Recently, South Korean cable network Mnet dropped the list of contestants for their upcoming survival program, ’I-LAND2: N/a’ (아이랜드2). The first season of ‘I-LAND’ introduced K-pop sensations ENHYPEN, so naturally, a lot of excitement is building up for this season.
In this second season, 24 female trainees compete for a spot in WAKEONE Entertainment’s next girl group. While the list of contestants consists of Korean and Japanese trainees, one trainee stood out – Malaysian-born Lingling (링링). The show’s sole Southeast Asian group has been attracting lots of attention since her reveal – so if you’re also curious about Lingling, here are some fun facts about the young trainee:
Lingling Is Only 19
- Like her fellow trainees, Lingling is young. The Malaysian is only turning 19 this year, with her birthday being 20th April 2005. That also means she’ll be celebrating her birthday just two days after the show premieres. However, at 19, she is one of the older members out of the 24 girls.
A Polyglot Who Speaks Four Languages
- According to her official I-LAND2 profile, Lingling is a polyglot. The trainee reveals she speaks four languages and even called herself the “WAKEONE Interpreter”. While she never mentioned which four languages she knows, Lingling likely knows Korean, English, Chinese and Malay.
The Only Southeast Asian Contestant
- As K-pop is extremely popular in Southeast Asia, many K-pop fans from the region have tried their hands in the industry. While other K-pop survival shows have introduced several Southeast Asian contestants, Lingling is the only Southeast Asian contestant in I-LAND2. She’s also the only one who isn’t Korean or Japanese.
Rumoured Former YG Entertainment Trainee
- While Lingling is currently a WAKEONE trainee, rumour has it that she was previously a trainee at the elusive YG Entertainment. The rumour got the public more interested in her skills as YG Entertainment is known to have a strict audition process where only a few can pass.
She Aims To Be The First Malaysian Female K-pop Idol
- In her profile, Lingling wrote, “I’ll work hard to be the first female (K-pop) idol from Malaysia”, which shows her dedication to breaking into the Korean music scene. However, she won’t be the first Malaysian K-pop idol as that title has gone to Sabahan Isaac Voo, a member of SKYE (formerly IN2IT).
Many Malaysian netizens have shared supportive messages for the K-pop star hopeful, wishing her luck on the journey. Many also said they’ll vote for her, excited to see a Malaysian on the program. If you’re also excited to see Lingling on the show, ‘I-LAND2: N/a’ will premiere on Mnet on 18th April 2024.
Check out Lingling’s teaser video below:
