Latest news with #I-dle
The Star
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Lingling is Malaysia's first female K-pop idol, leading new girl group Kiiras
South-East Asians have been making their mark in K-pop girl groups of late, like those from Thailand (Blackpink's Lisa, I-dle's Minnie, Babymonster's Pharita and Chiquita, Kiss of Life's Natty), the Philippines (Katseye's Sophia, Unis' Elisia and Gehlee) and Indonesia (Hearts2Hearts' Carmen, Secret Number's Dita). Now, Malaysia also has a female K-pop idol to call its own. Lingling, whose real name is Wong Ling Ling, is the leader and oldest member of new South Korean girl group Kiiras. The 20-year-old, who is the sextet's main rapper and sub-vocalist, is billed as the first female K-pop idol from Malaysia. Together with South Koreans Harin, Kylie, Doyeon and Roah, as well as Kurumi from Japan, Kiiras debuted on May 29 with the American country music-influenced pop and hip-hop single Kill Ma Bo$$. Lingling is proud to fly her country's flag in an increasingly diversified K-pop scene. During an interview at the Mandala Club on July 29 to promote Kiiras' debut, she said: 'Being a K-pop idol has always been my dream, and my Malaysian fans have been so supportive. I feel very happy. But because I am the first, I want to do more, so others can see their potential too, and can also become K-pop idols.' Yet, there is some pressure. 'Being a leader is not easy. Sometimes it is stressful when the other members don't listen to me. But this motivates me to do better.' Her bandmates, however, were quick to lavish praise on Lingling. The six girls are based in Seoul, where they live together in a dormitory. Youngest member Roah, 13, said: 'She is kind, charismatic, cute and pretty. An all-rounder.' Lingling's former roomate Harin, 17, added: 'She leads the team practices and is always on time. When we shared a room, I was never late.' And Kurumi, 19, who is the second-eldest, chimed in: 'She is the only one older than me, so I consider her my older sister.' Kiiras made it debut on May 29 with the American country music-influenced pop and hip-hop single 'Kill Ma Bo$$'. Kiiras is set to perform in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 1, their first live show outside of South Korea. They will take the stage during music event The Music Journey 2 Roadshow at the University of Wollongong Malaysia. Lingling is thrilled about her homecoming. 'I have always wanted to perform in Malaysia,' she said. 'And my family will watch the show too.' Her parents own a business in Malaysia and she has a younger sister, a 19-year-old university student. The other Kiiras members have not visited Malaysia before and are excited to tuck into dishes such as bak kut teh and nasi goreng. If time permits, Lingling might even show them around, with one possible attraction being the Batu Caves, which will be 'very hot', but would make a wonderful backdrop for their TikTok videos. Born in Klang, she attended Hin Hua High School and idolised K-pop girl group Twice for its 'bright and high-energy' performances. At age 17, Lingling participated in South Korean entertainment company YG Entertainment's global audition in Malaysia. She made the cut and became a trainee. Four months later, she moved to another agency, WakeOne, and participated in the K-pop reality survival show I-Land 2 (2024), which concluded with the creation of the girl group Izna. As the show's only South-East Asian contestant, Lingling could speak multiple languages – Mandarin, Malay, English and Korean – but was eliminated in the seventh episode. She then signed with South Korean entertainment agency LeanBranding, and was announced as the first member of Kiiras in April. Reflecting on her ouster from I-Land 2 , she said: 'It is a blessing in disguise, because it led me to Kiiras. And I feel that this group suits me more, because we have a younger vibe. It is fate.' – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
K-pop girl group I-dle, Chinese singer Cai Xukun headline S'pore debut of Chinese music festival
