logo
K-drama fever hits Pavilion KL as thousands flock to see ‘Law and the City' stars Lee Jong-suk and Moon Ga-young at series finale fan screening

K-drama fever hits Pavilion KL as thousands flock to see ‘Law and the City' stars Lee Jong-suk and Moon Ga-young at series finale fan screening

Malay Mail4 days ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 — The connection between Malaysians and K-dramas can be traced back many years, and now in 2025, that relationship has only grown stronger, most recently demonstrated by the legal drama Law and the City.
The series, set in Seoul's Seocho Judicial Town, portrays the joys and struggles of five young lawyers as they navigate the demanding legal world, personal challenges, and evolving friendships.
Last night marked a momentous evening at the entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, where the Law and the City KL Star Tour — a red carpet event — took place, followed by an exclusive fan screening of the series finale at DADI Cinema.
Over a thousand fans turned up for the Law and the City red carpet event yesterday, held in conjunction with the series finale screening. — Photo by Yusof Mat Is
However, the real highlight for fans came with the arrival of the show's two lead actors — Lee Jong-suk (who plays Ahn Joo-hyung) and Moon Ga-young (who plays Kang Hee-ji) — prompting cheers and screams of excitement from the crowd.
Fans gathered as early as 7am and waited until the 7.50pm start time, even braving blistering rain in anticipation of the stars gracing the red carpet stage.
More than a thousand people were present, ranging from teenagers accompanied by their parents to a 77-year-old who flew in from Boston just to catch a glimpse of the actors.
Among the crowd were long-time supporters of Moon, such as Najihah, 26, a devoted fan since the 2015 web drama EXO Next Door.
Actress Moon Ga-young arrived elegantly, with many lucky fans getting signed autographs and photos with the actress. — Photo by Yusof Mat Isa
'I like her personality — she's very humble, and at the same time, she's really good at acting.
'One word to describe her? I would say 'gorgeous',' she said.
When describing Law and the City, Najihah initially expected a romance-focused drama but found that it's actually centered on the law, with each episode exploring different phases of legal cases.
You couldn't miss the strong presence of Lee fans in the crowd either — including Rafifah, 26, and Blinkbling, 25 — both of whom praised his screen presence and consistent performances.
'I started liking him since the 2012 drama School 2013, so it's been 12 years.
'I admire his acting and good looks,' said Rafifah.
Rafifah loves the series for its portrayal of five lawyers balancing friendship and work, while Blinkbling enjoys it for its insight into a lawyer's life.
'The series is very nice because you can see and know about how the life of a lawyer is,' added Blinkbling.
Fans showing excitement, holding up posters of Law and the City, awaiting the arrival of the two superstars from Law and the City. — Photo by Yusof Mat Isa
Lee's charming looks certainly caught the eye of many Malaysians at the event, a sentiment echoed by 22-year-olds Rachel, Jnan, and Jying, who described him as 'handsome' and 'perfect.'
Not far from the stage was Qil, 27, who appreciated Lee's versatility as an actor regardless of the role he takes on.
'He's also one of the artists who doesn't get involved in any bad or sensitive issues, and we just love what he does,' she added.
Since its premiere in July, Law and the City has consistently drawn strong viewership, achieving impressive ratings across the region.
The drama currently ranks among the Top 10 international titles on Astro and remains one of the top-performing programs on tvN Asia, reinforcing its popularity with Malaysian audiences.
Curious to see what the hype is about? You will be happy to know that all 12 episodes are now available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Last night was indeed a true testament to Malaysians' love for their Korean dramas — and it's safe to say Malaysia's love affair with K-dramas is far from over.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Fahmi announces biggest SEA music, arts, and culture showcase at Riuh X Asean 2025, including first-ever Asean music conference
Fahmi announces biggest SEA music, arts, and culture showcase at Riuh X Asean 2025, including first-ever Asean music conference

Malay Mail

time7 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

Fahmi announces biggest SEA music, arts, and culture showcase at Riuh X Asean 2025, including first-ever Asean music conference

