K-pop Has A New Star—And She’s From Klang?!

By Lara Kramer  •  23 Apr 2025 in News

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A post shared by 黄羚稜 LINGLING 링링 (@lingling_global)

It’s a major moment for Malaysian K-pop fans: 19-year-old Alicia Wong Lingling, known simply as Lingling, is about to make history as the first Malaysian to debut in a K-pop girl group.

Hailing from Klang, Selangor, Lingling first made waves on the hit survival show I-LAND 2: N/a in 2024, winning over fans with her fluency in multiple languages, confident performances, and lovable personality. Her popularity soared after placing second in the show’s early voting stages.

Now, she’s officially set to debut as part of Leanbranding’s upcoming global girl group, which is expected to launch in late May. The group’s name and debut date haven’t been revealed yet, but excitement is already growing following confirmation of Lingling’s inclusion.

A former trainee under YG Entertainment, Lingling is fluent in Chinese, Malay, English, and Korean — a linguistic edge that earned her nicknames like #PolyglotGenius and #WakeOneInterpreter online.

Her debut is more than just a personal win — it’s a significant moment for Malaysian visibility in the K-pop world.

Leanbranding has promised to release more details about the group’s debut soon via their official social media platforms.