13/10/2025

LYFE MONDAY | OCT 13, 2025

25

82Major comprises six members. Wearing sleek white outfits, they kick off their concert with powerful performances of Choke and Passport at the Idea Live Arena recently.

82Major returns to Malaysia for first concert in KL

R ISING K-pop boy group 82Major finally fulfilled its promise to Malaysian fans! After holding its fan meeting in Malaysia back in February, the group returned after eight months with its concert 82Major <82 Syndrome> In Kuala Lumpur, meeting fans once again in person! Organised by iMe Malaysia, 82Major <82 Syndrome> In Kuala Lumpur set the stage ablaze recently at Idea Live Arena. Members Seongil, Yechan, Seongmo, Seongbin, Seokjoon and Dogyun kicked off the night in sleek white outfits, opening with powerful performances of Choke and Passport. Their captivating charisma and synchronised choreography sent fans into a frenzy of cheers. Returning to Malaysia for the second time, the members expressed their joy at seeing the enthusiastic crowd again. “It feels a little different this time – your screams are even louder! Thank you!” they said excitedly. “ Selamat datang to our concert! Mari seronok bersama ! (Welcome to our concert! Let’s have fun together!),” they greeted in Malay, earning loud cheers. The youngest member Dogyun impressed fans with his fluent Malay, saying: “ Saya gembira berjumpa dengan anda! (I’m very happy to see everyone!)” As a special treat for Malaysian

o K-pop band surprises fans with performance of Mandarin song Meteor Shower , teases album comeback on Oct 30

“I hope I can visit Batu Caves again!” The members mentioned their visit to the Petronas Twin Towers, and asked fans to recommend Malaysian late-night snacks. Fans eagerly shouted out, “ Satay ! Roti canai ! Roti tissue! Nasi lemak !” making the hall erupt into laughter and excitement. 82Major also surprised fans by announcing that it will be making a comeback on Oct 30 with a new album. When fans begged for spoilers, the members playfully refused, saying: “No spoilers! Just 26 more days, please be patient!” Leader Seongil added confidently: “All we can say is we’re really proud of this album!”

fans, 82Major prepared an exclusive surprise, a heartfelt performance of the Mandarin song Meteor Shower. “We heard Malaysian fans love the K-drama Boys Over Flowers , so we practised this song just for you!” the members shared. The group thrilled the crowd with dynamic covers of Aespa’s Whiplash and (G)I-DLE’s Tomboy , drawing waves of screams throughout the arena. In addition to performing its hit songs such as Say More, Face Time and Birthday, the members also shared their impressions of Malaysia. Dogyun playfully revealed that Seongmo loved visiting Batu Caves because “he really likes monkeys!” Seongmo laughed and responded:

82Major setting the stage ablaze.

fans, signing autographs, chatting and sharing adorable gestures. Leader Seongil said: “This is our first time holding a fansign before a concert – it feels so special, thank you everyone!” Meanwhile, Dogyun melted hearts with his constant cuteness, throwing love signs in every direction and winning over the crowd.

Before wrapping up, the group expressed its gratitude to Malaysian fans: “Thank you for your love and energy! Jumpa lagi ! We’ll definitely come back soon – let’s not wait too long for our next meeting! Aku cinta padamu !” As an extra fan treat, a pre-concert fansign event was held, where all six members interacted closely with

A line-up of aspiring animators representing Malaysian talents.

Celebrating homegrown animators THE Malaysia Animation Film Festival (MAFF) will return for its third edition beginning Thursday, with screening to be held at selected Golden Screen Cinemas nationwide. Jointly organised by GSC Ű BY ASHIQIN AHMAD presents 15 short films that explore themes of self-discovery and emotional resilience through distinct visual styles and creative voices.

line-up. Among the titles screened are Abah by Aqilah Rafiqah, Confictionary Crime by Tan Xin Yi, D’Sebalik by Nureen Qistina, Following the Line by Ong Jia Yee, Generation by Yong Kim Pang and Raffael Sebastian Wandana, Hantu Runcit by Alicia Chu Ann Yee, Haun-t-uan by Muhammad Qayyum Mohamad Khairul Azman, Kumang and the Ungrateful Python by Siew Chung Lee, Last Call by Amirul Iqram Ramli, Last Toy Standing by Jane Yap Chian Chian, Matriphagy by Heidi Yau Ryu Ying and Athira Hanita Shaumi, Puteh

From left: Animated films Abah and Kumang and the Ungrateful Python are among the 15 titles screened at selected GSCs. by Haziq Hilman, Relive by Jeremy Lim Ting Han, The Horizon by Francis Bong and Winter by Ma Jian Wei. These 15 short films are not just stories, they are proof that Malaysian animation can stand out globally, with voices that are loud, proud and unforgettable.

Over 60 submissions were received this year, all reviewed by a panel of respected industry figures, including at Toon2Tango creative producer Alice Burden, Tau Film executive producer Mandeep Singh and Warner Bros Discovery senior director Carlene Tan. Only 15 works made the final cut, selected by MAFF founder Kim Ooi, ensuring a diverse and compelling

Since its inception in 2023, MAFF has been championing Malaysia’s creative voices in animation. The 2025 edition continues this mission, offering audiences a chance to engage with local perspectives through compelling storytelling on the big screen.

Selected GSC screening locations include Mid Valley, 1 Utama, Lalaport BBCC, Dataran Pahlawan Merdeka, Paradigm Mall JB, Gurney Plaza, CityOne Megamall Kuching and Suria Kota Kinabalu.

International Screens and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, the festival offers a platform dedicated to elevating Malaysian animation talent. From budding students to seasoned professionals, MAFF 2025