Malaysia is celebrating a historic moment in K-Pop as Alicia Wong Lingling, known as Lingling, prepares to become the country’s first female idol. The 19-year-old from Klang, Selangor, will debut in late May 2025 with Leanbranding’s first global girl group, marking a significant milestone for Malaysian representation in the global music industry. Lingling’s journey from a trainee to a K-Pop star, highlighted by her standout performance on Mnet’s I-LAND 2: N/a in 2024, has sparked widespread excitement among fans and industry watchers.
Lingling first gained attention on I-LAND 2: N/a, a survival show that aired from April to June 2024, where 24 female trainees competed for a spot in a new girl group. Her skills in singing, dancing, and multilingual fluency in Malay, Chinese, English, and Korean earned her praise. She placed second in preliminary voting, showcasing her strong fan support, though she ranked 16th overall and did not debut with WakeOne’s group izna. Her elimination disappointed fans, with some on X accusing Mnet of unfair rigging:
Now, its not a global girl group.. its only Korean-Japanese girl group🙂 Bye Iland 2 I really hate You Mnet!!😑 Hopefully, we’ll get to see lingling and other eliminated contestants debut in more nice companies😊
Despite this setback, Lingling’s talent shone through. Her fancams were among the most viewed on Mnet’s YouTube channel, and her hashtags #PolyglotGenius and #WakeOneInterpreter reflected her ability to communicate across cultures. Her background as a former YG Entertainment trainee, known for its rigorous selection process, further boosted her credibility.
On April 18, 2025, Leanbranding, a South Korean entertainment agency, confirmed Lingling’s debut in their new global girl group. The announcement followed her launch of a personal Instagram account (@alicia__lingling), where she posted profile images, fueling speculation about her next steps. Leanbranding shared that the group, whose name and full lineup remain undisclosed, will debut in late May, with more details to follow on their social media channels. Posts on X captured the excitement:
I-LAND 2 contestant Lingling has been announced as the first member of Lean Branding’s new global girl group, set to debut in May. She is Chinese-Malaysian will be the first Malaysian K-pop idol
I-LAND 2 contestant Lingling has been announced as the first member of Lean Branding's new global girl group, set to debut in May
Lingling, born on April 20, 2005, is of Chinese-Malaysian descent, with approximately 25% of Malaysia’s population sharing this heritage. Her birth name, Wong Lingling, and nickname reflect her cultural roots, though early assumptions about her being Chinese led to lower initial interest from overseas fans. Once her Malaysian identity was revealed, Southeast Asian support surged, boosting views on Mnet’s social media platforms. Her motto, shared during I-LAND 2, expressed her ambition:
I’ll work hard to become the first female idol from Malaysia
This milestone builds on Malaysia’s limited but growing presence in K-Pop. Isaac Voo, a Sabah native, debuted in 2017 with IN2IT (formerly SKYE) as the first Malaysian K-Pop idol. Fans on X acknowledged his trailblazing role while celebrating Lingling’s achievement:
First Malaysian Kpop idol = Isaac. She’s the first female Malaysian Kpop idol. Congrats Lingling 👏🏼👏🏼
Lingling’s debut comes at a time when Southeast Asian talent is gaining traction in K-Pop. Thailand has produced stars like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and NCT’s Ten, while Vietnam’s Hanni of NewJeans has also risen to prominence. Malaysia, with its active K-Pop fanbase and high social media engagement, is now joining this wave. A 2023 study noted that Southeast Asian fans, including Malaysians, spend more time on K-Pop content online than the global average, reflecting the region’s enthusiasm.
The K-Pop industry, valued at over $10 billion globally, is known for its rigorous training and high standards. Lingling’s journey reflects this intensity. As a WakeOne trainee during I-LAND 2, she served as an interpreter, bridging language gaps among contestants. Her move to Leanbranding suggests a strategic shift, with the agency aiming to create a group that appeals to international audiences. Korea JoongAng Daily reported that Leanbranding is focused on diversity, positioning Lingling as a key member to connect with global fans.
However, K-Pop’s glamour comes with challenges. Recent discussions highlight the industry’s demanding schedules, mental health pressures, and strict oversight. NewJeans’ Danielle recently shared experiences of constant monitoring during her trainee years, a reality Lingling may face. Fans hope Leanbranding will prioritize her well-being, especially as she navigates fame as a pioneer for Malaysia.
Lingling’s debut aligns with other Malaysian talents making waves regionally. Elyn Leong, a 20-year-old from Malaysia, debuted in April 2024 with GEN1ES, a girl group formed through Chuang Asia: Thailand, securing fifth place with over 49 million votes. Another trainee, Pan Ee Xiang, is set to debut in 2025 with the boy group SEVENTOEIGHT after ranking sixth in the Korean-Taiwanese show SCOOL. These achievements signal Malaysia’s rising influence in Asian pop culture.
As the debut approaches, fans are eager for updates on the group’s concept, music, and additional members. Leanbranding’s focus on a “global” identity suggests a blend of cultures and styles, with Lingling’s multilingual skills likely playing a central role. Her birthday on April 20, 2025, just days after the announcement, added to the celebratory mood, with fans flooding her Instagram with support.
Malaysia’s K-Pop community sees Lingling as a symbol of national pride. Her journey from Klang to Seoul reflects determination and talent, breaking barriers for future Malaysian artists. With her debut, she carries the hopes of fans who have followed her since I-LAND 2, ready to cheer her on as she steps onto the global stage.