Find out what's new on ST website and app. K-pop girl group I-dle (above) and Chinese pop idol Cai Xukun will be headlining the Bubbling & Boiling Music and Arts Festival. SINGAPORE - K-pop girl group I-dle and Chinese pop idol Cai Xukun will be headlining the upcoming Bubbling & Boiling Music and Arts Festival at Resorts World Ballroom. The festival from China is making its overseas debut in Singapore. According to the event's website and social media accounts, I-dle will be performing on Sept 13 and Cai on Sept 14. The full artiste line-up and ticket information has yet to be announced. I-dle, formerly known as (G)i-dle, consist of five members - Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi and Shuhua. They rebranded themselves with the name change in May, and released a special EP, We Are I-dle, that same month. They debuted in May 2018 and are famous for songs such as Latata (2018), Oh My God (2020) and Hwaa (2021). The group last performed here at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in October 2023 as part of their I Am Free-ty World Tour. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road South sinkhole removed; road remains closed for repairs Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Life Vet Talk: Pet owners and vets need to work together to prevent infectious zoonotic diseases Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Singapore For Singapore to do well, PAP govt has to continue to hold its own: SM Lee Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 Singapore Mum at 15: More teens in Singapore gave birth in 2024 Business Already owning 5 properties, woman wanted elderly dad's 4 homes Minnie, 27, was in town in June for the opening of American footwear brand Skechers' revamped flagship outlet at Bugis Junction and in January for the launch of Chinese milk tea chain Chagee's second flagship store at VivoCity. Cai, 26, rose to fame in 2018 after taking part in Chinese reality show Idol Producer, in which he finished first. He then became the leader of temporary boy band Nine Percent, formed by the top nine-placed contestants of Idol Producer, before they disbanded in 2019. He is known for songs such as Lover (2020), Hug Me (2022) and Deadman (2025), and was a regular cast member of Chinese variety show Keep Running between 2020 and 2023. He previously performed in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands in July 2023 as part of his Kun 2023 World Tour.
Korea Herald
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Baby Dont Cry kicks off lovely, cheeky journey
P Nation's first girl group debuts with 'F Girl,' produced by Soyeon of I-dle Another ambitious rookie group has stepped into the K-pop arena. Like its distinctive team name, Baby Dont Cry aims to present a unique genre and a fresh attitude. BDC — consisting of Korean members Yihyun and Beni, and Japanese members Kumi and Mia —held its debut showcase in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Monday. The very name of the group challenges conventional imagery. 'Baby' in the name signifies pure, strong energy, rather than a fragile, vulnerable being who needs protection, according to the group. 'At first, the name felt unfamiliar as it's a sentence. But I found the new interpretation of 'Baby' — representing innocence and strength — very refreshing, and now I am deeply attached to our name,' said Beni. The debut single 'F Girl' features an exciting guitar sound and powerful choreography. It carries a strong message of confronting people who judge others with scores and numbers. Leader Yihyun named the group's signature genre as the 'Baby Rock,' a genre combining lovely visuals with firm self-confidence and honesty. The group also dropped the prerelease track 'Bet You'll Regret It.' The track conveys a bold message, saying one would regret it if they did not fall for BDC right away. BDC is the first girl group launched by P Nation, a label headed by singer Psy. The debut single was produced under the direction of I-dle's Soyeon. As a veteran K-pop girl group artist and a skillful producer, Soyeon guided the four members throughout the album-making process. 'I've always loved watching I-dle's performance, so when I heard that Soyeon would be producing our debut song, I was thrilled,' said Beni. Mia recalled how Soyeon's detailed guidance helped members through the nerves of their first recording session. 'We were really tense, and our energy dropped. But Soyeon encouraged us and even gave us mental support. Her detailed advice helped us adapt to the process quickly.' Psy also offered valuable advice as a CEO. 'He told us that truly enjoying the stage is the most important part, saying if we're full of energy, the audience will feel it and gain strength,' said Mia. BDC aims to present an image that is both lovable and strong. 'We want to be sweet and lovable, but with an unexpected pop, like popping candy,' Kumi said. 'We're a really cute group,' said Beni with a smile. 'We hope to be a group that brings healing to people, showcasing a lovable and confident image at the same time.'
