Malaysia's first K-Pop idol from Klang set to debut
Malaysian K-pop enthusiasts have a rising star to root for — Alicia Wong Lingling, known simply as Lingling, is set to become the first Malaysian to officially debut in a K-pop girl group.
The 19-year-old from Klang, Selangor, first captured hearts during her run on Mnet's I-LAND 2: N/a, where her poised performances, multilingual fluency and bright personality stood out.
Her journey reached a new high after she placed second in the show's preliminary voting, securing her a spot in Leanbranding's upcoming global girl group.
While the group's name and official debut date remain under wraps, Leanbranding has confirmed that the debut is slated for late May — and Lingling is officially part of the lineup.
Fans welcomed another exciting milestone today as Lingling launched her personal Instagram account, symbolising her transition from trainee to K-pop idol.
Her past as a YG Entertainment trainee and her fluency in Chinese, Malay, English, and Korean earned her affectionate nicknames online such as #PolyglotGenius and #WakeOneInterpreter.
Beyond her debut, Lingling's success marks a proud moment for Malaysian representation in the global K-pop scene.
As anticipation builds, Leanbranding promises more details to be revealed soon via its official social media platforms, Korea JoongAng Daily reported.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hype Malaysia
2 hours ago
- Hype Malaysia
Head Over To Putrajaya Marriott Hotel For An Exclusive Equestrian Weekend With Faizal Tahir!
Don't hold your horses, fam! Putrajaya Marriott Hotel has announced an exclusive equestrian retreat featuring the iconic singer-songwriter, Faizal Tahir, as part of the Marriott Bonvoy Moments programme. This unique experience offers guests the opportunity to meet and learn from the award-winning star, combined with a premium stay at the esteemed hotel. Guests will enjoy a relaxing two-night stay in the newly-renovated Deluxe Pool View Room at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel. The next morning, they will head to MAEPS Rubinga Equestrian Center for an exclusive meet-and-greet with Faizal Tahir and an opportunity to learn about his passion for horses. Get up close and personal with Faizal as he shares his love for equestrian activities. Participate in hands-on experiences such as feeding, brushing, and cleaning the horses. Gain insights into horse care and management through educational sessions led by Faizal himself. After recounting their adventures over a delightful brunch at Zest Lifestyle Restaurant, guests can unwind by the outdoor swimming pool, making the most of their luxurious retreat. This event promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, blending the thrill of equestrian activities with the charm of meeting one of Malaysia's most beloved artists. Faizal Tahir, who first captured hearts as the runner-up of the reality TV show One in a Million in 2006, has since cemented his place as a powerhouse in the Malaysian music industry. Renowned for his commanding vocals and electrifying stage presence, Faizal has earned numerous accolades, including wins at the Anugerah Industri Muzik, Anugerah Juara Lagu, and Anugerah Planet Muzik. Beyond his success as a performer, Faizal is also the founder of Faithful Music, a creative hub dedicated to mentoring and developing emerging talent. Whether you're a long-time fan or just in search of an extraordinary weekend escape, this retreat promises a unique experience that blends music, nature, and meaningful moments. The exclusive Moments experience at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel is set to welcome just 3 lucky pairs for an unforgettable Marriott Bonvoy Moments adventure. Each package offers access for 2 guests to indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience curated specially for this luxurious getaway. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Chinese calligraphy exhibition opens in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN, June 21 (Xinhua) -- The China Cultural Center in Copenhagen (CCCC) on Saturday held the opening ceremony of the "Lanting Culture Salon - Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition," aimed at promoting cultural exchange between China and Denmark through the traditional art of Chinese calligraphy. The exhibition draws inspiration from the historic "Lanting Gathering," a famous assembly of scholars at the Orchid Pavilion during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420). It presents calligraphy not only as a writing tool but also as a form of artistic and cultural expression with more than 3,000 years of history. According to Mu Xianghong, director of the CCCC, the exhibition offers "a dialogue across time and space, across cultures and continents," highlighting the enduring appeal and philosophical depth of Chinese calligraphy. The exhibition features four themed sections: the Historical Calligraphy Zone, showcasing works from past dynasties; the Contemporary Calligraphy Zone, presenting modern interpretations and multimedia displays; the Seal Carving Zone, focusing on the artistry of traditional Chinese seals; and the Interactive Experience Zone, where visitors can try their hand at calligraphy and seal carving. Princess Eleonore-Christine of Schaumburg-Lippe attended the event alongside artists, scholars and cultural figures from both China and Denmark. Speaking to Xinhua, the princess said she was impressed by the range of artistic styles and the cultural continuity reflected in ancient Chinese scripts. "What impressed me most is that Chinese people today can still read calligraphy written thousands of years ago. It shows a continuity of culture that's truly remarkable," she said. She also shared her experience of visiting China for the first time earlier this month. The event also featured a keynote lecture by a Chinese calligrapher titled "Trace the Ink Charm of a Thousand Years and Savor the Elegance of Clerical Script," offering insights into the evolution of Han dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) calligraphy. The exhibition is open to the public and will run for two weeks.
