Living The Hallyu Dream
Teenage Magazine|Teenage Chapters 2019
The road to fame is never an easy one, especially in the cutthroat world of k-pop. We speak to four young singaporean hopefuls who took a shot at stardom and are here to tell the tale.
Living The Hallyu Dream

Akif Halqi, 23

Best known as: singer, dancer, contestant on kbs k-pop world festival

Fun fact: He performed a vocal cover of taeyang’s 2014 hit ‘eyes, nose, lips’ during the kbs k-pop world festival. the bigbang member must be proud!

Not only did he get to share the stage with global sensation BTS, Akif was also the first Singaporean to be featured at the KBS K-pop World Festival 2017 in Changwon, where he walked away with the Best Vocal Award. In addition to his vocal prowess, the talented charmer – who’s also part of local dance crew STARREseconds – possesses equally solid dance moves that has made him the all-rounded performer he is today.

On his childhood aspirations: “I started listening to K-pop when I was around eight years old and fell in love with TVXQ and Fly To The Sky. As I grew up in a musically inclined household where family time meant karaoke nights every weekend, I’ve always dreamt of becoming a performer since I was young.”

On his brief training stint in Korea: “I know it sounds cliché, but I actually enjoyed every second of the training period because I got to improve on my singing and dancing skills. One of the most memorable moments was when I received feedback from Koo Taeryong, a renowned YG Entertainment vocal coach who has taught many idols. He specifically highlighted my weak points – which may have seemed a little harsh, but it was definitely the push I needed which got me the award [during the competition].”

On the lessons learnt throughout his journey: “To believe in myself and make sure that I keep working hard no matter how much I’ve progressed. To not compare myself to others and always focus on my end goal. And lastly, to never forget my humble beginnings.”

This story is from the Teenage Chapters 2019 edition of Teenage Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Teenage Chapters 2019 edition of Teenage Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TEENAGE MAGAZINEView All
7 Homegrown Acts That Are Making The Music Scene Move To The Beat Of Their Drums
Teenage Magazine

7 Homegrown Acts That Are Making The Music Scene Move To The Beat Of Their Drums

These seven homegrown acts are making the music scene move to the beat of their drums.

time-read
3 mins  |
Teenage Chapters 2019
All Grown Up
Teenage Magazine

All Grown Up

It seems like just yesterday when we saw the likes of Miley Cyrus, brie larson and more on the small screen, but these teen stars have since blossomed into their own.

time-read
3 mins  |
Teenage Chapters 2019
Unmasking Jasmine Sokko, The Face Behind Edm's Newest Sensation
Teenage Magazine

Unmasking Jasmine Sokko, The Face Behind Edm's Newest Sensation

How did an enigmatic pop star who never shows her face, become the new face of electronic music in our little red dot? It’s obvious: she lets her music do the talking.

time-read
7 mins  |
Teenage Chapters 2019
Young Trailblazers Who Are Putting SG On The World Map
Teenage Magazine

Young Trailblazers Who Are Putting SG On The World Map

What does a filmmaker, a designer and a motion graphics artist have in common? Besides their artistic talents, these young trailblazers are putting singapore on the world map.

time-read
5 mins  |
Teenage Chapters 2019
Who Run The World? Girls!
Teenage Magazine

Who Run The World? Girls!

Move over, boys’ club. These new-gen queens are ready to claim their it girl crowns.

time-read
4 mins  |
Teenage Chapters 2019
Living The Hallyu Dream
Teenage Magazine

Living The Hallyu Dream

The road to fame is never an easy one, especially in the cutthroat world of k-pop. We speak to four young singaporean hopefuls who took a shot at stardom and are here to tell the tale.

time-read
7 mins  |
Teenage Chapters 2019
Something Old, Something New
Teenage Magazine

Something Old, Something New

Translating Classic Literature to the Silver Screen Is No Small Undertaking, but Here’s a List of Modern Adaptations That Their Original Authors Would Approve.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2016
Tech Throwback
Teenage Magazine

Tech Throwback

We rounded up a series of retro-chic gear to satisfy your vintage geek obsession.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2016
The Year Of Hartono
Teenage Magazine

The Year Of Hartono

Started from the Barney, now he’s at the top. Don’t let Nathan Hartono’s whirlwind success fool you – behind his well-deserved spot in the limelight lies more than a decade spent chasing his dream.

time-read
10+ mins  |
January 2017
Game On
Teenage Magazine

Game On

Rising from the Ashes after a three-year Hiatus, Irish rockers two door cinema club are back on track and stronger than ever with a brand new record, Gameshow.

time-read
1 min  |
January 2017