Who Are KIIRAS? Exclusive Member Profiles Before Their Big Debut

K-pop's newest sensation KIIRAS is about to take the music world by storm. This exciting 6-member global girl group under LeanBranding is set to make their official debut on May 29, 2025, with their first single "Kill Ma Bo$$".

For those curious about their unique name, KIIRAS actually combines the Korean word for energy—"KI"—with the English word "RASCAL," perfectly capturing their vibrant essence. The group consists of six talented members: Lingling, Harin, Kylie, Kurumi, Doyeon, and Roah, with ages spanning from the oldest member born in 2005 to the youngest (maknae) born in 2011. Though some sources indicate a mini album release date of June 9, 2025, most confirm their digital single debut in late May.

How KIIRAS Was Formed

The journey of KIIRAS began in early 2024 when LeanBranding announced their first girl group project. The company held nationwide auditions for talented trainees born between 2008 and 2017. This marked the beginning of what would become one of K-pop's most anticipated multinational girl groups, featuring members from Korea, Japan, and Malaysia.

Audition process and trainee selection

LeanBranding cast a wide net in their search for the perfect members to form KIIRAS. For Lingling, the road to KIIRAS started when she was just 16 years old, auditioning for YG Entertainment's global audition in Malaysia. After making the cut and training at YG, she moved to WakeOne four months later.

During her time at WakeOne, Lingling participated in the K-pop reality survival show I-Land 2 in 2024, where she showcased her multilingual abilities in Mandarin, Malay, English, and Korean. Despite her talents, she was eliminated in the seventh episode. Lingling later reflected on this experience positively, saying, "It is a blessing in disguise, because it led me to Kiiras. And I feel that this group suits me more, because we have a younger vibe. It is fate".

Meanwhile, Harin was selected through a nationwide audition conducted by LeanBranding. She was a top student in her middle school, demonstrating both academic excellence and performing talent. The other members also had diverse backgrounds—Doyeon worked as a child actress in TV dramas and advertisements before becoming a trainee, while the youngest member Roah was active as a gugak (traditional Korean music) artist and also appeared in various media productions.

Role of SAAY in production and training

On April 24, 2025, LeanBranding announced that R&B singer-songwriter SAAY would be in charge of producing KIIRAS's debut album and handling the vocal training of the members. This announcement generated significant buzz within the K-pop community.

SAAY's involvement brought considerable credibility to the project. She began her own music career in 2012 as a member of girl group EvoL. Following EvoL's disbandment in 2015, she signed with Universal Music and launched her solo career with the debut single "Circle" in 2017.

By the time of KIIRAS's formation, SAAY had established herself as a respected K-pop producer, having worked with major acts including aespa, EXO's Baekhyun, Twice, and The Boyz. Her role as executive producer for KIIRAS showcased her expanding influence in the music industry. Additionally, the head of SAAY's producing team SoulTree, Deez—known for producing hit songs for EXO, SHINee, NCT, Red Velvet and aespa—also participated in producing KIIRAS's debut album.

Timeline of member reveals

LeanBranding built anticipation for KIIRAS through a strategic member reveal schedule that spanned several weeks:

April 18, 2025: LeanBranding announced they would be debuting their first global group at the end of May, and revealed Lingling as the first member
April 24, 2025: The company announced SAAY's role in production and vocal training
April 29, 2025: Harin was revealed as the second member
April 30, 2025: Kurumi was introduced as the third member
May 1, 2025: Kylie was announced as the fourth member
May 2, 2025: Doyeon was revealed as the fifth member
May 3, 2025: Roah, the youngest at 13 years old, was announced as the sixth and final member

This systematic approach to introducing the members generated substantial buzz on social media, with each reveal further building excitement for the group's impending debut on May 29, 2025. The completion of the lineup marked a significant milestone for LeanBranding, as KIIRAS became their first K-pop unit to debut.

