The year of 2013 seemed to witness the growth more K-pop groups debuted in the Korean music scene. The rookie groups springing up like mushrooms after the rain; thus Boys Republic who debuted last June with a song 'Party Rock' also not excluded to bring more colours and variety in the industry. Despite their rookie title, Boys Republic has gained fame among the Malaysian fans especially with their recent comeback track 'You're Special' which clinched no.1 spot in KKBOX chart in Malaysia. Not only that, the group has been chosen to join U.O.X 2013 Party on 6^th December 2013 on their recent visit to Kuala Lumpur.

With the slogan I'm Ready for their first ever showcase in Malaysia, the group is more than ready to join the party with the Malaysian's Royal Family (the fanclub) on 8^th December 2013 at Bentley Music Auditorium, Damansara. Even though the showcase was only going to start at 6.30 pm, the fans started to flood the venue as early as 10 am whereby the 50 early birds will get the opportunity for a meet and greet with the group prior the start of the showcase.

The I'm Ready showcase started as the clock struck sharp at 6.30pm and the VCR showing of the profile of the group popped up on the gigantic screen on the stage. The loud screams and cheers were heard from the enthusiastic audience who are waiting for the arrival of these five charming boys. Looking handsome and pure in the white outfit, they kicked out the showcase with an energetic dance performance of Basketball and Beauty A Beat before continuing with Party Rock song. With those smooth and slick dance moves, the boys were in sync with the upbeat melodies of the song and they were also looking sassy while enjoying their first ever stage here in Malaysia.

After this opening performance, they introduced themselves and continued to talk about their wonderful and amazing experience touring Kuala Lumpur. Together with 5 lucky fans, they went to the heart of cultural centre of Kuala Lumpur ie. Central Market early in the morning where they were taught to draw and paint one of Malaysia famous arts which is Batik. They also visited a local restaurant and learned how to make roti canai and teh tarik (pull tea), a very famous combo of Malaysian breakfast. One special thing about Malaysia is the country's scrumptious and delicious delicacies and the boys were not excluded to try out some of the common but popular ones such as Mee Mamak (Mamak-styled Fried Noodles) and Nasi Goreng Kampung (Kampung-styled Fried Rice). To the audiences' surprised, one of the member, Minsu told the audience that he tried eating cili padi (bird's eye chilli) and he regretted it because it was too hot and listening to his confessions just brought the audience's laughed.

Unlike other K-pop idols showcases, Boys Republic brought out special fans' sessions to get to know the fans more close and intimate. On their first fans' session, the boys turned the auditorium into a dance class and they became the dance instructor, teaching the fans, the dance moves of their track You're Special. Ok...! Maybe being a dance tutor was not cool enough. How about a make-up artist? They invited 5 lucky fans for a 'Special make over by Boys Republic' session where each of the group members applied the make-up cosmetics and the audience will choose the best 'make-up artist'. Guess who emerged as the winner? It's maknae Suwoong! Another special moment was also created that evening when the fans gave a special performance for the boys. They created a simple dance steps to one of the track in Identity album, L.I.U and danced for the group whereby the boys personally recorded it with their camcorder.

After 'partying' with fans on stage, the boys continued to perform Special Girl and What Up before wrapping up the showcase with I'm ready and You're Special before giving their last pose to the camera with the audience at the background.

When the group was asked about their feeling being in the country for the first time and their thought of the Malaysian fans, they sincerely feel that the fans were very passionate and they were very thankful for their support. Because of the fans' warm welcome and undivided loved and support for them, the group promised to visit Malaysia again as much as the fans wanted them to be here. During this special showcase, there was also surprise birthday celebration from fans to two of the members, One Junn who recently had his birthday on the 22^nd Nov and Sung Jun who will be celebrating his birthday on the 17^th December. A special birthday cake was presented on stage and the fans joined in this birthday party while singing the birthday song in 3 different languages, Malay, Korean and English. It's 'make a wish' time... and guess what the members' wish are. They hope the Malaysian fans would support them till the end.

Boys Republic ''I'm Ready'' Showcase in Malaysia is organized by Universal Music Malaysia. Thanks for the media opportunity given to Kpopstarz team to cover Boys Republic showcase  in Malaysia!

Writer: Amalina A. | Photo & Note by Nik Tim