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 — Communication Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has announced a massive celebration of South-east Asian music, arts and culture at the upcoming Riuh X Asean 2025. Taking place from October 17 to October 26 around KL, the Riuh X Asean 2025 which aims to foster cross-border collaborations and new economic opportunities among Asean countries, is also held in conjunction with Malaysia assuming the Asean chairmanship this year. Fahmi said that amongst the main highlights of the showcase is the Riuh X Asean Marketplace which will take place from October 22 to October 26. The marketplace will feature over 200 brands and over 100 food and beverage vendors coming from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. It will also have over 40 live performances along with 30 interactive workshops as well as 20 creative activation programmes, which include networking sessions amongst entrepreneurs and creative industry players from all over the world. 'This event brings together art, creativity, music and entrepreneurship from Malaysia and fellow Asean nations.'This further reflects the Asean 2025 vision of unity, inclusivity and sustainability,' Fahmi said. On top of the marketplace, the Riuh X Asean 2025 will also introduce the first ever Asean music conference coined as FrequenSEA, which will be happening from October 21 to October 22. Around 200 participants, from musicians, producers to industry leaders from the region are expected to join in the inaugural music conference which aims to discuss the future of the SEA music industry. Besides that, building up to the main event, Riuh will also organised a series of pop-up gallery around the Klang Valley starting from October 1. The pop-ups will include several showcases including music showcases, comedy acts, spoken word and poetry sessions as well as art added that they are expecting over 30,000 attendees throughout the Riuh X Asean 2025 showcase.

SlamFest 25: APAC wrestling takes Malaysian talent global with WWE ID superstars in historic showdown
SlamFest 25: APAC wrestling takes Malaysian talent global with WWE ID superstars in historic showdown

Malay Mail

time8 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

SlamFest 25: APAC wrestling takes Malaysian talent global with WWE ID superstars in historic showdown

PUCHONG, Aug 14 — Are you ready for one of the biggest pro wrestling shows in Malaysia? Announced a few months ago, APAC Wrestling Ground Zero will host a major event — SlamFest 25 — on August 30 at Stadium Juara. This upcoming event won't be your typical local wrestling show, as for the first time ever, WWE's Independent Development (WWE ID) stars will be making their way to Malaysia to go toe-to-toe with local talent. If you're curious to know, WWE ID is a programme that helps independent wrestlers work towards joining WWE, where it focuses on developing talent by providing mentorship, training, and access to WWE's world-class resources. Professional wrestling fans will know WWE as the largest Pro wrestling company in the world, based in the United States, and while WWE has previously held shows in Malaysia — once in 2002 and again in 2014 — it's the first time WWE, through their WWE ID programme, is officially collaborating with a Malaysian wrestling promotion. At today's press conference at Spacerubix Puchong, APAC Wrestling co-founder Ayez Shaukat Fonseka Farid said SlamFest 25 aims to put Malaysian wrestling on the map and gain the global recognition it deserves. 'This is also an opportunity for all the APAC wrestlers to get noticed by a big wrestling promotion like WWE. 'I've worked hard, and it's not easy for a small wrestling promotion in Malaysia to be given this kind of chance,' said Shaukat. 'This is our opportunity to prove that wrestlers in Malaysia are world-class — and capable of producing future WWE superstars. 'All the blood, sweat, and tears I've poured into building the pro wrestling scene in Malaysia, this is the culmination of it,' he added. APAC Wrestling co-founder Ayez Shaukat Fonseka Farid (centre) with fellow wrestlers at the press conference. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Shaukat will be in the main event, facing 'The Maharaja' Raj Dhesi (formerly known as WWE's Jinder Mahal) — a former WWE Champion — marking the first time a wrestler from South-east Asia goes face-to-face with a former WWE Champion. 'To become a WWE champion means you are at the very top of the pro wrestling industry, no questions asked. 'I'm going up against somebody who has been at the very top of the industry, and obviously, there is going to be pressure,' said Shaukat. 'However, it only means I'm very passionate about my craft, my performance, and what I share with the audience. 'It's also going to be an opportunity for me to prove to the bigger corporation that I am just as much of a star as Raj Dhesi is,' he added. More action-packed matches are lined up, such as the APAC Wrestling Champion 'Dreamkiller' Azroy, who would face WWE ID champion Cappuccino Jones. Another milestone moment will see Nor 'Phoenix' Diana, the current APAC Wrestling Women's Champion, test her skills against WWE ID Women's Champion Kylie Rae — a name well known on the American pro wrestling scene. 'Kylie is the WWE ID Women's Champion, and she is the face of WWE ID, and of course, there is pressure, but I'm also a champion. 'Wrestling Kylie is something I have dreamed about, so to wrestle her is going to be part of my growth as well,' Phoenix added. It's not the only women's wrestling match taking place, as international wrestlers like Tarlee the Australian powerhouse, Crystal — the Philippines' hard-hitting queen — Japan's living legend Mio Shirai, and Kira Summer — the rising Australian and Japanese superstar — will face off in a Femme Fatale Four-Way to determine the number one contender for the APAC Women's Championship. In addition, a Tag Team Cup Gauntlet will take place, featuring four teams of Damian Slater & Marcius Pitt (TMDK), Mighty Eddie & NYC, Konrad Kai & The Eurasian Dragon, and CBK & 'The Philippine Dream' Julio. Other matches listed for the event are: • Serigala vs Mikey Broderick • Alfa Nazri vs Sean Legacy • Double K vs Jordan Oasis A close-up of the APAC Wrestling Championship belt. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Featuring 24 wrestlers and eight exclusive matches, SlamFest 25 will also be streamed live to fans worldwide via CloudJoi and Shaukat's official TikTok — from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo, Sydney, and beyond — with prices from as low as RM35. In just two weeks, the anticipation is building as APAC Wrestling prepares to hit a major milestone, highlighting how far the local pro wrestling scene has come, where it has grown from grassroots beginnings to earning international attention, with even global giants like WWE recognising the talent emerging from the region. It's a show — and a moment — not to be missed, happening just a day before Merdeka, and what better way to celebrate? Expect SlamFest 25 to deliver pure sports entertainment — packed with drama and action, just like what fans would see in WWE or other major professional wrestling shows. 'For wrestling fans, this is the show where you'll want to come out and support your local talent and athletes,' said pro wrestler Double K. 'With SlamFest 2025, I've succeeded in opening the doors so that over the next 10 years, a new generation of professional wrestlers from Malaysia can be seen on WWE TV — which I believe is possible. 'This would not have been achieved without the support of my fellow students and wrestlers,' Shaukat concluded. Fans can still get their tickets here.