The Meaning Behind KIIRAS

Behind every K-pop group name lies a carefully crafted meaning, and KIIRAS is no exception. The group's distinctive name carries significant symbolism that reflects their artistic identity and vision in the competitive music industry.

Name origin and symbolism

The name KIIRAS represents more than just a catchy label—it's a fusion of two powerful concepts from different languages. Specifically, KIIRAS combines the Korean word "Ki," meaning energy or life force, with the English word "Rascal," which refers to a mischievous troublemaker. This linguistic blend creates a name that perfectly captures the group's dynamic essence.

Furthermore, this name carries the bold ambition for KIIRAS to become the lovable and charming mischief-makers representing the K-pop scene. The name essentially positions them as energetic rebels with playful personalities, setting expectations for their performance style and group character.

Interestingly, the phonetic similarity to the name "Kiira" (without the additional 's') carries separate meanings in other cultures—in Finnish, it translates to "light" or "ray of sunshine," embodying brightness and positivity. This coincidental connection adds another layer of warmth to their identity, though it isn't part of the official etymology.

The dual-language approach to their name highlights their multinational composition and global aspirations. With members from Korea, Japan, and Malaysia, KIIRAS embodies cross-cultural collaboration—a theme reinforced through their name's bilingual origins.

Fandom name and community identity

Every successful K-pop group needs a strong community, and KIIRAS has established theirs by naming their fanbase "KIIVELY." This fandom name was officially announced through the group's YouTube channel, generating excitement among early supporters.

KIIVELY follows the same creative pattern as the group name, serving as a portmanteau that combines "KIIRAS" with "Lovely". The significance behind this name is particularly meaningful—it symbolizes the love and support that fans consistently share with the group members.

The relationship between KIIRAS and KIIVELY represents a symbiotic connection. While the group brings energy and charming mischief, the fans respond with unwavering love and support. This balance creates a unique community identity centered around positivity and mutual appreciation.

The timing of the fandom name announcement—before the group's official debut—demonstrates LeanBranding's commitment to building a strong fan community from the very beginning. This early establishment of community identity gives supporters a sense of belonging even before KIIRAS releases their first music.

Through careful naming choices for both the group and fandom, KIIRAS has created a cohesive brand identity that communicates their artistic vision while fostering a welcoming space for fans. This foundation of meaning provides crucial context for understanding their upcoming performances and music style.

Member Profiles: A Closer Look

The six talented individuals of KIIRAS bring diverse backgrounds and unique strengths to the table, creating a harmonious blend of personalities and skills that sets them apart in the competitive K-pop landscape.

LingLing: Malaysian leader and ex-I-LAND2 contestant

As the first Malaysian female K-pop idol, 20-year-old LingLing (Wong Lingling) takes on the crucial role of leader for KIIRAS. Her journey included a brief stint as a YG Entertainment trainee at age 17 before participating in the reality survival show I-LAND2, where she showcased her multilingual abilities in Cantonese, Chinese, Malay, English, and Korean. Despite elimination in the seventh episode, this setback led her to LeanBranding and KIIRAS. Her fellow members praise her leadership style, with Roah describing her as "kind, charismatic, cute and pretty. An all-rounder".

Kurumi: Japanese main vocalist with artistic flair

Hailing from Omuta, Fukuoka, 19-year-old Kurumi (Katagiri Kurumi) serves as the group's main vocalist. Beyond her vocal talents, she's known for her doll-like appearance and dreamy eyes. Her artistic abilities extend to drawing, and she's affectionately considered the group's "therapist," with members often visiting her room for late-night heart-to-heart conversations.

Harin: Korean visual and academic top student

At 17, Harin (Kim Min-ju) stands out as both the group's visual/center and an academic achiever who ranked first in her entire middle school. Selected through LeanBranding's nationwide audition, she brings a mysterious aura and distinct facial features to the group. Her MBTI personality type is ISTJ, highlighting her methodical and organized approach.

Kylie: Calm rapper with a strong stage presence

Sixteen-year-old Kylie (Park Ji-ye) from Ulsan balances a calm off-stage demeanor with powerful performance energy. As main rapper, she brings both "pretty and handsome visuals" with a "dignified and chic mood". Doyeon notes this duality: "Kylie has a cold appearance, but she's really cute in person. On stage, however, she shows such a cool charm that I sometimes find myself falling for her".

Doyeon: Former actress and group's mood maker

At 15, Doyeon (Kim Do-yeon) leverages her background as a child actress in commercials and TV dramas. Nicknamed the group's "human vitamin," she's known for her bright energy and habit of praising fellow members. Her expressive reactions have earned her the title of "Reaction King" within the group.

Roah: Traditional music prodigy and youngest member

The maknae at just 13, Roah (Kim Ha-jeong) brings extraordinary talent as a gugak (traditional Korean music) prodigy. She's won numerous competitions, including a gold medal at the National Traditional Korean Arts Competition. Nicknamed the "IU of Korean traditional music" by South Korean media, she made history as the first idol to participate in the Gugak Hanmadang festival. Despite her young age, she serves as one of the group's main vocalists, showcasing a surprisingly powerful voice.

Group Dynamics and Roles

Within every successful K-pop group lies a carefully balanced ecosystem of personalities and roles that creates their unique chemistry. For KIIRAS, this internal balance forms the foundation of their group identity and performance style.

Leadership and support system

On May 6, 2025, Lingling was officially selected as the leader of KIIRAS. As the oldest member at 19, she naturally takes on what members affectionately call the "mum" role, providing care and guidance to her teammates. This maternal leadership is balanced by Kylie's "dad" role in the group dynamic.

The support system extends beyond traditional leadership roles. Doyeon serves as the group's "human vitamin C" and "praise manager," consistently uplifting members with compliments. Kurumi, meanwhile, has earned the title of group "therapist," often hosting late-night heart-to-heart conversations in her room.

How members complement each other

KIIRAS demonstrates remarkable synergy through their complementary traits. Harin's exceptional intelligence makes her the group's "walking encyclopedia," with Doyeon frequently turning to her for knowledge. In contrast, Kylie presents an intriguing duality—appearing reserved initially yet revealing unexpected warmth upon closer acquaintance. On stage, she transforms entirely, showcasing charisma that even impresses her fellow members.

Kurumi's calming presence attracts both Doyeon and the group's youngest member, Roah, who regularly seek her company. Consequently, these interactions strengthen their bonds beyond professional relationships into genuine friendships.

First impressions often evolved as the members grew closer. Lingling initially struck some as intimidating, yet revealed herself to be "charismatic and super cute" according to Doyeon. Similarly, Roah described her initial impression of Lingling as "a cute little bunny" before seeing her transform into "a charismatic leader bunny" through training.

MBTI types and personality balance

The members' personality types create a fascinating balance within KIIRAS:

LingLing (ISTJ): Practical and reliable, excelling at managing responsibilities
Kurumi and Roah (ISFP): Flexible, artistic souls with creative expression
Harin (ISTJ): Detail-oriented and structured like Lingling
Kylie (INTP): Smart and curious, bringing analytical thinking
Doyeon (ENFJ): A natural-born leader with strong empathy

This mixture ensures the group has both logical thinkers (ISTJ/INTP) and creative spirits (ISFP), plus Doyeon's people-oriented ENFJ personality to strengthen team cohesion. Moreover, their diverse personality types help them connect with a wide range of fans who might identify with different members' approaches to life.

Pre-Debut Buzz and Public Reactions

Long before their official debut, KIIRAS sparked significant excitement across social media platforms. As the group labeled a "5th generation super hot rookie," their strategic pre-debut activities laid a strong foundation for their entrance into the competitive K-pop industry.

