Amidst the influx of international acts visiting our country for various events, the recent arrival of South Korean singer-songwriter and actor Rain, also known as Jung Ji Hoon, has sparked immense excitement among his Malaysian fans.
Photo via Facebook (Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak - UKAS)
The 41-year-old multi-talented artist is in town for the highly-anticipated Asean International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA) held in the picturesque city of Kuching, Sarawak. However, Rain's visit went beyond the official event, as he made a special appearance at the historic Old Court House in Kuching town on 4 August.
Upon his arrival, Rain was greeted by an adoring crowd of fans eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved idol. The warmth and love he received from the Malaysian audience left a deep impression on him, and he expressed his genuine affection for Kuching, describing it as a heavenly city with delicious cuisine and captivating beauty.
The K-pop star delighted his fans further by sharing his culinary preferences, revealing that he particularly enjoys laksa, a popular Malaysian dish. His mention of trying "dim sum" also showcased his willingness to embrace the local flavors.
In a heartwarming effort to connect with his Malaysian supporters on a more personal level, Rain attempted to speak in Malay, the local language. Though he may have stumbled over the pronunciation, his genuine attempt to communicate endeared him even more to his fans. He greeted them with a warm "Apa khabar?" (How are you?) and tried to convey his affection with "Saya sayang kamu" (I love you).
Despite his Malay language skills being a work in progress, Rain's dedication to understanding and embracing the culture resonated deeply with his fans. Their excitement was palpable, and the sight of their favorite superstar attempting to bridge the language barrier left them overjoyed and grateful.
Suasana semasa sesi 'Meet & Greet' bersama tetamu istimewa Anugerah Filem Antarabangsa ASEAN (AIFFA) 2023, Jung Ji-hoon atau lebih dikenali sebagai Rain di perkarangan The Old Court House Kuching sebentar tadi. Kedatangan beliau disambut Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan Sarawak (Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan) Datuk Snowdan Lawan bersama Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan (Pelancongan) Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew. Penyanyi dan pelakon popular dari Korea Selatan tersebut menjadi artis antarabangsa pilihan yang mewarnai kegamatan festival berprestij yang telah memasuki edisi keenam itu. AIFFA 2023 telah bermula pada 2 Ogos lepas dan kemuncaknya, Makan Malam Gala, akan berlangsung pada malam ini di Hotel Pullman Kuching. Sebanyak 121 filem Asean dipertandingkan untuk 12 kategori pada majlis berkenaan. #saluraninformasirakyat #AIFFA2023 #SarawakMajuMakmur
Posted by Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak - UKAS on Friday, 4 August 2023
The memorable encounter at the Old Court House allowed Rain's fans to witness their idol up close and personal, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. The connection between Rain and his Malaysian supporters grew stronger as they appreciated his efforts to make them feel valued and cherished.
Rain's visit to Malaysia has left an indelible mark on both him and his fans, forging a bond that goes beyond language and borders!
