-city world tour with a bang, performing to a sold-out crowd at the massive 50,000-seat Philippine Arena. Not bad for a group that got its start in a rigorous training program and had to navigate a pandemic and the shutdown of their home network, ABS-CBN.

Formed in 2019, BINI’s story is one of grit, growth, and glowing success. Members Gwen, Aiah, Sheena, Mikha, Maloi, Jhoanna, Stacey, and Colet didn’t just train—they lived and breathed their dream, even through personal losses and family sacrifices. “It’s mentally, emotionally, and physically draining,” Sheena admits.

Their debut song, “Born to Win,” wasn’t just a title track—it became a battle cry. And clearly, they were born for this. With millions of fans, sold-out concerts, and awards like MTV EMA’s Best Asia Act and Billboard’s Voices of Asia under their belt, they’ve cemented their place as the Philippines’ pop queens.

But what makes BINI truly special? Their authenticity. “Our posts show who we really are,” says Aiah, and it’s true. Whether they’re sharing favorite snacks or family struggles, their fans see them as real people—not just idols.

And they’re not done yet. With more music lined up and a promise to evolve with their fans, BINI’s journey is just getting started.
Also on Forbes’ radar: barrier-breaking athletes.

Meet Sheetal Devi—India’s youngest Paralympic medalist, and honestly, one of the most awe-inspiring athletes you’ll ever hear about. Born without arms, Sheetal took up archery and now competes using her foot, shoulder, and jaw. Yes, you read that right. She won bronze in Paris and was honored with India’s prestigious Arjuna Award. She’s living proof that limits are meant to be shattered.

Then there’s Zakia Khudadadi, who’s rewriting history for Afghan athletes. After fleeing the Taliban in 2020 just to compete, she became the first member of the Refugee Paralympic Team to win a medal, clinching bronze in the women’s 47kg parataekwondo in Paris. Her journey is nothing short of heroic.

K-pop is also well-represented, of course—with global hitmakers like Stray Kids, whose powerful sound and creative independence have landed them on Billboard charts and Time’s Next Generation Leaders list. And there’s the groundbreaking debut of Big Ocean, the first K-pop group made up of members with hearing impairments. With AI assistance and wearable tech, these three idols are smashing stereotypes and dancing to their own rhythm—literally.

This year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia: Entertainment & Sports list proves that talent knows no boundaries—whether you’re coming from a small town in the Philippines, a refugee camp, or breaking new ground in K-pop. These stars aren’t just making noise—they’re making history.

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