Social media teasers and fan engagement

The group's official social media accounts became bustling hubs of activity as LeanBranding methodically revealed each member. Starting with Lingling on April 18, 2025, the company released profile images sequentially, culminating with Doyeon and Roah on May 2-3. This careful rollout created a steady stream of anticipation.

On May 21, 2025, KIIRAS released their first teaser for debut single "Kill Ma Bo$$," showcasing the members in cowboy hats and boots alongside horses. The 29-second clip hinted at their fusion of American country with hip-hop elements, presenting a vibrant, multicolored wardrobe that distinguished them from typical girl group concepts.

"We use social media and platforms to stay in touch with both our Korean and international fans," the group stated in an interview. "Through social chat apps, we can connect directly and share moments with fans around the world".

Media coverage and early fanbase growth

News outlets quickly took notice, with Korean media highlighting KIIRAS as the first K-pop girl group featuring a Malaysian member. This unique aspect generated substantial buzz, especially in Southeast Asian markets where Lingling's participation on I-LAND 2 had already established recognition.

Nonetheless, alongside the excitement came controversy. Some fans expressed concerns about Roah's young age (13), with certain social media users even calling for boycotts. Yet overall enthusiasm prevailed, especially for Lingling's historic position as Malaysia's first female K-pop idol.

Expectations from the K-pop community

As anticipation built, the K-pop community increasingly focused on KIIRAS's distinctive concept. Critics drew comparisons to established acts like 2NE1 and BLACKPINK, alongside international artists such as Doja Cat. Their "bold, slightly punk influenced girl crush vibe" mixed with "high fashion inspired styling" suggested a fresh approach to the market.

SAAY's involvement as producer added credibility, creating expectations for "high-quality songs that express differentiated concepts that have not been tried by existing girl groups". The group trended in multiple countries even before debut, with impressive view counts across platforms, signaling that KIIRAS might indeed fulfill their designation as the next breakout stars of 5th generation K-pop.

What to Expect from Their Debut

KIIRAS's debut is set to shake up the K-pop scene with a bold fusion of musical styles and a distinctive concept that stands apart from other rookie groups.

Debut single and concept

The six-member group will officially enter the music scene on May 29, 2025, with their first digital single "Kill Ma BO$$". This dynamic pop track uniquely blends R&B and hip-hop influences with American country instrumentation, introducing an entirely new genre fusion to K-pop. Their debut concept revolves around a kitschy "cowgirl" theme, complete with cowboy hats, boots, and even horses featured in their teasers. The title itself carries deeper meaning—'boss' references existing rules and standards in the world that the group aims to challenge. First impressions suggest they've created an eye-catching visual identity distinct from other acts in the industry.

Performance style and genre

What truly distinguishes KIIRAS is their unwavering commitment to showcasing their vocal talents. Unlike many rookie groups, they've opted to use handheld microphones in their music show performances, emphasizing their dedication to live singing. Their musical approach has already drawn comparisons to established acts like 2NE1 and BLACKPINK, along with international artists such as Doja Cat. The debut track exudes confidence and energy while allowing each member to shine. Given that their debut mini-album includes several tracks exploring diverse genres, fans can expect versatility ranging from edgy girl crush vibes to more emotional storytelling.

Future plans and upcoming releases

Beyond their initial debut, KIIRAS has significant plans for the remainder of 2025. Their first EP "Kill Ma BO$$" is scheduled for release on June 9, just days after their digital single drops. Subsequently, the group will release their first single album "Bang Bang!" on November 14. This follow-up track is described as a performance-oriented song based on pop soul that embodies the group's characteristic energy and fiery determination. Through these releases, KIIRAS aims to establish themselves as "next-generation idols who dominate the stage through live performance". Their confidence has already paid dividends—they recently won Rookie of the Year at the 2025 Korea Hallyu Entertainment Awards, prompting their pledge to "work even harder to promote K-pop".