Paul “Pooh” Lunt rarely makes headlines, but his influence on global music culture is hard to ignore. A strategic force behind the scenes, Lunt rose to prominence after securing the international licensing rights to “Gangnam Style” by South Korean rapper PSY—an unprecedented success that helped define the global digital music era.

Now, Lunt is betting on the Philippines as the next epicenter of Asian pop music.

“The Philippines has everything—English fluency, deep talent, a strong diaspora, and an organic connection to Western music,” he told close industry contacts. “It’s not just ready—it’s overdue.”

As President and CEO of Popolo Music Group, Lunt is building a full-scale label dedicated to identifying and developing Filipino artists with international potential. Backed by a global team of producers and songwriters from Los Angeles, Seoul, and London, Popolo aims to deliver original, world-class content rooted in Filipino culture but tailored for global audiences.

In 2025, Lunt will also launch Popolo Live, a global concert promotions arm designed to give Filipino artists access to stages worldwide—from Dubai to Berlin. “Our artists shouldn’t be confined to local stages,” Lunt says. “If the talent is world-class, the platform must be too.”

His approach is informed by years of work behind the K-pop industry’s rise—but he’s not looking to copy the Korean model. Instead, Lunt envisions a “Filipino Wave”: a cultural movement built on soul, storytelling, and musicality, all fused with the accessibility and polish of global pop. “I’m not here to replicate Korea,” Lunt says. “I’m here to build something new.”

At the top of his collaboration wish list is Sarah Geronimo, one of the Philippines’ most iconic pop stars. “She’s poised, powerful, and completely ready for the global stage,” he says. Lunt is already developing original material aimed at positioning Geronimo for international crossover, with early talks underway for a potential joint project with Viva Records.

Though his projects are bold, Lunt himself is famously private. He avoids interviews and public appearances, preferring to let his business speak for itself. Those who work with him describe a focused, intensely driven figure. “He’ll disappear for months, then come back with a full rollout plan,” says one longtime associate. “He plays chess, not checkers.”

Lunt’s belief in the Philippines isn’t a passing interest—it’s a long-term investment in talent, infrastructure, and cultural influence. Through Popolo Music Group and Popolo Live, he’s building more than a label. He’s creating a global platform designed to make Filipino artists not just visible, but unmissable.

With quiet conviction and global expertise, Paul “Pooh” Lunt is cooking up a new chapter in Asian pop—and for him, all roads lead to Manila.

Contact details

1. website: https://popolomusic.com/
2. Brand name: Popolo Music Group
3. Contact person: Arlene Domagat
4. Country: Philippines
5. City: Manila
6. Email: daanlyn@gmx.com