2017 was definitely an astonishing year for Malaysian K-pop fans. K-pop artists, as well as Korean actors and actresses had been visiting the country non-stop whilst making headlines on the nation’s newspapers.
Let’s reminisce the wonderful year with the sum up below, consisting of up to 31 events:
Jan 21, HWANG CHI YEUL MEET THE FANS IN MALAYSIA 2017
The year started with the visit of “Prince of Ballad”, Hwang Chi Yeul.
Feb 24, Coach Pavillion Flagship Store Opening with Jessica Jung
170224 Coach Pavilion Flagship Store Opening in Kuala Lumpur, MY
Buro 24/7 Exclusive: Jessica Jung on her style… https://t.co/fFptADrLHR pic.twitter.com/cuTFLhesYQ— 220cmjessica (@220cmjessica) November 6, 2017
Mar 10, BONIA Flagship Boutique Opening with Kim Tae Hee
Korean top actress, Kim Tae Hee, along with other Malaysian stars, were invited to officiate the opening of Bonia’s Flagship Boutique.
The actress attracted many fans despite being her first official appearance in Malaysia.
Mar 18, EXO PLANET – #3 The EXO’rDIUM in KUALA LUMPUR 2017
EXO proved their popularity in Malaysia by holding concerts in the country for two consecutive years. The group never show signs of exhaustion while performing in such a hot and rainy weather.
EXO-Ls and the members also got a chance to celebrate the team’s “Mat-hyung”, Xiumin’s birthday at the concert.
April 8, TvN Movie Launch – “Fabricated City” Gala Premiere
Malaysian fans are lucky to meet Ji Chang Wook one last time before his military enlistment through premiere of his movie, Fabricated City.
He was also here to assist with the launching of “tvN Movies”, in hope of spreading Korean movies in the country.
April 8, Influence Asia Award 2017
Malaysia was honoured to hold Influence Asia Award 2017. The event was attended by Jessica Jung as a headliner, along with many other famous Youtubers, such as Ssinnim.
April 22, BLOCK B BASTARZ for Sunsuria City FEST
April 22, Running Man Asia Tour
The Running Man’s members greeted their fans in Malaysia, with special guest appearance from Skull, Se7en, M. TySON and Victor Wong.
April 22 & 23, Sungha Jung Live in Malaysia
April 22 & 23, Red Velvet “Rookie” Mini Album Event in Kuala Lumpur
The group visited Malaysia for the first time to promote their mini album, Rookie.
They not only performed but also held a fan signing event to get in touch with Malaysian ReVeluv.
April 29, GEURISSON Ambassador Event with Lee Kwang Soo
May 21, #UNCAGEMUSIC Block Party with HYUKOH
May 23, I.SEOUL.U Concert
SM artists Red Velvet, NCT127 and Yesung from Super Junior, were back to the town to promote Seoul as a tourist destination.
Besides performing their hit songs, they also recommended some tourist hot spots for Malaysians.
Jun 27, KANG GARY PROMO TOUR IN PENANG
Jul 27, VIXX FAN MEETING TOUR IN SE-ASIA @ KUALA LUMPUR
Aug 5, K-WAVE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Malaysia’s K-pop fans had their best night in the first K-Wave Music Festival, featuring Highlight, Teen Top, B1A4, BTOB, APink and Victon.
The idols successfully heat up the night while performing in the country’s famous man made surf beach. Peniel from BTOB even commented that he felt like he was having a beach party! XD
Aug 9, THE BATTLESHIP ISLAND Movie Promo Event
Korean stars Song Joong Ki, So Ji Sub and Hwang Jung Min were in Kuala Lumpur to promote their latest film The Battleship Island.
The top actors’ appearance filled the mall with ten thousands fans and even caused congestions in the area.
Aug 11, YG REPUBLIQUE Grand Opening with Seungri
Aug 12, ZOUK Special Event with Seungri, Jung Joon Young & Choi Jong Hoon
Sep 9, DIAMOND EDGE 2017 SEVENTEEN 1ST WORLD TOUR IN MALAYSIA
Seventeen stopped by Malaysia for their first world tour!!! Thanks to that, Malaysian Carats was able to spend quality time with their bias.
The members showed off their synchronised dance and also greeted the fans in Malay.
Sep 16, K-POP SENSATION with Jessica Jung and Kang Gary
Sep 17, G-DRAGON 2017 WORLD TOUR “Act III: Motte” IN KUALA LUMPUR
G-dragon performed many of his hit songs during his stop in Kuala Lumpur. The rain did not stop his fans from screaming and chanting throughout the show.
His labelmate, Sandara Park, also appeared as a guest performer!
<ACT III, M.O.T.T.E > Kuala Lumpur 🇲🇾
Missing You with Sandara #MotteInKualaLumpur #MotteInKL pic.twitter.com/xtJggRTpU9
— BigBangMY Official (@vipMYofficial) September 18, 2017
Sep 21, Samsung Galaxy NOTE8 Launch with Song Ji Hyo
Oct 7, Rock the Moon Concert with Hwang Chi Yeul
Oct 15, TAEYANG 2017 WORLD TOUR WHITE NIGHT in KUALA LUMPUR
The Big Bang’s member visited Malaysia for his world tour just one month after the conclusion of his band mate, G-Dragon’s show. The singer treated his fans with his flawless voice and also some of his powerful choreography.
Taeyang welcome fans to his show. #WhiteNightInKL pic.twitter.com/9piSXzdp2n
— K-popped! (@k_popped) October 15, 2017
Oct 21, NAM JOO HYUK PRIVATE STAGE IN KUALA LUMPUR
Oct 28, SUPER STAR SABAH CONCERT with Hyuna and Jay Park
Oct 28, Korea Drama Night with Sung Hoon & the King
Oct 29, “She’s Mine” VAV 2017 Meet&Greet in Malaysia
Nov 15, “Manhunt” Movie Launching Event with Ha Ji Won
Nov 24, K-POP MUSIC WAVE
Another K-pop music festival featuring B.A.P, T-ARA, Kim Jong Kook, Rain and Haha. This time, it is not held in Kuala Lumpur, but another Malaysia’s well known city, Penang!!! Fans outside Kuala Lumpur finally got a chance to meet their favourite K-pop stars.
A drastic increase of K-pop events in Malaysia could be noticed due to the rising interests in Kpop and Korean culture. Aside from personal concerts, more and more organisers were also finding chances to organise K-pop related festivals for the fans in Malaysia.
Besides Kuala Lumpur, other states, such as Penang or Sabah, were also becoming destinations of our beloved Korean stars, giving people outside the city a chance to enjoy the K-pop sensation.
2017 had been a wonderful year, and let’s hope 2018 will be even better! Happy New Year!
Contributor: Syin Yi Chen