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| Lingling’s Turn: Ex-I-LAND 2 Contestant to Debut in Lean Branding’s New Girl Group |
She may not have made it into izna, but Lingling’s story is just getting started.
After turning heads on the survival show I-LAND 2, Malaysian trainee Lingling (real name Alicia Wong) is finally gearing up to make her official K-pop debut – and she’s about to make history while she’s at it.
South Korean agency Lean Branding dropped the news: Lingling will debut as part of their first global girl group, set to launch in late May.
While the company’s kept tight-lipped about the group’s name and other members, they’ve promised more info soon – and fans are already buzzing.
Lingling, 22, became a fan favourite during her time on I-LAND 2 thanks to her sharp dance skills, stable vocals, and overall star quality.
Though she was ultimately eliminated, ranking 16th overall and just missing the debut lineup of WakeOne’s izna, she left a lasting impression.
Since the show wrapped, Lingling’s kept fairly low-key – until earlier this month when she launched her official Instagram and dropped new profile pics, setting off a mini frenzy.
And now it’s official: she’s debuting. Finally.
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| Missed izna, Made History: Lingling to Debut in May as First Malaysian Female K-pop Idol |
“The stage I’ve longed for. Now, I begin again,” she wrote in her first post, sharing the message in five languages – a nod to her international dreams and diverse fanbase.
Pretty poetic if you ask us.
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What makes this moment even more special?
Lingling’s about to become the first female Malaysian K-pop idol.
That’s right – a proper milestone.
The only other Malaysian to debut in K-pop so far is Isaac Voo, who entered the scene in 2017 with boy group IN2IT (now Skye).
And he might not be the only one for long – Pan Ee Xiang, another Malaysian trainee, is expected to debut later this year in boy group SEVENTOEIGHT after placing 6th in the Korean-Taiwanese show SCOOL.
As for Lingling, fans are thrilled to see her finally get her moment.
Sure, there’s been some chatter about Lean Branding being a newer agency with limited history in idol management, but most are choosing hope over doubt. They’ve waited long enough.
Her debut announcement also came just two days before her birthday on 20th April – talk about a perfect early gift.
From trainee to trailblazer, Lingling’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
And now, it’s her time.
We’ll be keeping our eyes locked on Lean Branding’s socials and Lingling’s debut teasers. This one’s shaping up to be big – not just for Malaysia, but for the K-pop world at large.