Many K-pop fans out there might have probably heard of Stray Kids (스트레이 키즈) by now. The 8-piece group was formed by JYP Entertainment through the 2017 reality show of the same name.
For those who don’t know, each member of Stray Kids hail from different backgrounds. Nevertheless, did you know that one of the members used to spend his childhood in Malaysia?
https://twitter.com/coltheart_stay/status/1323882541485494277?s=25
In case you’re wondering, the K-pop star in question is Han Ji Sung (한지성), also known by his stage name, Han, among STAYs (as fans are lovingly called)! Born in Incheon, South Korea, the 20-year-old used to live in Malaysia for several years, before moving back to his home country to pursue his dream as an idol.
Han and his family members moved to Malaysia when he was around 8 or 9 years old. The exact details are still blurry as there has been no official confirmation about his mum and dad staying here long term.
However, we do know that the family used to reside in several towns and districts in Selangor, namely Subang, Cheras and also Ampang. While in Ampang, he attended the Fairview International School for 6 years.
https://twitter.com/skzhanMY/status/1077172080209088513?
Han Jisung ! Still remember this school ? This is your old school, i’m just saw it ! You in Singapore right now? Please come back to Malaysia for a while, Roti Canai & Nasi Goreng miss you a lot haha 🇲🇾 @Stray_Kids @Stray_Kids #HanJisungBalikKampung pic.twitter.com/hc1xL1Ls81
— Myyra Ratna (@MyyraRatna) November 9, 2019
tw // food
BYE JISUNG LIKES ROTI CANAI, MALAYSIAN STAYS STAY WINNING JISUNG MALAYSIANpic.twitter.com/VkTI9scFZo
— angeline (@rwyhjs) August 1, 2020
Despite leaving the country for quite a number of years, Han often stated that he would like to return to Malaysia. Apart from that, he misses Malaysian food like bak kut teh and also the mangosteen fruit.
The “God’s Menu” rapper was also asked about his experience living in Malaysia during a fan-meeting event in the past. At that time, Han mentioned his favourite local dishes include roti canai and nasi goreng. He further recalled that he’d often visit the mamak stall near his house to enjoy the aforementioned orders.
“I also often went to the Twin Tower (KLCC) while in Malaysia. You know, there’s a shopping mall situated between the buildings, right? Apart from that, Mid Valley is also my favourite mall,” Han told a fan from Malaysia.
Initially, Han flew to Korea to sit for an exam. He thought that if he went back to Malaysia, he would never get the chance to become a singer. He made a promise to his parents that if he didn’t get accepted into any entertainment agencies within a year, he would return to Malaysia and pursue his studies.
Luck was on the talented star’s side when he successfully secured a place as a trainee at JYP Entertainment. After training for 3 years, Han achieved his dreams of becoming a singer and rapper. Their most recent release was the upbeat dance jam titled “Back Door”.
Enjoy the music video here:
Sources: K-Profiles, Malaysian K-pop Fans, Twitter.
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