CNA
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
I-dle's Minnie shares why the K-pop group changed its name and hints at a world tour
For many K-pop groups, their seventh anniversary marks a significant milestone in their careers, as it typically signals the end of their contracts with their respective agencies. K-pop idols can then choose to either renew their contracts, find another agency, or retire from the entertainment industry altogether. Recently, however, a popular girl group made waves for rebranding its name following the renewal of its contract. The group formerly known as (G)I-dle has since ditched the 'G', becoming I-dle. We spoke to member Minnie, who was in Singapore on Wednesday (Jun 18) for the opening of apparel company Skechers' flagship store at Bugis Junction, to find out more about this development. 'Since we just renewed our contract for our seventh anniversary, we decided to rebrand our group,' shared the 27-year-old singer who hails from Bangkok, Thailand. 'Since this is the new chapter of our group, I think it's a good time to rebrand,' added Minnie, whose full name is Nicha Yontararak. Perhaps it is fitting, then, that Minnie was in town to celebrate the revamped Skechers Bugis Junction store, which now boasts a refreshed design and an expanded product range. As it turns out, Minnie herself has been a longtime fan of Skechers, after taking a liking to a pair of its shoes during her trainee days. 'I got to try a pair of Skechers shoes and it was very comfy. I just loved wearing them for practise,' she recalled. These days, the Good Thing singer prefers to wear shoes that are both comfortable and stylish as she 'has to move around all day'. 'I prefer something that can keep up with my feet, so I think Skechers is the best choice for me,' said Minnie. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SORN (@sssorn_chonnasorn) And move around she has. Minnie, who arrived in Singapore a couple of days before the Skechers event, managed to see the Merlion and visit Marina Bay Sands and Universal Studios Singapore during this trip. She even shared that she had chilli crab and mantou 'right away' after she landed, having asked her team to bring her to 'a chilli crab place', before flashing us a thumbs-up. I-dle's most recent album, We Are, dropped on May 19 and Minnie has hinted that the group's next world tour 'is coming sooner than you think'. 'We just can't wait to be back in Singapore and perform for you guys again, so please look forward to our next world tour,' promised Minnie.
AsiaOne
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Overzealous fans: Chen Zheyuan left stunned by woman's hug at event, I-dle's Yuqi mobbed at Macau airport, Entertainment News
At a beauty brand event in Xi'an, China, on June 16, Chinese actor Chen Zheyuan was all smiles until an uncomfortable interaction with a fan on the job. In a video circulating on Chinese social media, the 28-year-old was on the stage taking pictures with a group of female sales staff when one of them rushed to his side to give him a tight hug. The video then zooms in to show Zheyuan clamming up, looking visibly unnerved and leaning away in response. The woman did not let go until a male staff member pulled her away. Following the incident, an apology allegedly from the woman made its rounds on Weibo. "As your fan for many years, I have always loved and admired you. During this brand event, I was too excited and failed to control my behaviour. I also ignored your physical condition and did not realise the professionalism I should have as a staff member. I have caused great trouble to you and those who care about you, and I feel deeply guilty. "In this regard, the company has given me stern education and criticism. I will also reflect deeply, strictly regulate my own behaviour, and prevent such incidents from happening again. I am willing to bear all responsibility for this incident. Once again, I sincerely apologise to you and the fans who care about you." In January, Zheyuan revealed he had surgery for a bone fracture. The apology drew mixed reactions from netizens online, with a Weibo user critiquing: "You're apologising after telling lies? Liking someone doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. An actor's life is also his life." A Facebook user came to the defence of the woman: "It's okay, your apology is accepted. I'm sure you're not the only one, especially when you see your idol. Better behave next time." Zheyuan is well-known for his roles in the coming-of-age drama Our Secret (2021) and Hidden Love (2023). On June 13, he was appointed as the International Global Ambassador of the Chinese streaming service iQiyi. [[nid:710080]] I-dle's Yuqi mobbed at Macau airport Yuqi's departure from South Korea went smoothly, but upon landing at Macau International Airport on June 17, she was mobbed. On the way to her flight at Incheon International Airport, the China-born singer from K-pop girl group I-dle seemed at ease, walking leisurely while chatting with a fan. However, the 25-year-old arrived in Macau and was immediately mobbed by a large crowd of eager fans. One got close to her in an attempt to get a completed hand-heart, which appeared to have caught Yuqi off-guard as she cowered and backed away quickly. A staff member proceeded to block her away from oncoming fans as she tried to exit to a waiting vehicle. A young boy also tapped Yuqi's back in a bid to get her attention. Netizens in the comments expressed their distaste. "Is it really necessary to chase stars like this?" said one netizen. "These people are so scary, their cameras are so close to her," remarked another. Yuqi was in Macau to film the Chinese variety show Keep Running. [[nid:719009]] syarifahsn@ No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