Riuh Merdeka 2025: 30-hour marketplace, star-studded performances, and exciting new initiatives for Malaysia's creative economy
Riuh Merdeka 2025: 30-hour marketplace, star-studded performances, and exciting new initiatives for Malaysia's creative economy

Malay Mail

time9 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

Riuh Merdeka 2025: 30-hour marketplace, star-studded performances, and exciting new initiatives for Malaysia's creative economy

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 — Local curators market Riuh will be hosting a 30 hour non-stop marketplace in conjunction with the 68th Merdeka celebration this year. The Riuh Merdeka 2025 which will take place at the carpark area in front of the Millineum Monument (Monumen Alaf Baru) in Putrajaya is set to run for 30 hours straight, starting from August 30 until August 31. Communication Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that the two-day event which is in collaboration with MyCreative Ventures (MCV), is expecting a crowd of over 30,000. He also said the turnout might be higher especially on August 31 as it will coincide with the Merdeka Day parade which is happening in Putrajaya as well. 'Throughout the 30 hours, attendees will be served with a wide array of vendors including fashion, accessories, beauty products as well as food and beverages (F&B). 'There will also be a slew of live performances by local artists such as Yuna, Misha Omar, Pop Shuvit, Alif Satar & The Locos, IAmNeeta and many more,' Fahmi said. There will be over 82 F&B vendors along with a Merdeka firework display. Fahmi added that for Riuh Merdeka 2025, he has instructed the Riuh team to offer more 'Menu Rahmah' at the event. Aside from that, Fahmi, who is set to present his answers on the Malaysia's creative economy in Parliament on August 20 has also hinted at a few new initiatives for the local animation industry. He said that he has instructed both MCV and the Malaysian Film Development Corporation (Finas) to also focus on the animation production aspect, specifically on securing funders for animation projects. Fahmi revealed that the corporate banking sector are beginning to understand the potential of local animation, which can generate income. He urged for more synergy between the corporate banking industry and the local creative players while also pointing out that Finas and MCV are open to facilitating their collaboration. Fahmi also said that Finas is also working hard to establish a network that could help ease the process of bringing local Intellectual Property (IP) to international markets, starting with bringing local IP to Asean countries. He added that local IP such as Upin & Ipin is proof that Malaysian IPs has the capability to penetrate these markets. Previously during the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) press conference, Fahmi said that the government is focusing on strengthening the creative economy to boost Malaysia's competitiveness and produce high-value content for both the local and international markets.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store