From Klang to K-pop stardom: Lingling becomes Malaysia's first K-pop idol
At just 19, the K-pop idol known as Lingling to her fans is making waves as Malaysia's first homegrown K-pop idol and it is a moment that's sending ripples of excitement through the Malaysian K-pop community.
Klang-born Lingling, is making waves as Malaysia's first homegrown K-pop idol. Photo: Instagram
Klang-born Lingling, is making waves as Malaysia's first homegrown K-pop idol. Photo: Instagram
WHO would've guessed that a future K-pop sensation was quietly honing her star power in Klang, Selangor? Today, Alicia Wong Lingling is striding boldly onto the global stage—ready to take her place among the industry's rising elite.
At just 19, the K-pop idol known as Lingling to her fans is making waves as Malaysia's first homegrown K-pop idol and it is a moment that's sending ripples of excitement through the Malaysian K-pop community.
Her breakthrough came via Mnet's hit survival show I-LAND 2: N/a, where she quickly became a fan favourite thanks to her unique blend of charm, calm stage presence and a brain that could seemingly juggle multiple languages with ease.
In fact, it is her fluency in Chinese, Malay, English and Korean that not only wowed the judges and audiences but also earned her playful fan-given nicknames like #PolyglotGenius and #WakeOneInterpreter.
Now, after placing second in the show's preliminary voting rounds, Lingling has officially secured a spot in Leanbranding's first global girl group, which is slated to debut at the end of May.
While the group's name and exact launch date are still under wraps, the buzz is already building, especially after the agency publicly confirmed Lingling's inclusion.
Her fans did not have to wait long for the first sign of her post-show journey as her personal Instagram account went live on April 18, a symbolic step from K-pop trainee to full-fledged idol.
Throughout I-LAND 2, Lingling's blend of talent and personality lit up the screen. From the way she handled group missions to her thoughtful demeanor offstage, she stood out not just as a performer but as someone who brought genuine warmth to the often intense world of K-pop competition.
Before I-LAND 2, Lingling was also a trainee at YG Entertainment, one of Korea's most prominent agencies. That early experience helped sharpen her skills and deepen her understanding of the industry, setting her apart as someone to watch.
Lingling's presence in a K-pop girl group marks a historic first for Malaysia, expanding the boundaries of representation in an industry often dominated by a few nationalities.
According to a report by Korea JoongAng Daily, Leanbranding confirmed that more details on the upcoming debut will be released soon via their official social media platforms.
As the countdown to her debut begins, one thing is certain, Klang's very own Lingling is about to make Malaysian history on one of the world's biggest stages.
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