South Korean President Moon Jae-In and First Lady, Kim Jung-Sook graced K-Wave & Halal Show in Malaysia this Tuesday together with our local artist, Dato' Siti Nurhaliza and K-celebrities, Ha Ji Won, Lee Sung Kyung and NCT Dream's Jeno, Jaemin and Jisung.

K-Wave & Halal Show in Malaysia is a friendship event between South Korea and Malaysia. 23 Korea companies have participated and various halal-certified food, beauty and health products from South Korea were featured in this 2-day exhibition, took place on 12 and 13 March at 1 Utama Shopping Centre.

On the first day (12 March), 1 Utama was filled with hundreds of fans waiting for the celebrities' arrival and South Korean residents in Malaysia were also seen waiting at the mall to support President Moon. What surprised us during the day was the giant bibimbap (Korean mixed rice)! (ps: It was reported that all the ingredients are cooked based on the halal standards.)

After the ceremony and greetings, NCT Dream held their fan signing event where 100 lucky fans were selected to receive the signature. Ha Ji Won and Lee Sung Kyung, however, held their fan signing event on the next day (13 March).

Check out NCT Dream at K-Wave & Halal Show in Malaysia: 

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[ SOFT LAUNCH of DISTRICT K @ 1 UTAMA E ] The 'Hallyu' Korean-Wave is taking Malaysia by storm and @1Utama is set to open its very first and biggest Korean-themed Retail Zone in Malaysia called "District K @ 1 Utama E"! 🇰🇷🤩🙌🏼 ❤️ ▪️ With 4-levels of dedicated Korean retail, entertainment and F&B, District K will be located in 1 Utama E, the mall's newest wing. From Korean fashion and Korean F&B restaurants to K-pop superstars meet and greet viewing gallery together with a live theatre, you can find all things Korean under one roof here! #1Utama #DistrictK #NewKoreanThemedRetailZone #AkanDatang #KPopCulture #Sarang #NewestExtension #1UtamaE ▪️ Read more here: http://bit.ly/2HgzH6H ▪️ Thank you @myedgeprop for the exciting write up 🥰

A post shared by 1 Utama Shopping Centre (@1utama) on Mar 13, 2019 at 1:49am PDT

Debuted in 6 August 2018, D-CRUNCH (also named as Diamond CRUNCH) consists of 9 members - O.V, Hyunwook, Hyunho, Hyunoh, Hyunwoo, Minhyuk, Chanyoung, Jeongseung and Dylan. D-CRUSH made their debut with single album titled "0806" and have also released a mini album last year titled "M1112 (4colors)". D-CRUNCH previously have won AAA Focus Award at Asia Artist Award 2018. 

Palace: Title track of D-CRUNCH's debut single album "0806"

Before debuting as the members of D-CRUNCH, members Chanyoung, O.V, Jeong Seung and Dylan were grouped with two All-S Company's trainees - Karan and Hyeongshin and formed a pre-debut co-ed sub unit called Geupsik-Dan. The pre-debut group is formed to promote D-CRUNCH prior their debuts as a 9-member group.

Looking forward to meet these talented boys in Malaysia. For more information about D-CRUNCH Asia Tour in Malaysia, check out YiPin Studio Facebook Page. 

MTV Asia revealed its line-up of 33 hip hop artists from 11 countries around the globe for the Asian edition of “YO! MTV Raps”. One of the most influential hip hop shows revived for fans in Asia, MTV Asia has curated a line-up from rising superstars to established rap icons to celebrate the explosion of hip hop culture across Asia. This series will air in Asia mid-April onwards, and promises to be a diverse, widely distributed linear and digital series across MTV Asia’s platforms.

Setting the stage are the hosts — global DJ, producer and model Kim Lee and Singaporean rapper and songwriter, Yung Raja. They are joined by segment presenters, winner of the ‘2018 MTV EMA Award for Best Southeast Asia Act’ Joe Flizzow as the ‘Cypher Boss’, while uber-cool rapper Zamaera takes her spot as ‘The Game Master’.

The who’s-who in Asian hip hop are set to blaze a trail as the special guests in the series. Stay tuned for DaBoyWay, part of pioneering hip hop group Thaitanium from Thailand; South Korean household names such as rap duo Dynamic Duo; music producer GRAY who has worked with top Korean hip hop acts; and rapper Woo who gained recognition in the rap competition, ‘Show me the Money’. Rounding up the star appeal are Vietnam’s queen of hip hop Suboi; and American rapper and viral sensation Bhad Bhabie.

With the hip hop scene on fire in South Korea, find out what is K-hip hop from well-known veteran and breakout rappers such as Basick, Flowsik, Reddy, YunB, and Owen Ovadoz.

The artists from Thailand include rapper/producer FIIXD, who has collaborated with many prominent Thai artists; YOUNGOHM, recipient of the “Song of the Year” in the Rap Is Now (RIN) Awards 2017; and US-born singer-rapper-songwriter Radio3000, who is based in Thailand.

Malaysia’s crew is represented by Benzooloo, part of hip hop collective Lawalah Familia; up-and-coming rapper Lil J; and multi-talented rappers, producers and songwriters Kmy Kmo and Luca Sickta. In addition, SonaOne, whose single ‘No More’ took home the ‘Best Song’ accolade at the 21st Anugerah Industri Muzik awards cranks up the Malaysian presence. 

Singaporean hip hop artiste and prolific producer, Alif, formerly from award-winning hip hop duo SleeQ which disbanded in 2015, will also be part of the show. 

Hailing from Indonesia are A. Nayaka, whose work was nominated as one of the ‘Top 20 Albums in 2016’ by Rolling Stone Indonesia, and Laze, known for his genius freestyle. 

