Malaysia-based KLP48 is the latest sister group of popular Japanese idol group AKB48
The new group is made up of 13 members, including seven Malaysians, four Japanese, one Indonesian and one from Hong Kong.
KLP48, a new international girl group based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, unveiled its first-generation members on Tuesday (Jul 30).
Made up of 13 members, KLP48 is a sister group to popular Japanese idol group AKB48. Of the 13, three members are transfers from AKB48 and another was transferred from Japan-based sister group STU48.
KLP48 is made up of seven Malaysian members, four Japanese, one Indonesian and one from Hong Kong.
The girls – Yurina, Devi, Haruka, Cocoa, Suzuha, Yi Shyan, Lucine, Amanda, Khalies, Ann Drea, Salwa, Hillary and Tiffany – were chosen through a three-month selection and training process organised by 48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd, which will manage the new group.
KLP48 is the tenth AKB48 international sister group. Others include JKT48 (Jakarta), BNK48 (Bangkok), MNL48 (Manila), AKB48 Team SH (Shanghai), AKB48 Team TP (Taipei) and CGM48 (Chiang Mai).
The newly-formed group will join AKB48, STU48, JKT48 and Quadlips at the AKB48 Group Live in KL 2024 First Cry concert on Aug 18.
Director of 48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd, Yip Chun Huei, said: "AKB48 and its sister groups have long enjoyed a widespread following in Malaysia, and we hope that fans will extend their fervent support to KLP48 as well.
"With exciting plans in the pipeline, the members have been working hard to showcase their very best, so stay tuned for what’s coming."
AKB48, named after a theatre location in Akihabara, Tokyo, was formed by Japanese record producer and lyricist Yasushi Akimoto in 2005. It has over 43 active members currently.