Malaysia's First Female K-pop Idol Leads 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).

- Benson Ang

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."