More artists who will showcase their individual styles: Japanese/Korean rapper CHANMINA with her combination of rap and pop melodies; Abra from the Philippines, winner of the ‘Best Rap Artist’ at the Urban Music Awards 2018; music producer/rapper Dough-Boy from Hong Kong; and Datmaniac from Vietnam, known for his freestyle skills. 

This “YO!” series is on the back of MTV Asia’s “YO! MTV Raps” special which aired in June 2018, featuring 11 Asian hip-hop artists from Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The top performing 5-artist Cypher* video garnered over 1.2 million video views in Southeast Asia. The special was also awarded the ‘Best Music or Dance Programme’ at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in December 2018. 

After its debut 30 years ago on August 6, 1988, “YO! MTV Raps” became the premiere destination for all things hip hop. The advent of the series was crucial to the rise of rap music, and created a global passion for the genre and greater hip hop culture, which has since become the most dominant force in mainstream music and pop culture worldwide. In addition to MTV Asia’s “YO! MTV Raps” edition, MTV International will premiere local versions of the legendary hip hop franchise for the UK, Germany and Africa this year.

[UPDATE]
Gray spotted in Malaysia shooting for the program. Check out his Insta story to find out more about his trip in Malaysia:

GOT7’s brand new unit, Jus2, is embarking on a 7 City tour! Members consisting of JB and YUGYEOM, the duo will hold a total of 10 shows as part of their unit overseas showcase tour titled FOCUS.

Singapore Ahgase are in for a treat as Jus2’s final stop on their "FOCUS" Premiere Showcase Tour will be on our little red dot, which is also the last chance to catch the dynamic duo in action. Ready for the synergy put up by GOT7’s main vocal and main dancer? This performance will showcase Jus2’s vocal and performance abilities. It will definitely be a treat for both Ahgase’s eyes and the ears!

Fans Benefits:

CAT 1 Ticket Holders

• Hi-Touch (600 fans will be selected randomly)
• Group Photo with Jus2 (300 fans will be selected randomly)
• Photocard (ALL)

CAT 2 Ticket Holders

• Hi-Touch (300 fans will be selected randomly)
• Photocard (ALL)

CAT 3 Ticket Holders

• Photocard (ALL)

Jus2 is GOT7’s second unit, with the first being JB and Jinyoung’s JJ Project. Their title song’s music video was released their first mini album on March 6 and have received numerous positive feedbacks online. Soon after, their showcase tour will span from April 4 to May 4 and include cities like Macau, Tokyo, Taipei, Osaka, Jakarta, Bangkok and Singapore.

K-Pop Singer, songwriter and producer Hyolyn, the face of the PUMA #CaliTravelog Campaign in Southeast Asia, will be making an appearance in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 27 April 2019 where fans from the region will be able to meet and party with the K-pop star. To be held at Sentul Depot, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, this will be Hyolyn’s first appearance as a solo artiste in Malaysia.

Join PUMA CALI MIRROR CONTEST

Snap a picture wearing PUMA Cali sneakers with any PUMA Cali Mirror at participating stores to join the contest

Snap a pic wearing PUMA Cali sneakers with any PUMA Cali mirror at participating stores and you might be on your way to attend the PUMA Cali Party. 

Contest mechanics as follows: 

Step 1: Try on a pair of PUMA Cali at participating stores

Step 2. Snap a photo of yourself at Cali Mirror

Step 3. Upload onto Instagram, follow and tag @PUMA. Cali and hashtag #CaliTravelog #PUMASEA

Contest ends on 19 April 2019

Prize: 1 Ticket to Puma Cali Party at KL on 27 April 2019
*200 winners will be selected across Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore

*Participants may win the opportunity to watch K-pop star Hyolyn ‘live’ in action and even interact with the star up close and personal.

The PUMA Cali Mirror can be found at the following stores in Malaysia: 

Find Puma Cali Mirror at the stores

More information, as well as a full list of the terms and conditions of the PUMA Cali Mirror Contest, can be found here.

Emulating the vibes of music festivals all around the world, the space will be transformed with warm lighting, boho-chic décor, making it a colourful space for party-goers to hang out and catch the exciting acts lined up. Props such as caravan and beach chairs are set up to resemble the setting of Hyolyn’s #CaliTravelog music video and will be available for a fun group photo and selfie opportunities.

The event will be hosted by Jenn Chia, Malaysia's popular female creative talent who enjoys 63.5k following on her YouTube channel with her own video content ranging from humour to empowerment. The multifaceted online personality also sings and writes music.

Hyolyn will perform her top hits at Puma Cali Party

Besides the Cali-themed décor, a free-to-play mini bungee will also be available, along with festival food such as burgers, popcorn, cotton candy and beer from food trucks and stalls.

The finale of the party will be the appearance of Hyolyn where she will perform a number of her top hits and her well-known killer dance moves, a rare treat for her fans here in Southeast Asia.

PUMA CALI DREAM TRIP CONTEST

Purchase PUMA Cali Sneakers & win a "Cali Dream Trip Ticket" to California

Another ongoing contest from the PUMA #CaliTravelog campaign is the PUMA Cali Dream Trip Contest, where fans of PUMA Cali will win the opportunity to take a trip to California. From holiday options such as the Caravan Outpost, Ace Hotel or the Joshua Tree Acre, all of which are specially handpicked to emulate the style and adventures of a unique holiday experience for the PUMA Cali girl. 

Worth USD$4000, fans may participate in the giveaway simply by getting the “Cali Dream Trip Ticket” with every purchase of the PUMA Cali sneakers.