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| KLP48 7th Single Senbatsu Members Revealed |
“Jeritan Permata Intan” is KLP48’s Malay adaptation of “Oogoe Diamond”, the well-known AKB48 song that became the Japanese group’s 10th single. KLP48 had already revealed the Malay title during its appearance at Japan Expo Malaysia 2026, but the actual senbatsu members were kept under wraps until the anniversary event.
That made the latest announcement more significant, as the title was known well before fans knew exactly who would carry the new version.
The choice of “Oogoe Diamond” also gives the release a direct connection to the wider 48 Group musical catalogue while allowing KLP48 to put its own linguistic identity on the song.
Rather than simply reproducing the original presentation, the Malay title and performance give the track a distinctly local angle, which fits the group’s position as a Malaysia-based branch of the wider idol franchise.
The senbatsu announcement comes during a particularly busy period for KLP48. The group has also introduced Chiaki Fujimoto as its new producer, with responsibility for shaping its creative direction, stage presentation and the wider development of its members.
Chiaki’s appointment adds another layer to what appears to be an important period for the group, with the seventh single arriving alongside broader plans for KLP48’s artistic direction.
And there is considerably more waiting in the wings. KLP48 is preparing its first original song since debut, with Chiaki Fujimoto writing the lyrics and Pappara Kawai handling the composition.
The project is expected to use multiple languages, with Bahasa Melayu serving as the main language, reflecting the different backgrounds and languages represented among the group’s members.
Chiaki is also set to oversee more than just the words on a page. Her creative responsibilities are expected to extend into the group’s visual presentation, including costumes, hairstyles, make-up and the broader artistic concept.
That means KLP48’s next phase could be defined not only by new music but by a more clearly developed visual identity, which is usually where idol groups either find their signature or discover that choosing costumes is somehow harder than choosing 12 senbatsu members.
The original song is scheduled to receive its first performance during KLP48’s second anniversary celebrations on 16 August 2026. Preparations for a digital release and music video are also under way, with the video and wider release currently expected towards the end of October.
That gives fans two separate developments to follow: the immediate arrival of “Jeritan Permata Intan” and the longer-term push towards KLP48’s original music.
Fan reactions to the senbatsu announcement are naturally varied. Ann Drea taking centre has become one of the key talking points, while the inclusion of familiar members alongside other names gives supporters plenty to discuss ahead of the single’s release.
For some fans, the announcement is exciting precisely because it establishes a concrete line-up after weeks of anticipation; others are likely to have their own preferred combinations and may be wondering who narrowly missed out.
The reaction also reflects the usual reality of senbatsu announcements: there is rarely a line-up capable of pleasing absolutely everyone. Some supporters will celebrate their favourites getting a place, while others will immediately begin debating positions, member distribution and whether their preferred member deserved a spot.
That discussion is part of the appeal of the format, even if it occasionally turns a perfectly ordinary promotional announcement into something resembling a parliamentary session.
For KLP48, however, the bigger story may be what comes after “Jeritan Permata Intan.” The seventh single introduces a 12-member senbatsu led by Ann Drea, while the arrival of Chiaki Fujimoto and the forthcoming original song suggest the group is building towards a broader creative shift rather than treating the release as an isolated project.
With the anniversary performance approaching and the original song planned for later in the year, KLP48 has plenty of material lined up to keep its audience watching.
So, are you happy with Ann Drea as the centre of “Jeritan Permata Intan”, and which KLP48 member are you most excited to see in the seventh single? The senbatsu is now official, so this is probably the perfect time to make your choice before the performances, visuals and fan debates take over.