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Last member of K-pop megaband BTS to finish military service
K-pop band BTS members RM (left) and V react after being discharged from a mandatory military service in Chuncheon, South Korea, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. -- AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon SEOUL (AFP): SUGA, a member of the K-pop megaband BTS, will officially complete his mandatory military service on Saturday, marking the full return of all seven members of the global supergroup from duty. South Korea's most lucrative musical act has been on a self-described "hiatus" since 2022 as its members undertook the mandatory service required of all South Korean men under 30 due to tensions with the nuclear-armed North. SUGA will be the last to complete his service, ahead of the group's widely anticipated return to activities as a full unit. His final day concludes at 11:59:59 pm, according to the band's agency HYBE and South Korea's Military Manpower Administration. The rapper, who served as a social service agent -- an alternative form of military duty -- effectively completed his service on Wednesday after using up his remaining leave, according to his label. "Above all else, I wanted to .... sincerely thank our fans who waited for me all this time," SUGA told the group's fans -- collectively known as ARMY -- on the platform Weverse. "I've missed you so much." Before entering military service, the megaband generated more than 5.5 trillion won ($4 billion) in yearly economic impact, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute. Analysts expect HYBE's operating profit to jump next year, driven in part by BTS's anticipated return to large-scale touring, with some projections forecasting a 71 percent year-on-year increase. "The importance of BTS's reunion to HYBE, K-pop and South Korea at large cannot be overstated. They are singular in their part of the Korean Wave," Grace Kao, a sociology professor at Yale University, told AFP. "I think their next tour will be their biggest yet." Since their release last week, band leader RM has appeared at Art Basel in Switzerland as the new global ambassador for Samsung's Art TV, while member V was spotted attending a piano recital in Seoul alongside "Old Boy" filmmaker Park Chan-wook. - Soft power - BTS has long been considered one of the best examples of South Korea's soft power reach, even making a White House visit in 2022. They have spoken candidly about mental health and anti-Asian crime and donated $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement in 2019, inspiring fans to contribute the same amount. K-pop's surging popularity has also helped break down barriers for Asian artists, said Keung Yoon Bae, a Korean studies professor at Georgia Institute of Technology. "Singers such as Eric Nam, born and raised in Atlanta, have discussed before how they had to go to Korea because they felt that attaining a music career in the US as an Asian felt impossible," she said. "Today, groups such as BTS and Blackpink seem to be breaking down that sense of impossibility." Despite the widespread acclaim, SUGA was fined 15 million won ($10,933) for driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol last year. On Saturday, he once again apologised for the incident in a message posted on Weverse. "I'm sorry for the disappointment and concern I caused due to what happened last year. More than anything, knowing I caused pain to my fans broke my heart," he said. "I'll do my best to repay the love you've given me - now more than ever." - BTS
