Latest news with #LeanBranding
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Malaysian K-pop star Lingling of KIIRAS returns home for debut showcase
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian K-pop fans are brimming with excitement as Lingling, the 20-year-old leader of rising girl group KIIRAS, makes her triumphant return to her home country this week. Spotted at the airport proudly holding her Malaysian passport, Lingling's arrival has sent a wave of national pride across social media ahead of KIIRAS's highly anticipated debut performance in Kuala Lumpur. Formed in South Korea in May 2025 under LeanBranding, KIIRAS is a six-member multinational group that has quickly made a name for itself in the competitive 5th-generation K-Pop scene. Their bold debut single, "Kill Ma Bo$$," showcased their unique blend of Western cowgirl aesthetics with hip-hop and R&B, earning them strong digital engagement and widespread praise. Lingling, originally from Klang, Selangor, stands out as the first Malaysian female K-pop idol, captivating fans with her multilingual talent in Malay, Chinese, English, and Korean. The spotlight is firmly on Lingling as KIIRAS prepares for their inaugural Malaysian showcase, part of their first overseas schedule. The group will deliver a free live performance at the Dato Teo Hang Sam Auditorium at UOW Malaysia, as part of "The Music Journey 2" roadshow, tomorrow (Aug 1). The show kicks off at 3pm, and fans are encouraged to arrive early to witness this momentous occasion. Joining KIIRAS on stage will be a lineup of local and regional acts, including Priscilla Abby, Uriah, RYOTA, and Haoren, promising a vibrant celebration of music. Ahead of their Kuala Lumpur stop, KIIRAS travelled to Singapore for promotional activities. On July 28, as the group departed Incheon International Airport en route to Southeast Asia, Lingling, whose full name is Alicia Wong Ling Ling, unintentionally created a viral moment. While all six members looked stylish in their coordinated tropical outfits, a photo of Lingling casually holding her red Malaysian passport quickly circulated online. The image resonated deeply with Malaysian netizens, who expressed immense admiration and pride for the K-Pop idol's global success while still embracing her national identity. Many celebrated her "flexing" the Malaysian passport, often regarded as one of the world's strongest. After their Aug 1 show, KIIRAS is also scheduled to appear at a brand event in Sunway Pyramid at 2pm on Aug 2.
Hype Malaysia
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
(Video) K-pop Group KIIRAS Makes Long-Awaited Debut With Western-Whimsical Single 'KILL MA BO$$'
Throughout the week, Lean Branding's much-anticipated girl group, KIIRAS (키라스), debut has hijacked social media platforms with fans showing love and support for their first single drop. Their teaser video has amassed up to 1.3 million views in just 8 days, and now fans finally have a full music video out, marking their official debut! Yesterday (29th May 2025), KIIRAS dropped the music video to their first single, 'KILL MA BO$$', featuring a western, hip-hop and pop genre in the most catchy blend for their debut. The music video showcased each member's charm, highlighting vocals and short raps, and a refreshing choreography perfect for the summer season. Malaysian idol Ling Ling (링링) opens the video by exploring a cowboy hat with the KIIRAS logo embossed, which turns into a fierce opening with an overdriven banjo playing in the background. Behind the backdrop of a colourful western pop-style, KIIRAS delivered a powerful debut with its fresh Americana Country and Hip Hop concept, hopping on the reemerging cowboy trend. The music video highlighted each member's visual and skills in the music video, offering a refreshing twist of their youthful charm blending into the song's rebellious nature. Visually, the MV offered whimsical scenes straight out of a fever dream, including rapper Kylie (카일리) on a giant KIIRAS logo, as well as the members riding horses in the open fields. The visual appeal adds to their playful and free-spirited vibes and highlights the group's versatility and future creative direction. Aligned with their music video debut, KIIRAS has also been featured in their first live stage on Mnet's 'M Countdown'. What do you think about KIIRAS' debut single? Watch the full music video here: Source: YouTube Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
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
