KUALA LUMPUR: The ongoing success of Japanese girl group AKB48 has led to the formation of its Malaysian sister group KLP48, which is currently looking for members.
The KLP48 - 1st Generation Audition - I shine from the Heart of Asia search is underway until March 31.
Participation is open to girls aged between 13 and 23 who possess talent in singing and dancing.
The recruited Malaysian members that eventually form KLP48 under 48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd will make their debut in August.
According to a recent Harian Metro report, the new local group will continue the legacy of the J-pop sensation AKB48.
48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd CEO, Jun Hiraguchi, said that the project aims to trigger a phenomenon by highlighting the best talent from this country.
"We are very proud to be able to expand the empire of AKB48 to Malaysia. What we want from KLP48 is real quality in the girls.
"It is to highlight their natural talent in the best possible way to become idols like the female groups that have been created before," he said.
The project was announced in January after 48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd signed a contract with Superball Inc., which is the operation company of the AKB48 Overseas Sister Groups.
Since its establishment in 2005, the AKB48 has become one of the highest-earning musical acts in Japan, as well as one of the best-selling girl groups worldwide.
The all-female theatre-based idol collective holds several Guinness World Records, including being recognised in 2010, as the largest pop group when it numbered 48 members.
The AKB48 brand has remained strong and now includes sister groups from Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan and China.
For details on the audition process, visit https://klp48.my.