Latest news with #I-LAND2
Malay Mail
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Alicia Wong Lingling named leader of KIIRAS — who is the up-and-coming Malaysian idol and how did she get into K-pop? (VIDEO)
KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — You've likely heard the buzz about Alicia Wong Lingling — or just Lingling, as she's better known — who is making waves as the first Malaysian set to officially debut in a K-pop girl group. Fans nationwide have shown overwhelming support for the 20-year-old, and anticipation continues to build as her debut draws near after she was recently named the leader for upcoming girl group KIIRAS. But who is Lingling and what caught fans' attention? Born on April 20, 2005, in Klang, Selangor, Lingling is a multilingual K-pop trainee fluent in Malay, Mandarin, English, and Korean, and a fan of girl group 2NE1. She trained under YG Entertainment, one of South Korea's most prestigious and competitive agencies, which helped shape her into a polished performer with a strong stage presence and refined vocal technique. She first gained widespread attention as the only Southeast Asian contestant on the South Korean reality show I-LAND 2: N/a. Her motto, 'I'll work hard to become the first female idol from Malaysia,' resonated with fans, along with her endearing personality, which quickly caught their attention. What is I-LAND 2 N/a? It is a reality survival show that aired in 2024 and serves as the sequel to the original I-LAND, which formed the boy group ENHYPEN. The second season focused on creating a new K-pop girl group. Similar to its predecessor, the show featured 24 contestants divided into two teams: I-Land and Ground. The I-Land team stayed in a modern facility with comprehensive amenities, while the Ground team resided in a more basic building and commuted daily to I-Land for training and evaluations. The show included a variety of missions, such as entrance tests, signal song performances, and unit battles, with rankings determined by both producers' and audience votes. What happened to Lingling in I-LAND 2: N/a? Pre-show Self-Evaluation : She ranked 15th out of 24 trainees. : She ranked 15th out of 24 trainees. Entrance Test : She performed Sweet Venom by ENHYPEN and received a score of 2 out of 5 'I's, which placed her in the Ground team. : She performed Sweet Venom by ENHYPEN and received a score of 2 out of 5 'I's, which placed her in the Ground team. Signal Song : She performed Final Love Song with the Ground team, but the producers did not select her to move to I-LAND. : She performed Final Love Song with the Ground team, but the producers did not select her to move to I-LAND. Seesaw Game : She performed Bad Boy by Red Velvet with other trainees. The team won with 459 points, and Lingling earned 73 points, which led to her promotion to I-LAND. : She performed Bad Boy by Red Velvet with other trainees. The team won with 459 points, and Lingling earned 73 points, which led to her promotion to I-LAND. Unit Battle : She performed Rain On Me with the I-LAND Creative Unit, scoring 84 as a team and 92 individually. : She performed Rain On Me with the I-LAND Creative Unit, scoring 84 as a team and 92 individually. 1:1 Position Battle : She sang I Will Always Love You as part of Team B, but her team lost, and she was not selected to move forward. : She sang I Will Always Love You as part of Team B, but her team lost, and she was not selected to move forward. Elimination: Despite her strong performances, Lingling was eliminated in Episode 7, finishing 10th out of 14 trainees with 444,613 points. Lingling's anticipated debut and what we know so far After her elimination, Lingling signed with South Korean entertainment agency LeanBranding. She later teased an upcoming girl group on her personal Instagram, revealing it would feature a six-member line-up. This includes: Lingling (20) — Leader of the group Harin (17) — Visual and centre of the group Kurumi (18) — Japanese main vocalist Kylie (16) — Main rapper Doyeon (15-16) — Position to be announced soon Roah (13) — Maknae, the youngest of the group It was also revealed that South Korean singer-songwriter SAAY — formerly of the girl group EvoL — would be producing the group's debut album and overseeing vocal training. DEEZ, a renowned K-pop producer known for his work with EXO, Red Velvet, and NCT, will also help to produce the group's debut track. LeanBranding has since announced the group's name to be KIIRAS, where, according to Naver Entertainment, the name is a combination of the Korean word for energy '기/氣' (pronounced ki) and the English word 'rascal'. The group's name represents the bold ambition to become lovable and charming yet 'mischievous' idols in the K-pop industry. KIIRAS is set to debut on May 29, 2025, with more updates to be shared on their official social media channels.
Hype Malaysia
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
KIIRAS: What We Know About The New K-pop Girl Group Featuring Malaysian Trainee Lingling
Earlier this month, fans were excited to learn that Malaysian K-pop trainee Lingling (링링) will finally make her long-awaited debut. The 20-year-old, who first gained public attention through the K-pop survival show 'I-LAND 2,' is set to debut in a global girl group under South Korean agency Lean Branding. Since the first announcement, the label has been building up anticipation for their new group, recently dropping the first teaser image, logo and name for the group – revealing them as KIIRAS (키라스). While we wait for the girl group's official debut on 29th May (Thursday), here's what we know about them so far: The Meaning Behind The Group's Name According to Naver Entertainment, the name KIIRAS is a combination of the Korean word for energy, '기/氣' (pronounced ki) and the English word 'rascal'. The group's name represents the bold ambition to become lovable and charming yet 'mischievous' idols in the K-pop industry. The Group Will Have Six Members Lean Branding also confirmed that KIIRAS will have six members. Besides Lingling, the girl group will include one Japanese member and four Korean members. The group will introduce the other members soon – but a previously released image gave fans a first glimpse of the girls. The Group Will Debut In Late May In the first teaser image, which also revealed the group's official logo, we learn that the group will make their official debut on 29th May 2025 (Thursday). Unfortunately, there aren't many details on their first release, but the group is likely dropping a digital single since this is common for new idols. Renowned K-pop Producers & Songwriters Participated In The Debut Track KIIRAS' debut is also significant as the girls will work with some of K-pop's best producers and writers. Singer-songwriter SAAAY (쎄이) confirmed her participation in the group's debut, acting as producer and vocal trainer. K-pop producer DEEZ (디즈) also helped produce the debut track. Both SAAAY and DEEZ have worked with the likes of aespa (에스파), Baekhyun (백현) and VIVIZ (비비지). According to news outlets, KIIRAS will introduce a unique and different concept that no idol group has attempted, demonstrating their presence as the 'next generation hot rookie' in K-pop. We wish the girls all the best in their debut! Are you excited for KIIRAS? Check out their official Instagram account below: Sources: Twitter, Naver, Global Epic
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
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.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Klang girl makes K-Pop history, Malaysia's first idol 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.
Sinar Daily
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
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.
